Glass Railing Components, Shipped Direct

All panels are 12mm (roughly 1/2 inch) tempered safety glass that meets ASTM C1048 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 safety standards. Tempered glass is 4–5x stronger than standard annealed glass, and when it does break it shatters into small, blunt granules rather than sharp shards — which is why building codes require it for railings. Every panel we ship is inspected before packaging and wrapped individually to prevent transit damage.

All spigots, connectors, and hardware are machined from 2205 duplex stainless steel, which is a significant upgrade over the 304 or 316 grades commonly used by budget suppliers. 2205 contains higher chromium (22%) and molybdenum content, giving it roughly twice the pitting resistance of 316 in salt spray, chlorine, and high-humidity environments. This makes it ideal for coastal properties, pool fencing, and anywhere that standard stainless would show rust within a few years.

Yes — we ship to all 50 US states. Orders over $500 ship free. Standard delivery is 5–10 business days for most of the continental US; Hawaii and Alaska typically run 8–14 business days. Expedited 2–3 day shipping is available at checkout for hardware items. Glass panels ship via freight on a dedicated pallet and are scheduled directly with the carrier.

Our systems are designed around the two major US model codes: the IRC (International Residential Code) requires 36" guards for residential decks and stairs; the IBC (International Building Code) requires 42" for commercial occupancies; and 48" is required for high-rise and many pool fence applications. We offer all three heights. Some states — notably Florida (high-wind loads) and California (seismic) — have amendments beyond the model codes. Contact us with your city and application and we can advise on compliance.

Most homeowners can complete a standard deck or balcony installation themselves over a weekend with basic tools: a hammer drill (for concrete), a wrench set, a level, and a tape measure. Our spigots bolt into concrete, wood framing, or steel substrates using included anchor hardware, and we provide step-by-step installation guides with diagrams for each system. For commercial projects, stairs, multi-level transitions, or any jurisdiction requiring a permit inspection, we recommend working with a licensed contractor who can certify the installation meets local code.

Glass panels are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged — they are cut to specific dimensions and cannot be restocked. Hardware (spigots, connectors, cap rail, gate hardware) can be returned within 30 days in original, unused condition for a full refund. Because glass is non-returnable, we strongly recommend submitting your measurements to us before ordering so our team can verify the panel count and dimensions. This free verification step catches errors before they become costly mistakes.

Floor-mount spigots are installed flat on the deck surface, with the glass panel rising vertically from the deck. This is the most common configuration and gives the cleanest, most open look. Side-mount (fascia-mount) spigots attach to the vertical face of the deck rim joist or fascia board, with the glass rising above the deck edge. Side-mount systems preserve usable deck space and are often preferred for narrow balconies or retrofits where drilling through the deck surface is not practical. Both systems use the same glass panels; only the mounting hardware differs.

The three grades differ significantly in corrosion resistance. 304 stainless is the standard kitchen and interior grade — it will rust within months in salt air or near pool chemicals. 316 stainless adds molybdenum and handles moderate coastal exposure, but it can still pit and stain near pools or in Florida-level salt environments. 2205 duplex has a dual austenitic-ferritic microstructure with 22% chromium and 3% molybdenum, giving it a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) of roughly 35 — compared to 316’s PREN of about 24. For glass railing hardware that lives outdoors year-round, 2205 is the only grade worth specifying.

A well-installed frameless glass railing system with quality hardware should last 20–40 years or more. Tempered glass does not corrode, fade, or warp, and is highly resistant to UV degradation. The limiting factor is almost always the hardware: lower-grade stainless steel spigots can rust and fail in coastal or pool environments within 5–10 years, which is why 2205 duplex hardware matters. Silicone rubber gaskets inside the spigot clamps should be inspected every few years and replaced if cracked.

Glass panels clean easily with a mild soap-and-water solution and a soft cloth or squeegee. For hard water mineral deposits or salt residue, a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution applied with a non-abrasive pad works well — rinse thoroughly afterward. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or ammonia-based cleaners, which can scratch the glass surface or damage the spigot finish. For hardware, a quarterly rinse with fresh water (especially in coastal or pool environments) and an annual inspection of bolt torque and rubber gaskets keeps the system performing as designed.

Yes. Stair installations use the same glass panels and spigots, but the spigots are mounted at the stair rake angle so the glass follows the pitch of the staircase. This requires precise layout to ensure the panels are plumb while the spigot bases are level with each tread. Most building codes require the guard height on stairs to be measured vertically from the stair nosing, not along the rake — so panel height selection and spigot placement must account for this. Stair kits are available; contact us with your stair dimensions and we can provide a complete material list.

We stock glass panels in three standard heights: 36 inches (required by IRC for residential decks and balconies), 42 inches (required by IBC for commercial and multi-family occupancies), and 48 inches (required for high-rise applications and most pool fence codes). The height you need is determined by your local jurisdiction and the type of occupancy — not your personal preference. When in doubt, check with your local building department or select the taller option, as over-building is never a code violation.

Measure the total linear footage of railing you need, including all straight runs. For L-shaped or U-shaped layouts, measure each straight section separately and add them together. Note any corner transitions (inside or outside corners require specific connector hardware). Do not subtract for gate openings — list gates separately with the opening width. Once you have your total footage and panel height, use our online calculator for an instant estimate, or submit your measurements to us and we will send a complete material list with panel count, spigot count, and connectors within 24 hours.

