Glass Railing Systems

We carry glass railing components like base shoe channel, standoffs, clamps, and handrail and cap rail. Base shoe gives you that clean, frameless look, while standoffs and clamps let you mount panels to the face of a deck or stair.

It's an aluminum channel mounted to the floor or the face of a slab that holds the bottom edge of the glass panels. The glass is set in place with shims or a dry-glaze system. It's the go-to for a nearly frameless railing.

Railings require safety glass, usually tempered or laminated. Laminated is often preferred, and sometimes required, because it holds together if it breaks. Check your local building code, since requirements vary a lot.

Common thicknesses are 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4", depending on the system, the panel size, and whether it's residential or commercial. The railing hardware will specify which glass it's rated for.

It depends on your local code and the system you choose. Many jurisdictions require a top rail or handrail on glass guards, especially in commercial settings. Talk to your local building official before you finalize the design.

Yes, glass railings are popular on decks and balconies. Pick hardware with a finish meant for outdoor use, and if you're near the coast, choose materials that stand up to salt air.

Standoffs are round fittings that hold the glass off the mounting surface, giving you a floating look. Clamps grip the glass edges and are usually easier to adjust. Standoffs look more modern, and clamps tend to be simpler on the budget and install.

Measure the total run, then note any corners, posts, stairs, and changes in height. Decide on the finished height you need, then work out panel widths and the gaps between panels. A sketch with all measurements makes quoting much easier.

Not really. Clean the glass with regular glass cleaner and wipe down the hardware now and then. Outdoor railings may need cleaning more often to keep water spots and dirt off.

Some handy homeowners do, but railings are safety-critical and the glass is heavy. Anchoring into solid structure, getting panels plumb, and meeting code all take experience, so for most projects we recommend a pro.

Base shoe can be top-mounted to the floor, fascia-mounted to the side of the slab or deck, or embedded in concrete. The right method depends on the structure and the look you want. Whatever you choose, it has to anchor into solid material.

Popular options include brushed and polished stainless steel, clear or dark anodized aluminum, and black. Brushed stainless is a favorite because it hides fingerprints and looks good in most settings.

Stair railings follow the angle of the stairs, so each panel needs to be cut at a rake. You'll need precise measurements of the rise, run, and angle. Getting help from a pro or measuring very carefully saves a lot of headaches.

A guardrail keeps people from falling off a raised edge. A handrail is something you grip for support, mainly on stairs. A glass railing is usually the guard, and a separate handrail may be required on top or beside it.

Yes, railing glass is made to order. Keep in mind tempered glass can't be cut or drilled once it's tempered, so all your sizes and hole locations need to be final before fabrication.

Water spots and mineral buildup are the usual culprits. Clean regularly, dry the glass after hosing it down, and consider a glass protectant coating on outdoor railings to help water bead off.

Yes. Cap rail slides over the top edge of the glass panels, giving you a finished look and something to rest a hand on. Match the cap rail's channel to your glass thickness.

That's the best part: it barely does. Clear glass keeps the view open, and choosing low-iron glass removes the green tint on the edges for an even cleaner look.

Find out what your local code requires for height, glass type, and top rails. Then think about your budget, the look you want, and whether you need a permit. With that in hand, we can help you choose the right system.

Yes. Send us your measurements, a sketch or photo of the area, your preferred system and finish, and your location. We'll help you put together the parts list and pricing.