Decks are a great place to gather, but also to just sit back and enjoy the view. Whether it’s near your home or cottage, or perched atop a boathouse, your deck should include a great railing system which adds to the experience.
Kevin Cardwell, owner of Muskokify, says the benefits of having an unobstructed view has led to a huge uptick in glass railing installations.
“Around 95 percent of our clients are going with glass railings,” he says. “They want to be able to sit or lie on their deck and see the world around them. It’s all about the view.”
Muskokify glass railings are made with half-inch thick tempered glass, the same as they use in hockey arenas, which are strong enough to take pucks bouncing off them without breaking.
One trend is using six-inch spigots made of marine grade stainless steel in lieu of full-sized posts. Spigots maximize your view while still providing a proper barrier that meets code. Designed for outdoor use, they won’t rot or rust and allow for more airflow on the deck.
“Generally the panes are set 1½ inches apart to provide a gentle breeze on the deck,” says Kevin. “If you love warmth, you love glass because it helps keep your deck warmer by blocking the wind. But if you’re worried about too much warmth, we can install pickets on the sides to enable more cross deck breezes. There’s lots of options. Glass panes are especially useful in shoulder seasons because they block northerly winds and keep your outdoor living space comfortable.”
If you want to block out a neighbour’s view from one side or another, Kevin suggests getting some of the panes etched or sandblasted. Another option is to choose tinted glass: it offers privacy as well as style, providing an accent to the décor of a contemporary cottage or boathouse.
Options abound
Muskokify has plenty of other railing options and colours to fit any home or cottage. Their frameless glass railing systems with vertical posts and no top rail have a solid, clean look to them, Half-posts, base shoes and standoffs are available.
If you want to stay more traditional, Muskokify’s picket railing system is unique as they offer fully welded picket panels. Stronger and cleaner, these are a better choice than kit systems you assemble onsite.
“There are many standard designs to choose from or we can custom build just what fits your needs,” explains Kevin. “It’s all about choice and making sure you get the style and function you want.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
