Getting ready to build a deck railing as part of a side job and the client wants sheets of plexiglass between the posts instead of balusters. I have heard of this being done, but have a couple of questions about how to construct this sort of thing. Here were my ideas:
– cutting grooves in 2X4’s on edge to slide plexiglass into and then securing with some sort of molding strip, and attaching 2X4’s to posts and adding handrail on top, OR
– sandwiching plexi top and bottom with 1X4’s, attaching this deal to the posts, and throwing a handrail on top, OR
-any better ideas you all may have.
I see a few issues with each method. Any ideas that you all may have to simplify the process or pump up the attractiveness and/or ease would be greatly appreciated.
Thank-you,
Derek
Replies
First, don't use plexi--it'll scratch and stuff--use tempered glass.
Skip the top rail. If you have a view, it'll look better without the rail interrupting it. Make sure you have a sturdy post that'll resist inward and outward pressure. I'd think more about 4x4's with a dado. I like having the post set maybe 6" or more lower than the top edge of the glass...opens the view even further and the glass can take care of itself.
Hell, on my next project I have a plan to secure just the bottom of the glass to a rim board and leave it standing free and proud! Serious.
But if you don't have a handrail on top, there's no place tro set the beer can.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
You set it down? Geez, if I did that here, my daughter would grab it! What a maroon! <G>
my deck has glass panels,i agree on the plexi glass panels,they will scratch and look bad. i used 1/4 saftey glass,as cheap as plexi. i have a 2x4 laying flat, top and bottom, then 1" mldg to capture the glass. has held up well untill about 2 weeks ago. was pressure washing the deck and let the exhaust hit the glass, finially got hot enough it cracked, boy was i talking. larry
hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.
What kind of moulding are you using? Shopping at the local Lowe's and haven't found any sort of treated moulding. Would cedar moulding look okay on a treated deck?
Thanks for the replies.
Derek
What kind of moulding are you using? Shopping at the local Lowe's and haven't found any sort of treated moulding.
(Hope you don't mind me stepping in here....) The attached picture shows my deck fence/railing. The Tongue and groove beadboard, the side trim, the posts, and the crown molding are all made from treated lumber. If you want to do this type of thing yourself, just explain to your DW that you MUST have that huge router with the necessary bits. (Buy a dust mask too.)
Would cedar moulding look okay on a treated deck?
It will be a different color at first. It will eventually weather to a gray which is similar to the treated/weathered stuff.
If you want an upscale look rather than the weathered look, use an oil-based stain. Plan on re-staining every couple of years to keep it looking great.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
OOPS -- sorry! The "upload" button got me again.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
i just took a 2x4 and ripped a 1x1 at a 45 degree angle so the water would shed off. larryhand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.
Another option to consider is using stainless steal cable. There are a number of systems out there for just this purpose. That way your client woudnt have to clean the glass.
I'm not a big fan of glass railing. It fogs up and gets dirty. Here is one we just did. It is 3/8" safety glass held in place with four brushed stainless clips. The glass is slotted and a pin in the clip holds all the weight.
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
I love that look...why would it fog? Mine never does...
Safety glass panels are fine, even here in the PNW, but plexiglass yellows with UV exposure, is subject to scratching and outright fracturing.
Cable systems, as someone suggested, are expensive as hell!
Bob said the glass fogs. I know plex does, but good ol' glass? As for cable, many places don't allow it anymore, I've been told.
The glass fogs due to high humidity and the drizzley rainy days we have here. These panels were installed in the rain and the customer was wondering if we were going to clean the glass????????
Yeah, right!"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Oh, you mean condensation collects on them, not that the glass itself changed in the way that plexi would.
Right! condensation............."Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Great photos. Thanks.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Well regardless of cost and/or code compliance I am gona post a link anyway.
http://www.cablerail.com