Tempered Glass Railing: Cost, Installation & Benefits

Tempered glass railing systems are modern, durable, and designed to elevate the look of any space. While they can cost more than other railing materials, they offer clear views, long-lasting strength, and a clean, contemporary appearance.

Here’s a closer look at what goes into the cost, how installation works, and why tempered glass railings are such a popular choice.

Cost Factors

Glass railings typically cost between $200 and $400 per linear foot, but the actual cost of a tempered glass railing system will vary depending on different factors. Beyond the amount of material needed to complete the project, the following factors will also impact the final cost:

• Railing system
• Project size
• Post style
• Handrail material
• Installation location
• Mounting method
• Installation difficulties
• Labor

Installation and Maintenance Considerations 

Installing a tempered glass railing system requires accurate measurements and following all building code requirements. The process can differ depending on the project, but in general, it includes these steps:

1. Design the railing system to meet building codes and project needs.
2. Order the materials.
3. Mark the position of the posts.
4. Install the posts.
5. Install the glass panels.
6. Add the handrails.
7. Make final adjustments as needed.

Once installed, glass railings are easy to maintain. They just need regular cleaning to remove dirt, fingerprints, or smudges. Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive glass cleaner for the best results, and be sure to wipe down both the glass and posts regularly to keep them looking clear and polished.

Benefits of Tempered Glass Railing Systems

Tempered glass railing systems offer a lot of benefits that make them a great choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. They’re equally well-suited for elementary schools and corporate offices and this versatility is one of the hallmarks of an excellent railing system. 

Enhanced Safety

Tempered glass railings are durable which means they can withstand some impacts. In the event that a tempered glass railing does break, the glass breaks into small pebble-like pieces rather than shards of glass. This reduces the chance that someone will get cut.  This safety feature means that it can be installed nearly anywhere — even in elementary schools as seen at Carter Elementary School where it acts as a balcony railing overlooking their lunch room.  

Unobscured Views

Glass is the ideal material for a variety of handrail applications because it allows for unobscured views of surrounding areas. From outdoor spaces where keeping the view is paramount to the experience to indoor spaces where connection is essential, glass panels railing systems are a perfect choice. At the Choctaw Casino, glass railings along the balconies allow guests to enjoy the surrounding views while relaxing before a night out.  

Durability

Tempered glass is manufactured by heating the glass and then cooling it quickly. This process results in glass that is incredibly durable. It’s scratch and dent resistant and won’t corrode. It also holds up well in harsh weather conditions, making it perfect for a deck or balcony glass railing or other outdoor applications like the railing that surrounds the infinity pool at the Hall Arts Hotel - Dallas.  

Customization Options

Glass railings come with a surprising range of customization options, including your choice of handrail material, mounting type, posts type and shape, frame options, and more. VIVA Railings even offers colored interlayer glass or frosted glass to enhance privacy and add character to the aesthetic. 

In this example, the staircase at SMU Frances Anne Moody Hall opted for dark blue glass to add character to an otherwise standard staircase. This fascia mounted system is also a good example of other options, like integrated iRAIL Linear LED lights to illuminate the space. 

Configuration Options

The glass railing configuration is another way to customize the railing to fit your space’s design. In the Kermin Research Lab, the curved balcony railing circles above the entry level and mimics the light fixture design to create a cohesive space. We can design our railing systems to fit straight, angled, or curved configurations that fit your project specifications. 

Explore the Benefits of VIVA Railings Tempered Glass Railing Systems

At VIVA Railings, we offer end-to-end solutions to support you through the conception and design phase all the way through to installation. Our glass railing systems are carefully designed to meet your project specifications and our range of customization options allow you to create the railing that will best fit your needs. 

We’re based in Lewisville, Texas where our on-site team designs, engineers, and fabricates tempered glass railing systems. We collaborate with you to make sure our solutions are customized to fit your project while adhering to all local building codes. 

Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to explore our tempered glass railing systems and see the benefits for yourself.