A cap rail is an aluminum handrail profile that runs along the top edge of the glass panels, providing a continuous grippable surface. Building codes generally require a graspable handrail on stairs and in many commercial applications, but for a deck railing that is not adjacent to stairs, a cap rail is optional. Many homeowners add a cap rail for aesthetics — it gives the railing a polished, finished look — as well as to protect the top edge of the glass from impact. We offer round, square, and rectangular cap rail profiles in brushed stainless and matte black.

Yes, when specified and installed correctly. Florida’s Florida Building Code (FBC) adopts ASCE 7 wind load requirements, and in high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ — Miami-Dade and Broward Counties) railing systems must meet particularly stringent lateral load requirements. Our 12mm tempered glass panels and 2205 duplex spigots are engineered for high wind environments, but the anchoring into the substrate is the critical factor — concrete anchor type, embedment depth, and edge distance must be calculated for your specific design wind speed. We recommend having a Florida-licensed engineer review the anchor design for HVHZ projects.

Pool barrier requirements in the US are governed by the IRC (Section AG105), the IBC, and state/local amendments. Key requirements: minimum 48-inch height measured from grade on the outside of the barrier; no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; no footholds or handholds on the outside that would allow a child to climb. For glass railing used as a pool fence, the panels must be frameless (no horizontal rails that function as a ladder) and the gate must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch on the pool side at least 54 inches above grade. Always confirm local pool fence requirements with your municipality before ordering.

Our systems are engineered to meet the structural requirements of IBC Section 1607.8 and IRC Section R301.5, which specify a minimum 200 lb concentrated lateral load applied at the top of the guard, and 50 lb per linear foot distributed load for residential applications (commercial requirements vary). The 12mm tempered glass panels and 2205 spigots exceed these minimums when installed at or below the maximum recommended spigot spacing. Load capacity is a function of glass thickness, panel unsupported height, and spigot spacing — contact us if you need engineering documentation for a permit submission.

In most US jurisdictions, replacing an existing railing requires a permit, and installing a new railing on a new deck almost certainly does. Permit requirements vary by city and county: some jurisdictions require a full structural drawing package; others accept a manufacturer spec sheet with your application. Your local building department is the authoritative source. We can provide product specification sheets, load tables, and material data sheets to support your permit application. For commercial projects, a stamped engineering drawing is typically required.

Tempered glass is a single pane that has been heat-treated to increase strength and change its break pattern — when it breaks it fragments into small blunt pieces. Laminated glass consists of two or more glass panes bonded with a PVB or SGP interlayer; when broken, the fragments stay adhered to the interlayer. Laminated glass is required by code in certain overhead glazing and some high-rise railing applications where a falling panel would be a life-safety hazard. For standard deck and balcony railings, 12mm tempered glass meets all applicable safety standards and is more cost-effective. We supply tempered panels; contact us if your project requires laminated.

As a general rule, plan for one spigot approximately every 24 inches (2 feet) of railing, which means roughly 0.5 spigots per linear foot or 6 spigots per 12-foot run. Each glass panel (typically 23.5 inches wide) is held by two spigots — one near each vertical edge. Corner panels and end panels may require additional spigots. Use our online calculator to get an accurate count based on your total footage, or submit your measurements for a verified material list. Spacing can be adjusted slightly for aesthetics, but should not exceed the maximum span listed in the installation guide for your panel height.

Yes — concrete is one of the most solid substrates for glass railing. Floor-mount spigots attach to concrete using wedge anchors or epoxy anchors (anchor type depends on concrete thickness and edge distance). For concrete decks over occupied space (like a rooftop or parking structure), a structural engineer should specify the anchor type to ensure adequate pull-out strength. Side-mount spigots can also be anchored into a concrete curb or wall along the deck edge. Minimum concrete thickness for through-bolted anchors is typically 3.5 inches; thinner slabs may require epoxy-set anchors with a longer embedment.

The maximum recommended center-to-center span between spigots is 24 inches for 12mm tempered glass at standard residential load conditions. Exceeding this span increases the bending moment in the glass panel and can reduce structural performance under lateral loads. For 36-inch panels the standard 24-inch spacing is the limit; for 42-inch and 48-inch panels, some engineers specify tighter spacing (18–20 inches) depending on the design wind load. Always follow the installation guide for the specific system you purchase. If your project requires wider spans — for example at an entry gate opening — contact us to discuss options.

Yes. Our Pro Program is designed for contractors, builders, architects, and installers who order regularly. Pro members receive trade pricing on all glass panels and hardware, priority order processing (shipped within 48 hours), a dedicated account representative, and direct access to technical support for code compliance and engineering questions. There is no minimum volume to apply. To get started, contact us through the Pro Program page with your company name and a brief description of your typical projects.

Submit your project measurements through our Get a Material List page and our team will send you a complete itemized list — glass panels by size, spigot count, connector count, cap rail footage, and any gate hardware — within 24 business hours. This service is free and does not obligate you to purchase. For complex projects with stairs, multiple levels, or mixed heights, we may ask a few follow-up questions. You can also use the online Railing Calculator on this page for an instant rough estimate before submitting for a detailed list.

Tempered safety glass is designed to break into small, blunt granules rather than sharp shards, which significantly reduces injury risk compared to annealed glass. If a panel is broken — whether from impact or spontaneous breakage (a rare phenomenon caused by nickel sulfide inclusions in the glass) — the panel should be replaced promptly since the railing no longer provides a code-compliant guard. Replacement panels can be ordered individually using the same dimensions as the original. In the meantime, barrier off the opening. Spontaneous breakage is uncommon in quality tempered glass and is not typically covered under warranty, but contact us and we will work with you on a solution.