If you have scenic views from your deck or balcony, the last thing you want is a railing getting in the way of it.

That’s one of the reasons glass railings have become such a popular choice for Vancouver and Lower Mainland homes. They provide the safety and protection of a traditional railing, while keeping sightlines open and giving outdoor spaces a beautiful and modern finish.

But choosing a glass railing involves more than deciding that you like the look. Here are a few things to consider to help you get started, including answers to frequently asked questions and information on glass types, building code requirements, and maintenance.

Why Choose Glass Railings for Your Outdoor Space?

For Vancouver homes overlooking the ocean, mountains, city or a beautiful backyard, glass railings allow you to enjoy unobstructed views from anywhere. Even without a dramatic view, glass can make your balcony or deck feel larger, and create a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

What Types of Glass Deck Railings Are Available?

Framed Glass Railings

Framed railings are built with glass panels secured in a structural support frame of metal or wood.

Semi-Frameless Glass Railings

Semi-frameless systems use top and bottom channels or vertical posts to hold the glass panels in place.

Frameless Glass Railings

Frameless systems do not use posts or visible framing, and rely on thick tempered glass and minimal visible hardware to create the most uninterrupted appearance possible.

What Kind of Glass Is Used for Deck Railings?

Glass used in a railing isn’t the same as standard household window glass.

BC Building Code requires glass guards to use appropriate safety glazing, such as tempered or laminated safety glass, that can withstand an impact and has some method of structural redundancy. At Island Glass & Mirror, we typically use 12 mm tempered glass, but tempered and laminated glass can be used as well if some extra safety needs are required for residential or commercial applications.

Are Glass Deck Railings Safe?

Yes. When properly designed, fabricated and installed, glass railings are designed to function as a protective guard just like other railing systems.

In fact, the large solid panels can provide an additional safety advantage, ensuring there are no vertical panels or gaps for children or pets to climb or slip through.

Do Glass Railings Need to Meet BC Building Code?

Yes.

Glass railings must comply with BC building code requirements, including but not limited to guard height, structural load, safety glazing, and top caps.

Requirements can vary depending on the design and circumstances of the project, so homeowners shouldn’t assume that a railing they’ve seen elsewhere will necessarily be appropriate for their own deck. And just because you see it elsewhere, doesn’t mean it’s to code. 

With safety as our top priority, Island Glass & Mirror works with homeowners, contractors, and engineers to design and install railing systems with safety and building requirements at the forefront of every project.

Do Glass Railings Require a Top Cap or Handrail?

This is an important detail that can easily be overlooked when homeowners are looking at inspiration photos online.

Long story short, a structural top cap is required by BC building code on all railing glass installations with tempered glass. This can be waived if there is a handrail system already in place that can also meet the same guard rail impact requirements. 

There are some laminated glass products that will pass National building code ratings for impact and redundant protections, but in Vancouver, the city will still require a cap rail of some type. 

Are Glass Deck Railings Hard to Keep Clean?

Rain spots, dirt, and fingerprints can all become visible over time. How frequently you’ll want to clean the glass depends largely on your location and deck usage. 

While glass does require cleaning from time to time, it does not require the staining or painting associated with many traditional railing materials.

For regular maintenance, cleaning the panels with a glass-safe cleaner and a soft cloth is usually all that’s required to keep them looking their best.

How Much Do Glass Deck Railings Cost in Vancouver?

The cost of a glass railing can vary considerably from one project to another.

Some of the biggest factors include:

• Total length of the railing
• Framed, semi-frameless or frameless design
• Type and thickness of glass
• Hardware and finishes
• Number of corners and transitions
• Stairs or changes in elevation
• Deck construction and mounting conditions
• Engineering or permitting requirements
• Complexity of installation

For that reason, we don’t have a stock “price per sq-foot”, and we always recommend contacting our team at Island Glass & Mirror to get a free and accurate quote for your project.

Contact us today to learn more about our glass railing services or request a quote for your project.