Laminated glass is an excellent option for creating a clean, open railing system on a deck while maintaining a substantial safety barrier. The key to a successful installation is proper structural support and accurate spigot placement.
Confirm Your Deck Structure
Before drilling, determine where the supporting joists or structural framing are located. Spigots should be securely fastened into the structural support beneath the deck surface rather than relying only on deck boards.
Make sure the mounting area is stable, level, and suitable for the railing system.
Plan Your Panel Layout
Measure the deck perimeter and identify corners, stairs, and areas where the railing meets a wall or other structure. Use these measurements to plan your laminated glass panel layout and spigot locations.
Laying out the components before drilling can help prevent unnecessary adjustments later.
Install the Spigots & Glass
Secure each spigot using the appropriate hardware for your deck structure. Check the alignment carefully as you work through each section.
Once the spigots are secure, carefully position the laminated glass panels and check each panel for proper alignment before tightening the retaining hardware.
Final Checks
After the glass and hardware are installed, inspect the complete railing for proper alignment and secure connections. Check corners, panel joints, spigots, and cap rails before using the deck.
For complex deck layouts or projects with unusual structural conditions, professional installation is recommended.