Railings for homes, cottages, and boathouses have gone through an incredible evolution over the years.
The earliest railings resembled a thin picket fence. They were functional – they would keep you from falling off the deck – but aesthetics was usually limited to elements that drew attention to the railing, such as different colours or even adding an emblem.
They were usually made of wood or steel. While they remain an affordable option, they don’t offer much protection from the wind or an unobstructed view, says Kevin Cardwell of Muskokify.
All that changed when the first glass railings came along, offering great views and wind protection. Those half-post and full post glass railings were good, but now they too are being replaced by their frameless cousins.
“People want the side mounted frameless glass railings because they’re almost invisible and feature the cleanest lines,” says Kevin, whose company has been installing a large variety of railings styles for over two decades. “When you have a gorgeous view from your cottage or boathouse, why would you want to obstruct it?”
While other materials require a lot of maintenance to keep them in good condition and will still require replacing in 10 to 20 years, Kevin explains that glass railings – including those with frames or half frames – will last 40 years or more with just a little bit of TLC.
“It’s going to keep looking like this without a lot of work needed,” he explains. “It really helps you feel like you’re on the lake, or in some cases, in the forest itself.”
Side mounted frameless glass railings use marine grade stainless steel spigots, which are hidden from view when on the deck. Kevin also recommends these side mounted systems when decks have waterproof membranes to protect the integrity of the membrane.
While the frameless glass railings are all about the views, sometimes a little privacy is required. In those situations, Kevin says to consider etching or sandblasting a few – or all – of the panes. Tinting is also an option that adds privacy.
In each case, a percentage of the view is sacrificed for privacy, which is important to understand before making an informed decision.
“We work with our clients to ensure they get the railings they want for their outdoor living areas,” says Kevin. “We also still expertly install other types of railings – from the full-framed glass to traditional picket railings – and can even combine styles in the right situations.”
The evolution of railings has seen a lot of changes over the years and given more choice than ever from homes, cottages and boathouses.
There may be no better time than the present to upgrade yours.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
