Glass Railings vs. Traditional Railings – Choosing the Best Option

Guard railings are crucial fixtures that set boundaries to the opensides of elevated platforms like balconies, decks, and similar spaces. These protective guards are also used as barriers for staircases and ramps, supporting users by minimizing the risk of falling.

Apart from safety, guardrails also enhance the interior and exterior look of buildings. With the right combination of railing systems, a plain deck, patio, or living area can come to life.

For many building owners, choosing between glass railings and traditional railings can be challenging. Finding the right balance for an aesthetically pleasing space comes down to the guardrail used and user preference.

This article highlights the options to choose between glass railings and traditional railings. You will learn about all the essential considerations before making an informed decision.

Railing Types Overview

For the basis of this comparison, railing types can be divided into 2 broad types, which are glass and traditional railings. Each of these classifications can be subdivided as highlighted below.

Glass Railings

Glass railings include panels with structural support, giving an aesthetically pleasing and sleek look. Glass guardrails can be framed, semi-frameless, and frameless glass railings.

• Framed glass railings consist of glass panels enclosed by wood, metal, or other composite materials, increasing the overall durability of the system.
• Semi-framed guardrails consist of glazing encased in the bottom or top frame, providing increased visibility and stability.
• On the other hand, a frameless glass railing consists of mostly glass panels with minimal allowable fixtures, ensuring stability and an unobstructed view.

You can use these railings anywhere for outdoor decks, offices, and swimming areas, offering users transparency views of varying degrees.

Traditional Railings

As the name implies, traditional railings types that have existed for ages, are made with a single or combination of materials like wood, metal, or cable.

• Wooden railing is an excellent guardrail that is versatile and timeless, making it ideal for traditional stairs and rural homes.
• Aluminum, steel, and other metallic guard railings are strong, durable, and fit into minimalist settings and industrial buildings.
• Cable railings offer a more contemporary use of metal, making it sleek and ideal for a minimalist approach.

Design and Aesthetic Considerations

The design and aesthetic of a guard railing are crucial when deciding between glass and traditional railings. However, each guardrail type gives you a unique look as presented below.

Glass Railings

• All glass railings favor a contemporary and minimalist look, allowing for transparency and an uninterrupted view, especially on outdoor decks and patios.
• Installing a glass railing indoors maximizes space and allows light indoors creating an airy and open feeling, making it a popular choice for offices and homes.

Traditional Railings

• Traditional railings made out of metal or wood offer significant design versatility.
• Metal railings can be used to achieve elegance or present an industrial look, particularly in businesses and companies.
• On the other hand, wooden guardrails offer a warm outlook, ideal for suburban homes and spaces looking for a subtle look.

Overall, different glass railing designs and looks can be successfully achieved using varying framing configurations. Meanwhile, a combination of wood, metal, and cable can achieve a traditional and timeless appearance.

Safety Considerations

To safeguard users, safety must always be considered when designing and installing guard railing systems.

Glass Railings

• Most building code regulations in North America and Europe require laminated or tempered glass panels that are resistant to shatter. Therefore, laminated glass prevents broken pieces from shattering by holding them in glass layers.
• On the other hand, tempered glasses break into blunt and tiny pieces that minimize the likelihood of injury.
• Although generally safe, glass guardrails can easily crack or chip when exposed to impact.

Traditional Railings

• Traditional railings like metal and wood guardrails are sturdy.
• Metal guardrails can rust if not treated unless aluminum or steel is used.
• Wood guard railings can quickly deteriorate if poorly maintained, especially when used outdoors in extreme weather.
• Cable railings required precision installation and consistent maintenance. The absence of these requirements can lead to loosened lines, posing significant danger to users.

Glass and traditional guardrails are relatively safe when properly installed and maintained. However, traditional railings usually require more maintenance to keep them functional and safe.

Longevity and Durability

The longevity and durability of guardrails must be evaluated when choosing a guardrail within and outside a building.

