If not for the occasional glint of sunlight, you wouldn’t even know the railing was there.
Looking into the fantastic greenery of the coniferous trees to the right of the cottage, the view is clear as day. Switching the vantage point towards the serene lake in this low-key area of Muskoka and a definite wow-factor exists.
Combining the amazing view with the fact that on this windy day the deck feels calm and warm shows why frameless glass railings with spigot mounts are the top choice.
“If you’re looking at the woods, you get a full view; if you’re looking at the lake, it’s a clear sight,” says Kevin Cardwell, owner of Muskokify. “You’re not staring at a post or frame that takes away from the experience.”
Muskokify glass railings are made with half-inch thick tempered glass. The same glass is used in hockey arenas, where it needs to be tough enough to withstand a puck.
The mounting systems have evolved over the years and feature more choices than ever before. Full post and half post systems were the start of eliminating the need for a full frame railing; marine-grade stainless steel spigots then opened even more view and increased air flow; and more recently, a stainless-steel U-channel mount can be fascia mounted and runs along the deck.
Kevin says they can also mix and match spigots with U-channel mounts for a different look and style.
“Obviously if we’re doing one that has a waterproof membrane or a ground-level deck, we’re going with the fascia mount so we’re not penetrating the deck with too many screw holes,” he says. “The fascia mount definitely protects the integrity of a deck because it requires less hardware to install while not sacrificing performance.”
For privacy with a glass railing, Kevin suggests getting select panes etched or sandblasted. Tinted glass is another option: it will soften the view a little, while providing privacy and adding a whole new accent to the décor at a contemporary cottage or boathouse.
“It’s about choice and getting what you want,” says Kevin. “With frameless glass railings, there are more options than ever before.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
