Glass Railing

Question

What would be the best railing and baluster combination for a glass pane?

Answer

On the handrail for glass, the least amount of wood necessary to support it, the better. Use a 2x6 cap with 3/4" rippings to act as stops for the glass panel. Use 4x4 for vertical supports placed no more than 6' apart.

It is important to install safety glass panels in a handrail. Talk to your glass supplier before making the handrail—they have precut widths of hardened glass that are cheaper than getting them cut to your sizes.

A tee rail on the bottom is good to support the weight of the glass. This is a 2x4 on the flat above a 2x4 on edge in the center. Glass stops are installed on all four sides of the glass, inside and out.


Dave

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