Balconies are a great place to offer amenities that get people outside. Whether for a relaxing day by the pool, a lively group gathering, or an unforgettable dining experience, getting out on a balcony switches up daily routines and everyday views.
When designing a balcony, every element needs to make sense and work together to create a space that’s safe and secure while providing the desired amenities. Other factors to account for are building code requirements, aesthetics, and the needs of each particular project.
To make sure everything in the design comes together, each element needs to hold its own, enhance the design, and offer compliance with relevant building codes — VIVA Railings do just that. From modern glass railing systems to railings that make a bold statement, VIVA Railings offers prefabricated railings systems with the ability to customize to your design’s specifications, so you can create with confidence.
Let’s take a look at a few different types of railings systems, their pros and cons, and how they can meet your project needs.
Glass Railings
A glass railing is a modern balcony railing option that allows for nearly unobstructed views of the surrounding areas while meeting building code standards. The infill is made from either tempered or laminated glass and can be tinted, frosted, or patterned to meet your design needs. These sturdy systems come with a range of post options and are ideal for both interior and exterior applications where maintaining the view is important to the success of the design.
Metal Railing Systems
Metal railing systems can be broken down into several different categories:
- Cable railings
- Picket panels
- Perforated panels
- Wire mesh railings
- CableNet railings
- Multiline railings
Within these broad categories, we offer different post style, handrail options, powder coating choices, and mounting options, ensuring that no matter which railing system you choose, it will meet the project goals, providing structure and safety as well as enhancing the design. These systems offer corrosion resistance and durability for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Cable Railing Systems
Cable railing systems offer a sleek, modern look while maintaining open views—perfect for balconies where scenery is the star. The horizontal stainless-steel cables provide safety without obstructing sightlines, making small spaces feel larger and more connected to the outdoors. In this setup, black powder-coated posts not only ensure long-lasting durability but also add a sophisticated contrast, highlighting the clean lines of the design and enhancing the overall architectural appeal.
Picket Panels
Picket panels bring timeless style and reliable safety to any balcony. Their evenly spaced vertical bars create a clean, structured appearance that complements both traditional and modern designs. In this setup, the streamlined picket pattern adds visual rhythm while maintaining open sightlines and providing peace of mind. Durable and low-maintenance, picket panels are a practical yet stylish choice for elevated outdoor spaces.
Perforated Metal Panels
Perforated metal panels offer a modern, edgy aesthetic with the added benefit of customization. Available in a range of prefabricated patterns, these panels can also be tailored with unique cutouts to match your project’s specific style or branding. Their semi-transparent design provides privacy without completely blocking light or airflow, making them an ideal choice for balconies that need both function and flair.
Wire Mesh Railings
Wire mesh railings combine strength, safety, and industrial style, making them a reliable choice for both balconies and stairways. The woven or welded mesh panels provide excellent visibility while maintaining a secure barrier, ideal for high-traffic or elevated areas. Their versatile design works well in modern, urban, or rustic settings, and they can be customized with various finishes to complement your project's aesthetic.
CableNet Railings
CableNet railings offer a unique blend of architectural elegance and robust performance. With their grid-like pattern of tensioned cables, they create a visually striking barrier that remains open and airy. In this waterfront multifamily project, the CableNet system's exceptional corrosion resistance made it an ideal choice, standing up to harsh marine conditions while delivering long-term durability and safety. Its modern design also adds a refined, upscale touch to the building’s exterior.
Multiline Railings
Multiline railings feature multiple horizontal rods or cables that create a clean, contemporary appearance perfect for modern architecture. The linear design emphasizes simplicity and openness, allowing for unobstructed views and a sense of spaciousness. When paired with natural elements like wood accents or greenery, multiline railings gain added depth and texture, blending minimalist style with organic warmth for a balanced and visually engaging finish.
Custom Systems
While we offer a wide range of prefabricated options for metal and glass balcony railing options, we can also customize our systems to your design specifications. For some designs, that may mean custom height panels. Others may require tinted glass or powder coated posts or panels. Still others may need custom graphics. With our team of designers, engineers, and fabricators, we strive to meet all of your balcony railing design needs.
Our glass systems can feature colorsed, tinted, or patterned glass to create a one-of-a-kind design that captures the character of the space. Customized glass adds a distinctive and unexpected design element to schools, clinics, hotels, residences, and other types of buildings or businesses—enhancing both style and function.
In this design, customized picket panels feature a star design set into the center and are a great example of how VIVA Railings can customize our systems to your design specifications. Integrated design touches help ground the aesthetic and can create cohesion throughout the space.
How to Choose the Best Balcony Railing Options for Your Project
To choose the best balcony railing option for your project, first evaluate the project’s priorities and decide between a metal or glass system. Low maintenance metal panel systems are great for high traffic areas or where you want the balcony railing to include a structural element. Transparent glass systems are perfect for balconies with a view or contemporary designs.
If you choose a glass railing system, then you’ll need to choose from our range of glass systems that feature different posts and mounting styles. For instance, our CUBETM Metal Railing System features square posts with monolithic pyramid top caps. The BLADETM Air Glass Railing System has an ultra-contemporary aesthetic that further opens the space with two vertical posts with space between them topped with a cube cap. For a polished finish, our VIEWTM Glass Railing System is a Button Structural Glass Balustrade system that forgoes posts in favor of fascia mounted glass panels.
Other options to choose from include powder coated panels and posts, mounting location — top, fascia, or core mount, type of glass — laminated or tempered. To increase visibility, our iRailTM Illuminated Railing System can be integrated into any of our glass or metal railing systems.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today, and we’ll help you choose the best balcony railing options for your project.
