Deciding on frameless or framed glass railings for your home or business can be a challenging decision. While they are extremely safe and secure, they differ in style and design, offering unique aesthetics to your spaces. Being properly informed on their key differences is a great place to start in making an informed decision. In this blog post, we will dive into the differences between frameless and framed glass railings, and when they are both most beneficial.
Frameless Glass Railings
One of the main draws of frameless glass railings is their minimalist design and appeal, with glass panels supported by discreetly hidden mounting hardware. Unlike framed glass railings, they have no visible framing or borders around the glass. This creates a sleek and seamless modern appearance that is appealing to those who want to maintain an open and unobstructed view in their space.
One of the main advantages of frameless glass railings is the unobstructed views they provide. Without any metal framing, these railings allow for an uninterrupted sightline, making them ideal for properties with beautiful landscapes or scenic vistas. Whether overlooking a garden, city skyline, or ocean view, frameless glass railings help preserve the view while ensuring safety and security.
The aesthetic appeal of frameless glass is also hard to beat. Their clean, sleek lines make them a popular choice for modern and contemporary homes. The glass panels, appearing almost as though they are floating, contribute to an open and elegant atmosphere. Moreover, frameless glass railings are constructed from high-strength tempered or laminated glass, ensuring that they provide both safety and style.
Framed Glass Railings
Framed glass railings differ in that they feature glass panels encased within a metal frame, typically made from materials like stainless steel or aluminum. The frames provide additional structural support, making these railings a practical choice for areas that require more strength or stability. The metal frame is visible, which creates a more traditional, industrial look.
One of the primary benefits of framed glass railings is their affordability. Because the metal frames offer additional support, the overall material and installation costs tend to be lower compared to frameless glass. This makes framed glass railings a budget-friendly option for homeowners or businesses seeking the benefits of glass without the premium price tag of frameless models.
Framed glass railings are also generally easier to install. The presence of the metal frame provides extra stability, making the installation process more straightforward. This can help reduce both the time and cost of the project, particularly when compared to the more intricate installation requirements of frameless railings. Furthermore, the frame provides added durability, which can be especially beneficial in areas subject to heavy foot traffic or environmental stress.
Some of the cons for some people with framed glass railings are the metal frame. While subtle, it can obstruct views depending on the size of the frame and the type of railing you choose. While this isn’t an issue for some people, others find it problematic when the railing is to be installed in a place where they want the view to be unobstructed, such as a balcony or deck, for instance.
Which Railing is Right for You?
The decision between glass or aluminum railings is a difficult one, you have to ask yourself what your priorities are in a railing and what you are looking for. If you are looking to maximize views and achieve a modern minimalist aesthetic, frameless glass railings might be your best choice. In contrast, if you are looking to maximize stability and strength in your space, framed glass railings may be your best choice. At the end of the day, it’s up to you, what your needs are and what kind of space you are looking to install the railings in.If you are looking to install glass railings in your home or have additional questions on how to choose between framed and frameless glass railings, contact us at Professional Railings today and we will be happy to help and inform you.