Form and function are the foundation of any architectural project. But it’s the details that will bring your client’s dreams to reality. A beautifully designed railing system is like a piece of fine jewelry that will adorn the masterfully sculpted building structure.
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However necessary to the safety and structure of a building project — have the potential to make an aesthetic statement to all who enter any built environment. Yes" ,there are many building codes that must be followed when planning, designing and manufacturing a railing system, but here are a few considerations in selecting an ideal railing system for your project.
The type of occupancy should be the foremost consideration in the selection of a building’s railing system. Although there is really no set rule or a code restriction, in our years of experience, we have learned that there are certain types that work best for specific applications.
This is a widely accepted and popular selection in the design of open concept space. Glass railing systems are available in post-supported or structural glass. On exterior applications, glass is preferred to create an unobstructed view. Although glass is perceived as a fragile material, it becomes stronger when it is fully tempered and laminated. At VIVA Railings we have experienced that people tend to respect the “perceived” fragile nature of glass and do not abuse or tamper with glass as much as they might a metal system.
Metal panel railings should be considered when the goal is to incorporate the aesthetics of patterns available with woven wire mesh, perforated metal or a wide array of laser-cut patterns. Metal panel railings are also a great option when the client wants to avoid the maintenance of glass or the potential for people to climb the railing, as may be an issue with a cable or multiline system.
An ideal choice for landscape or deck applications as these systems require minimal maintenance. When using cable systems for school applications, consider a rigid toe rail to prevent kids from stepping on the bottom runs. VIVA Railing offers CUBE, CIRCA, TEE, and BEACON for cable and multiline.
We are often asked to provide budgets and to rate the economy of scale (cost advantages for more efficient production)","as should be a top consideration for every item on a project. Establishing a budget helps you to estimate the job upfront and prevent value engineering for key high visibility areas that are prone to get axed out. The VIVA Railings team is equipped to provide pre-design and pre-construction consultancy to assist during this phase of your project.
The following chart provides a general indication of the price point for railing systems. Note that there are many other factors that would impact pricing, such as quantity, layout, mounting detail, etc.
VIVA Railings has a patented SHOE structural glass system that results in a simple, fast, and clean installation. In addition to easy maintenance, our structural glass system requires approximately 50 percent less installation time than most similar systems on the market. Creative-minded architects are ecstatic with the endless options of our glass systems available on tempered laminated glass.
Cable, multiline, and VIVA Railings’ new CableNet systems are great choices when trying to achieve an unobstructed view without the hassle of glass maintenance. These systems work well for industrial-type interiors, decks, ramps, bridges, and landscapeapplications.
$: Cable Railings, Multiline Railings & Aluminum Glass Railings
$$: Glass Railings, Wire Mesh Railings, Perforated Metal Railings, Laser cut Panel Railings
$$$: Structural Glass Railings, Fascia Mount, Heavy Glass (meet wind loads, etc.)
Other factors that impact cost include but are not limited to:
Although listed third, the appearance of the railing system can create a powerful first impression. So it is understandable that the first question most of our customers ask is, "Which is the coolest looking railing system that I can get for this project?”
Choosing the right look begins with the overall look and feel of the project. Most projects today have a modern design, and structural glass railings are the most popular (by far) railing system for a modern look. Why? Glass is an attractive material due to its ability to allow light through and create a feeling of open spaces.
VIVA Railings has a patented SHOE structural glass system that results in a simple, fast, and clean installation. In addition to easy maintenance, our structural glass system requires approximately 50 percent less installation time than most similar systems on the market. Creative-minded architects are ecstatic with the endless options of our glass systems available on tempered laminated glass.
Cable, multiline, and VIVA Railings’ new CableNet systems are great choices when trying to achieve an unobstructed view without the hassle of glass maintenance. These systems work well for industrial-type interiors, decks, ramps, bridges, and landscape applications.
The above options lean toward a minimalistic design but if you want to create a statement — a true work of art — VIVA Railings offers laser-cut FOLDand STRUCmetal panel systems. Customers who select one of these systems are able to choose from a wide range of patterns or provide a custom design, such as a flowing design that repeats every few panels, creating an image or a logo.
Finally, thefinish of the railing system brings the entire look together. We recommend a stainless-steel satin finish for longevity and maintenance, especially for wearing components like the handrail. Our customers have the option to select powder coating from a standard range of available colors or a custom color of their choice.
