How to Install Glass Railings in Your Toronto-Area Home

Are you looking for high-quality glass railings in Toronto? Many of us have traditional railings in our homes, made from steel, aluminum, wrought iron, or wood. All are beautiful in their own way but have their drawbacks.

For example, steel can buckle and weaken in extreme heat. Aluminum railings can dent and scratch more easily than steel. Wrought iron is more expensive than other options and can rust if not properly maintained. In terms of wood railings, they are a dated option.

So, if you are looking for modern, durable, and attractive interior railings that are also affordable, glass ones are the best solution for your Toronto-area home.

In this post we discuss how to install a brand-new glass railing system from Shower Lagoon that matches 2022’s home interior trends.

Let’s get started.

How to Install a Glass Railing System 

Everyone wants a beautiful home. Glass railings give yours an elegant look and increase its market value.

But how do you install them? If you don’t know how and don’t want to take the risk, hire our glass railing experts. But many homeowners opt to do it themselves to save money, or for the challenge. In that case, this post will help you.

Before you start, you need a concise guide to do it properly. If you are looking for the safest railing system, use durable tempered glass that won’t break or rot. Take advantage of modern materials and tools. The following is a list of the tools you will require during the installation process.

  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • String or chalk
  • Power drill
  • Drill bits
  • Box of stainless steel screws
  • Pre-made railings
  • Handrail brackets
  • Circular saw
  • Stainless steel cutting saw
  • Level
  • Shims

In this post we provide you with easy steps to follow to make your own railing system with ease and convenience.

1. Check All the Components 

You can’t install damaged or broken glass panels. These will invite unwanted danger and injuries. So, at the very beginning of your installation, examine all packages to ensure that your glass components are undamaged. Always wear safety glasses, safety boots, and gloves.

2. Determine the Post Layout 

Now you have to decide on the layout.

If you are installing a glass railing on your deck, mark and draw a line 1.5″ from the edge of all sides of the deck where you want your railing installed. Mark the distance between the posts. Then, starting from one side of the deck, drill holes and screw in the post brackets. While tightening the screws, leave some space for flexibility to install the handrail and bottom rail.

3. Install the Mounting Brackets  

Now, decide how high you want your glass railings. The height of the brackets will depend on the track system. Mark the locations of the vertical mounting brackets to place the handrail and bottom rail on the wall.

Then, measure 3.625′′ (3 ⅝”) from the deck’s edge and draw a vertical line at this distance: 37′′ or 43′′. Use a level to do it right. Mark 2.875′′ (2 ⅞”) from the floor for the lower bracket and 42.125′′ (4 ⅛”) for the upper bracket from the line above. Be careful when aligning the bottom railing with the drawn line and screw it to the wall.

Mark the locations of the vertical mounting brackets for the handrail and bottom rail on the posts. Remove the post caps, then measure and make a mark 1.125″ (1 ⅛”) from the top of the post. Depending on the height of the handrail, mark 32.5″ or 38.5″ from the top of the post. Align the top of the brackets with the marks and the center with the post. Use a level to ensure that the brackets are straight and then screw them in.

4. Install the Handrails and Bottom Rails 

To install the bottom rail, first measure the distance between the inside of the mounting brackets from one post to the other. Use the same section rail for both the handrail and bottom rail to maintain uniformity.

Once you have taken the measurements, cut it to the required length and place the bottom rail in the bracket. To keep water from gathering, drill holes every 4″ in the bottom rail. Then, install the support brackets under the rail, spaced 36″.

Now, install the handrails in the brackets, level them, and then screw them in.

5. Insert the Glass Panels 

Now is the time to insert the glass panels into the handrail. First, remove the U-channels from the handrails bottom rails. Then, insert the plastic mouldings and center them between the posts.

Place rubber blocks every 12″ along each of the bottom rails. Then, carefully center the glass panel and slide it into the handrail, letting it rest on the bottom rail. Continue the same procedure for all the sections.

Make sure that each section is at the same level. If they are not, it will not look nice and could create safety issues. Then, tighten the screws to secure the posts.

If you are tired of having an outdated railing system or don’t have one at all, you can install a glass railing system to give your house an attractive look. Follow this guide to execute the installation process on your own. Contact Shower Lagoon to ensure that you are building your glass railing system with the best glass railings in Toronto.