In Muskoka, virtually every cottage, from the vintage beauty to the modern masterpiece, is built to prioritize the view. Buyers will often make concessions on other valued features in order to have a priceless panorama over the lake, a front-row seat for the sunset, or a window into the woods. With that in mind, it was inevitable that with advancing technology, deck spindles and posts would make way for something less obstructive.
With contemporary glass and aluminum railings, gone are the days when cottagers had to stand at the railing of their decks in order to see clearly over the lake. Two local Muskoka businesses, Top Glass Muskoka and Excel Railings, are busy helping cottagers and homeowners alike reclaim their precious views and, in the process, add style, longevity, and durability to their cottage decks and boathouses.
While you might be motivated by your view to install aluminum and glass railings, there are many other payoffs when compared to traditional wooden railing systems. Wood railings, like decks and docks, require a lot of maintenance to retain their aesthetic as well as structural standards. Exposed year-round to the elements, wood rots, splinters, and fades. Even a well-maintained wooden dock or deck eventually needs replacing. Aluminum, by contrast, is virtually maintenance free and has exceptional longevity.
According to Luke Rowe of Excel Railings, there are a lot of options when it comes to aluminum, so customizing to your cottage or home isn’t a problem. “We have different installation options and colour options,” he says, “so in addition to the practical benefits of durability and safety, you are really investing in the beauty of your property at the same time.” Possibilities include glass inserts, pickets, pickets with glass, and frameless glass with aluminum posts. Maybe not surprisingly, railings are trending toward a modern, minimalist approach. “These days we’re seeing a lot of standoffs,” says Luke, “which is essentially where we drill some holes in the glass and mount it right to the fascia of the deck.” Excel can also install on stone for patios and steps.
Glass and aluminum railing systems are engineered to meet or exceed Ontario Building Code standards, making them a safe alternative to traditional railings. “Safety regulations dictate the type of glass, the thickness of the glass, and the maximum width of glass allowable between railings,” says Luke. They also require interior glass systems to have railings on them if they are located on stairs or ramps.
Excel Railings was founded about 25 years ago by Doug Cormack. Over the years, Doug and his partner grew the business from a two-person operation to a nine-person, three-crew team. Now retiring, Doug leaves Excel in the venerable position of being Muskoka’s longest-standing installer of aluminum railings, well-respected for providing the highest standard in product and service.
If you’re thinking about renovating your cottage, deck, or boathouse, the experts at Excel can help you envision how an aluminum railing system can fit into your plans. “We’re happy to come out for a free onsite estimate or consultation,” says Luke, “and we’ll come back as often as needed to help you make informed decisions and block your layout.”
As the experts at Top Glass Muskoka can attest, cottagers and homeowners are increasingly turning to glass as a design option in an expanding range of treatments. Chris Bonden and Alex Oleksandriw, at Top Glass, have seen its appeal skyrocket in recent years.
“In terms of interior installations,” says Chris, “we’re now regularly putting in glass railings, shower glass, gym and feature walls, and wine cellar enclosures.”
Different thicknesses and types of tempered glass are available depending on the end goal, but everything is dictated by strict adherence to safety standards. “Safety is a huge priority for us,” explains Alex. “We don’t deviate from the Ontario Building Code. Ever.” In exterior settings, while traditional installations are always available, Top Glass finds creative ways to achieve low-profile visuals, such as by side-mounting glass onto fascia or inside a parapet wall.
“We’re now regularly putting in glass railings, shower glass, gym and feature walls, and wine cellar enclosures.”
Every project is custom, from the glass to the hardware and the spacing of the hardware. Top Glass works with different thicknesses of tempered glass, depending on the type of project. The visual aspect can also differ. “Our regular clear tempered glass has a higher iron content,” says Chris, “which gives it a slightly greenish hue.” The alternative star-fired glass is low-iron, with no distortion of colour.
Working with glass customization and installation requires care and craftsmanship, but it’s a niche field that Top Glass has found firm footing in. “Our real showroom,” says Chris, “is the lakes of Muskoka. We get our jobs because we have the best quality, we use the strongest, heaviest-duty glass that can be installed, and we install it to the finest standard.”