Due to the demand for a blackened finish on stainless steel, VIVA Railings offers a special finish called ECM (an electron process that imparts color to stainless steel).
Architectural railing systems are generally a project-specific fabrication and not an “off the shelf” item. For this reason, consideration of lead times should be an important factor in the railing selection. Depending on the system, some are more dependent on field measurement than others.
Railing systems with faster lead times:
Best practices conducive to hold-to dimensions (independent of structure available for field measurements):
In addition to code requirements, there are various other factors that should be considered when selecting the right railings for your project. The VIVA Railings sales and pre-construction team is available to answer your questions. Contact us or call 972-353- Ext 10.
Want more information on shoe railing system? Feel free to contact us.
By far, glass is the most popular choice for modern railing right now. It is a trending alternative to wooden handrails and spindles and we see why!
Glass railing has stunning visual impact, adds openness, makes spaces feel bigger and facilitates light flow. It adds luxury and value to a home and when designed and installed correctly, is incredibly safe and functional.
There are a variety of ways to install glass railing. Look at the different systems and consider how these styles fit into the overall style and feel of your home.
Specialized Stair and Rail categorizes interior glass railing into 3 main categories: dadoed, standoff, and clamped.
Dadoed glass railing is a system where the glass railing panels are secured within the top railing and bottom shoe. Essentially the glass exists within a wooden framework. Because there is no need for clips or hardware this railing has the cleanest visual appeal.
Standoff glass railing is a system where the glass panels are secured with standoffs (round stainless steel cylinders). The glass has holes pre-drilled, it is leveled in place, and the standoffs secure the panel to the vertical face of the stair and floor system. This can be a frameless railing system with a minimal amount of visual hardware. Note: due to the fastening method, a decision to use this system needs to be made at the framing stage as sufficient backing needs to be in place to support the glass.
Clamped Glass Railing is a system where the glass panels are secured with glass clips mounted to posts or occasionally the railing or shoe. This system gives the option to use wood or steel posts and if you want to highlight your hardware (steel or black) this is possible because of the frequency of posts required. To some, this is a very appealing style.
It is important to consider the local building code requirements in your area regarding the type of safety glass (tempered, laminated) required or allowed.
Specialized Stair and Rail offers tempered glass of the highest quality. Tempered glass is a kind of heat treated glass that increases surface strength and changes the break pattern. If tempered glass breaks it shatters into tiny cubes for safety reasons.
Laminated glass is 2 pieces of glass fused together with an inter layer. This provides strength to the glass and extra safety. In the event of breakage, one side of the glass will shatter while the other side remains in place.
Glass railing as a whole, has less overall long term maintenance than a wood product. But, depending on your lifestyle the day to day maintenance will need to be consider railing looks drastically better than dirty. A soft cloth, soap/vinegar and water is all you need, stay away from any abrasive scrubbers.
Glass railing is generally on the higher end of railing pricing. Within the styles, dadoed glass railing is the most cost effective as it can be thinner (6mm vs 10 or 12mm), has less machining, no holes, less polishing and does not involve any pricey hardware. Often with stainless steel or other glass hardware you get what you pay for so note quality when making selections as money invested at this stage will significantly improve the style and function.
Our railing is a made to order, measured specifically, custom designed and installed system. The exactness of design and installation is crucial for overall quality and style of the finished product. An improperly installed railing can not only be an eye sore but dangerous as well. Select a company that has experience and look to see examples of finished products.
Further, consider the quality of the hardware that is holding the glass in place. There is a vast variance in hardware quality that will affect the overall safety of your railing system. Specialized Stairs only offers Q-Railing. This company has a proven track record of supplying stylish and reliable products.
Here is the process for ordering railing at Specialized Stair and Rail:
1. Inspiration! Take a look at the options available and style of railing you prefer. Here is our top 10 modern glass railing inspirations. Get on our website and click here to visit our gallery to see pictures of our work.
Call Specialized Stair and Rail to have one of our designers walk you through our online gallery and talk about your project
3: Come into the showroom to see physical samples of our railing. All our railing systems on display. Bring along the plans and pictures of your space and one of our stair designers will help you select products that suit your style, space, and budget.
4: We will come out to your site to get measurements.
5: Your design and quote will be put together.
6: After design approval and deposit we will start manufacturing your railing. Note the timing and installation process.
7: We will book a time for your installation.
8: Make your final payment upon completion.
The company is the world’s best triple glazed glass supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.