A frameless glass deck railing is the best option when the view is too good to block. However, this viewpoint comes with the highest deck railing cost of any material. Glass railing is a contemporary design that will last the test of time and provide uninterrupted views of the region beyond. It helps whether installed on steps, the edge of a raised balcony, or around the margins of your outdoor deck. Although many homeowners install glass railing around the deck, it is frequently used on the side with the best view. In contrast, complementary materials like an aluminum railing or iron deck railing are used to finish the project. The retail material costs for those considering DIY, the project expenses reported by homeowners after installing glass deck rails, and cost considerations for glass porch and deck railing are all included in this estimate.
Average Installation Cost Estimate
Both entire glass panels that span from pillar to post and glass balusters with gaps between them to improve airflow are possibilities for the glass. Glass railing installation by a professional typically costs $450 per linear foot. In contrast, most DIY projects use components that cost approximately $375 per linear foot. Glass railing projects that are professionally constructed include the cost of glass railing components, installation labour, and permit fees. Additional labour and disposal fees will raise costs if old railings are removed unless you want to save money with DIY removal and disposal.
Cost Factors For Glass Rail
What is the price of a glass deck railing? The price per linear foot ranges from $150 to $850, with an average of $500 per foot, slightly more than our prediction. Although it considers a smaller selection of materials, View Rail’s Cost Guide indicates an installed cost of $140 to $270 per linear foot. As you can see in the table below, some glass is $270 per foot when posts, caps, glass treatment, and brackets are not considered. Your exact cost will vary depending on the type, size, and installation details of the glass deck railing you choose.
Quality
Glass railing is made in good, better, and best quality, and the price reflects the differences. This is true of all railing types.
Glass Thickness
The thickness of glass starts at 1/4″, but for panels that are 4 feet long or shorter, 3/8″ is considered typical and appropriate. For more extended panels and locations where there may be wind-driven debris, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ thick choices are preferable.
Glass Panel Length
More extended panels are less expensive per linear foot than shorter panels; however, if your panels are 5 feet or longer, it makes more sense to choose a thickness of 1/2′′ or 3/4′′ rather than 3/8″.
Glass balusters or whole glass panels
Glass railings with only balusters and no total glass panels might cost up to 35% less. Repair Supplies Cost
Repairing an existing railing or building a new glass deck railing are your two options. The first and most popular option is to purchase deck posts, deck panels, and the hardware needed to
attach the panels to the posts and the deck posts. There are no top or bottom rails on these railings. The second, more expensive choice is to purchase full-frame glass deck and porch railing systems. Although these offer a more conventional “appearance,” they also increase costs. You can use glass balusters or entire glass panels with top and bottom rails. Typically,
glass balusters are 3″ to 4″ wide and spaced 3″. Balusters have the benefit of allowing wind to pass through the openings. However, since each baluster must be installed separately, the cost is slightly higher.
Cost Of Disposal Of Old Deck Railing
Depending on the material, deck builders in Calgary can charge up to $5 per linear foot to remove and dispose of the old railing. If you can remove the railing yourself, and it’s all you’re replacing, you can get rid of it in your weekly trash pickup for no extra charge, a little at a time. Consider renting a dumpster for disposal and taking on other cleanup tasks concurrently if you’re replacing the entire deck and want to save money.
Conclusion
When the glass is either pre-drilled or is part of a system that doesn’t require bolts through the glass or notches cut for brackets, installing posts and attaching glass panels can be pretty straightforward. Having to drill or cut the glass on-site elevates the project to the level of professional work because a poorly placed hole or notch might deface or damage a panel that costs $500 to $1,000 or more. Deck builders near you can help you with this estimate. Since there are considerable changes in installation, you should watch a guide for the specific brand of glass rail you’re installing. Before determining the project yourself or hiring a pro, consider your abilities and the complexity of the deck design.
