Railings provide safety and stability as people walk up and down stairs and on walkways and balconies. A railing’s function is the top priority, however its form doesn’t have to suffer. Glass railings and cable railings are two options that blend form and function to create a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing space while also meeting building codes and creating a safe space.
Glass railings are designed with a metal or wood handrail and infilled with glass that meets safety requirements without obstructing surrounding views. It is a modern take on railings and handrails that pairs well with contemporary and modern designs.
Because glass and cable deck railings have no openings, they are one of the safest options for decks, patios, stairs, and walkways, and they don’t obstruct views. One of the downsides, however, is that glass handrails are prone to fingerprints and may need to be cleaned often to maintain their appearance.
Glass railings and cable railings cost between $200 and $400 per linear foot, including materials and maintenance. According to some estimates, glass railings can cost as low as $165 and as high as $700 per linear foot
Cable railings are also designed with both form and function in mind. They are designed with either a metal or wood railing and use horizontal or vertical cables as infill. This stylish design works beautifully with modern and contemporary designs. The cable system allows for minimal visual obstruction and doesn’t pose a risk to flying birds. It is also a low-maintenance option that is corrosion-resistant and won’t show fingerprints.
Cable railings and glass cost is between $150 and $250 per linear foot.
Glass railings are an ideal option for indoor balconies that overlook an interior atrium. The glass infill and minimal hardware of the SHOE™ Glass Railing System provides unobstructed views to other balcony areas as well as the open space below.
The large windows and open feel of this space could feel closed in with a traditional stair railing with balusters. However, the SOLO™ Glass Railing System features a tempered glass infill and stainless steel railings help to maintain an open feel that allows sunlight to flood the space.
Glass and wood creates a contemporary and open space that maintains a natural feel. The BLADE® Glass Railing System makes it look as if the infill panels are suspended in air, which contributes to the light and airy feel of this space.
Available with a wide range of customization options, the SOLO™ Glass Railing System, along with other glass VIVA Railing systems, offers colored glass and a variety of powder coating colors for the handrail. With this level of flexibility, you can design the perfect glass railing for your space without obstructing the surrounding views. Patterned and frosted glass options are also available.
The FIN™ Glass Railing System allows you to soften industrial elements with the warmth and beauty of wood. Handrails and posts are available in Red Oak, Cherry, or Maple.
Terraced stairs provide a beautiful place for people to meet and connect whether during a formal meeting or an informal coffee chat. Surrounding this space with the CIRCA™ Glass Railing System allows the space to feel defined, yet open.
Floating stairs are used to maximize usable space below and maintain an open feel throughout the space. The CUBE™ Glass Railing System contributes to this aesthetic with sleek stainless steel railings and tempered glass infills.
Each staircase is unique, so the glass railing system must be flexible in order to meet its needs. The CUBE™ Glass Railing System features 2” x 2” square posts with monolithic pyramid top caps to create continuous clean lines that turn corners with ease and look beautiful while doing it.
The sleek and modern design of the SHOE™ Glass Railing System allows for a continuous glass railing that appears unbroken as it follows the balcony or stairway.
The juxtaposition between the sleek and shiny metal and warm smooth wood of the TEE™ Cable Railing System creates a unique cable railing design that highlights both the modern design and the natural world.
Cable railings are low maintenance and provide safety without obstructing the line of sight. This makes the TEE™ Cable Railing System perfect for stairs and balconies.
The minimalist design and structural “T” section of the TEE™ Cable Railing System offers post stability against the tension from the cable strands while concealing the cable mountain hardware. This system can follow curves and turn corners, allowing you to create the ideal design.
Choosing the CUBE Cable Metal Railing System for outdoor applications creates a beautiful contrast to the natural world while also providing safety and security on walking paths.
Finishing the handrails and posts of the CUBE™ Cable Railing System in a dark color lends a dramatic look to this staircase.
White CUBE™ Cable Railing System railings and posts compliment the white walls while the stainless steel handrail and cables enhance the gray in the stairs and trim in this clean and bright design.
The simple and clean look of the CIRCA™ Cable Railing System features tubular posts and stainless steel cable infill to create a look that will stand the test of time.
This CIRCA™ Cable Railing System installation forgoes the double handrails in favor of one railing along the top. Paired with the stainless steel cable infill, this is a beautifully minimal way to create a safe and stunning space.
The horizontal lines of the CIRCA™ Stainless Steel Cable Railing System creates length that gives staircases a dramatic effect.
VIVA Railings has a stunning array of railing and customization options. Choosing between cable railings or glass railings comes down to the design goals of the space, and VIVA will help you create the ideal railing system for your space. With lots of customization options, railings can be specifically designed with the needs of your space in mind.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to see how our in-house team of engineers and fabricators can guide you from concept to installation!
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