Glass Guardrails

• The most crucial advantage of a glass guardrail is its weather-resistant property. Glass panels do not fade, rot, or warp when exposed to elements.
• Glass railings designed, installed, and maintained last for years, making it an excellent choice.
• Yet, low-quality glass panels can easily discolor when exposed to the sun's UV rays. Also, glazing can easily scratch over time.

Traditional Guardrails

• Untreated wood is mostly vulnerable and can quickly degrade due to moisture and insect activity. Furthermore, lack of maintenance quickly leads to warp, rot, and splinter.
• Stainless steel and aluminum guard railings can last a long time. However, other metallic guardrails can rust over time.
• Cable railings can also last long when stainless steel is used and re-tensioning is conducted to keep the structure strong and functional.

With regular maintenance, glass, metal, and cable railings can last forever compared to wood.

Cost Comparison

The cost of installing railings can determine the guardrail you choose. Below is a description of the cost of glass and traditional railings.

Glass Guard Railings Cost

• Glass panels and structural components of guard railings are relatively more expensive than others. Yet, this railing requires the least maintenance and has a longer lifespan compared to others, which can compensate for the initial cost.
• Glass railings can give your building a sleek and contemporary look, which can likely increase future ROI if you choose to sell.

Traditional Guard Railings Cost

• Buying and installing wood as a guardrail is relatively cheap. However, staining, sealing, and painting rapidly increase costs.
• The cost of metal railings depends on the materials you choose. In general, aluminum is less expensive compared to wrought iron.
• Cable railings are affordable but require periodic tensioning.

When considering pricing, the short and long-term cost depends on your preference.

Maintenance Requirements

In general, all guard railings require some degree of maintenance. Below is a description of each guardrail type.

Glass Railings

• Properly installed glass railings require the least amount of maintenance except regular cleaning. In most cases, dirt, fingerprints, and smudges frequently accumulate on glass panels and framed structures, requiring regular cleaning.
• Therefore, an anti-smudge coating can be applied to some glass railings, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Traditional Railings

• Wood must be periodically painted and sealed to limit the effect of insect activity and moisture.
• Aluminum needs light cleaning to remove fingerprints and dust. However, wrought iron may require periodic repainting and rust treatment.
• Apart from occasional tensioning, cable railing will require debris removal that may build up.

Glass and aluminum railings require the least maintenance when compared with other guardrails.

Installation Process

In most cases, the best-looking guardrails are installed by professionals. Nonetheless, you can install any guard railing with the right tools and relevant experience.

Glass Guardrails

• The best way to deploy glass railings is to hire a professional to safely and precisely install each component.
• Glass panel resizing and fitting can be complex, requiring experienced hands.

Traditional Guardrails

• Wood and some metal railings are relatively easy to install.
• Like glass railings, cable railings may require expertise and specialized equipment to install.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

All guardrails affect the environment in some capacity. Yet, the degree of effect and sustainability varies across types.

Glass Railings

• Glass panels installed in guardrails can take decades before needing to be replaced. The longer duration of replacement makes this railing type relatively environmentally friendly.
• Furthermore, better and more energy-efficient manufacturing procedures exist that produce glass panels and their components.

Traditional Railings

• Wood production for guardrails is mostly sustainable. The only problem with this railing type is the need for chemical treatment preservation against insect activity and weather elements.
• The production of all metal railings affects the environment. However, most metals are recyclable, making it sustainable to use.

Conclusion

Choosing between glass railings and traditional railings depends on various factors.

In general, glass railings consist of 3 types, which are framed, semi-framed, and frameless railings. Traditional railings include wood, metal, and cable railings. Next, the design and aesthetic factors must be considered for each guardrail type.

Before moving forward, you should evaluate the safety considerations, longevity, and durability of the two guardrails. A cost comparison between the glass and traditional railings should narrow down your choice.

Maintenance requirements should tell you what to expect after installation. The installation process for glass and traditional railings tells you what you can DIY or when you require a professional.

Finally, it is beneficial for you to consider the sustainability and environmental impact of the glass and traditional railings before making the ultimate decision.