How to Construct a Glass Deck Railing
Glass deck railings are made of tempered glass, which has been treated so it can provide the maximum strength and safety for your project. Even if tempered glass does break, it won't shatter; it will crack and stay in one place. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Measure the distances between your deck balusters.
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2
Decide what style of glass deck railings you want to install. You can opt for one solid sheet of tempered glass, or you can install multiple narrow sheets. Select from straight or wavy sheets and clear or tinted sheets of glass for your deck rail.
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3
Order your tempered glass. Make sure it's got rounded edges for safety, and that the glass is thick enough to meet your local building codes.
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4
Remove the existing deck rails. Then, make sure the bottom and top rail of your deck system are routed widely enough for the new tempered glass panels to sit inside snugly. You may need to route the rails to the correct size.
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5
Slip the tempered glass panels in place on the bottom rail. Make sure the distance between the balusters and the glass panels are even. Then, install the top deck rail using screws to secure them to the deck balusters.
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6
Screw a section of quarter round into the bottom and top deck rail, on both the inside and outside of the glass to lock it securely in place.
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Tips & Warnings
Discuss your plans with your local city clerk to find out if you need to have a building permit. Also, find out if glass deck rails are acceptable and meet building codes in your area.
