A spectacular deck view may convert a plain outdoor space into a compelling refuge, offering a peaceful getaway and a seamless connection with nature. Choosing guardrails is an essential factor in creating the optimum deck view. Traditional guardrails might restrict the view and prevent it from being open and unencumbered, and here is where the vanishing guardrails notion comes into play.
Disappearing guardrails provide a unique option for enjoying uninterrupted vistas while ensuring safety and security. They blend in with the environment, producing an almost undetectable barrier that does not detract from the visual attractiveness of your deck. They are prevalent in regions with spectacular vistas, like the Bay Area, where homeowners want to maximize the beauty of their outdoor settings without sacrificing safety.
This article will guide you in choosing disappearing guardrails to create the perfect deck view.
Glass Railings
Glass railings may be expensive, but it’s impossible to beat glass when it comes to transparency. Glass allows a clear visual connection for those viewing the outdoor space. The railings act as a windscreen too, which can enhance the deck’s functionality, especially for those living near water bodies that get hit by high winds.
If you live close to the ocean, you must know that salt spray may build on the glass surface, and it may clearly show where fingers, sunscreen-covered legs, arms, etc., have touched it. Therefore, it requires proper commitment and regular cleaning. You must ensure that your glass is laminated or tempered for safety reasons, and you will need special hardware and extra structural support to fix the glass on the deck.
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Cable Railings
The cable system is the more common way of merging the view. They will come in various sizes and types; hence, getting what you need is relatively easy. Ensure your vertical posts are rigid to bear the tightening of cables when installing the guardrails. It is best to space the cables less than 4 inches to accommodate the midspan of cable sag.
Thin verticals will always match the cabling’s low profile. You can always make the horizontal cables relatively thin if you are fabricating from steel. You will find that the horizontal cables will disappear since our eyes will automatically focus on the horizon. Furthermore, as you view the building, the horizontal lines often fit with the sliding lines and disappear even more.
Remember to choose dark colors for verticals, and the top rail will make the whole guardrail effectively disappear. You can also have vertical cable railing, which creates a minimalistic look and is relatively simple since it does not have a bottom rail.
Mesh
A mesh screen is like glass railings but with lower weights and costs. It can act as a window screen, allowing filtered views depending on the light. The light will cause the mesh to be less or more translucent. You must balance the mesh in terms of how rigid it is and its spacing. Find a mesh that can withstand winds when placed at a realistic panel spacing but also one that is not visually obtrusive.
Have a frame that compliments the mesh, and remember the rhythm of panels within a mesh system will end up as your view’s dominant feature. Mesh comes in various densities, gauges, and patterns, and you can also use welded wire fabric for a guard design.
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Conclusion
Guardrail ideas such as hybrids (wall and glass, wall and cable, vegetation, and guardrails) are also ways to create a disappearing effect. You can also install furniture into your deck space without limiting views. Whichever option you choose to make your disappearing guardrail, just ensure you follow the rules and know the restrictions that regulate guardrails. Find out about local or national codes to ensure you can incorporate your guardrail into your design.
