Whether you’re planning a new build or a remodel for your home, you’ll need to decide on which railing to install. They’re an essential part of decks, balconies, and staircases, providing stability and safety while improving the appearance of your property. When selecting railings for your home, the two most popular options are glass and iron. Each of these has its unique advantages, but it all comes down to your priorities. Let’s compare their looks, durability, cost, and installation to help you decide.
Modern Vs Timeless Looks
Glass Railings: Perfect For Contemporary and Minimalist Trends
Installing glass railings in your home gives the property a sleek appearance that improves its visual appeal. It’s a good choice for homes with a modern and minimalist theme because of its transparent structure. For smaller homes, glass railings create a feeling of openness, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor spaces. They allow unobstructed transmission of natural light to give your home an elegant look.
Iron Railings: Classic Choice For Traditional Homes
If your home has a traditional architecture and design, iron railings can complement its appearance with its timeless look. It’s a classic choice and can be customized with a powder coating to match your preferred design scheme. With their simple design, iron railings create a sense of uniformity across your home.
Comparing Durability & Maintenance
Glass Railings: Impressive Weather Resistance
The greatest advantage of glass railings is that they’re weather-resistant. Unlike metal and or wood, it doesn’t warp, fade, or rot when exposed to moisture and UV rays. When installed and maintained by a professional like George Project, your glass railings can last a long time. It’s important that your railings are made from premium safety glass that doesn’t discolor due to sun exposure. In terms of maintenance, glass railings need frequent cleanings to remove fingerprints, marks, and smudges.
Iron Railings: Long-lasting With The Right Treatment
Iron railings are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. However, they are prone to rust, so they need to be treated with a protective coating to reduce corrosion. At George Project, you can get iron railings that have a protective coating to ensure longer lifespan with minimal upkeep.
Safety Considerations
Glass Railings: Shatter-Proof Laminated or Tempered Glass
Building codes require that glass railings be made from shatter-proof tempered or laminated glass panels. Using laminated glass panels prevents it from shattering upon impact, reducing the risk of subsequent injuries. Meanwhile, tempered glass breaks into blunt pieces to reduce the chances of injury. Though glass railings are usually safe, they’re prone to chipping or cracking when exposed to impact.
Iron Railings: Sturdy and Safe
Traditional iron railings are sturdy because of their impressive strength and durability. However, they are prone to corrosion without appropriate powder coating. Other than the occasional treatment, they’re generally safe. With George Project, you can rest assured that our iron railings meet local building safety regulations.
Cost Comparison
Glass Railings: Pricier, Yet Low-Maintenance
The cost of glass railings is higher than other types due to the higher cost of glass panels and other parts. This cost can increase depending on the type of railings you get, such as framed, semi framed, or frameless glass panels. Frameless panels will end up costing you more than framed panels, but their sleek appearance can increase your property’s value in the long run. Not to mention, glass railings need less maintenance thanks to their corrosion-resistant properties.
Iron Railings: Cost-Effective But Needs Regular Maintenance
When you choose iron railings, you can expect a lower cost for both the materials and installation. However, the cost can depend on the type of materials you choose, as premium wrought iron can cost more than low-quality metal. Despite the initial low cost, iron railing need frequent maintenance to retain their appearance and functionality. In the long run, this can add to the overall cost.
Installation
Regardless of the type you choose, it’s always best to hire a professional team like George Project to handle the installation process. An expert team will have the relevant expertise and equipment to handle the installation without delays.
Glass Railings: Complex Installation
Professional installation services are a must for glass railings due to the complexity of the process. Glass panel resizing and fitting are especially complicated and require the skills of experienced personnel.
Iron Railings: Efficient Installation
Installing iron railings is less complex but professional services are necessary to ensure their functionality. This gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of injuries that could result from DIY installation. With an experienced team, you can also make requests for custom iron railings.
Applications of Glass Vs Iron Railings
Experts recommend installing glass railings for areas that require an unobstructed view, like decks, pool enclosures, and staircases. Meanwhile, iron railings are well-suited for applications where you need a more secure barrier and areas with strong winds. Glass railings are preferable for outdoor applications when the area experiences moderate weather conditions, while iron railings can withstand harsh weather.
Final Thoughts
Glass railings can give a minimalist appearance, need little maintenance, have a higher initial cost, and are suited for areas that require unobstructed view. On the other hand, iron railings have a traditional look, need powder coating, have a lower initial cost, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Before making a decision, consider what your biggest priority is: budget, durability, safety. If you need a budget friendly option that’s durable and allows efficient installation, iron railings could be the right choice. However, if you want modern railings that are low-maintenance and give an unobstructed view, consider glass railings.
At George Project, you can find glass and iron railings in a wide range of designs. We use premium materials and ensure a code-compliant installation process with a qualified team. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
