Choosing the right glass railing for your deck or balcony is one of the most important safety and design decisions homeowners with children and pets will face. At The Ultimate Deck Shop, we know this question comes up every week, and the right answer isn’t as clear as your view will be. With so much information circulating online, our aim is to give you a no-fluff, expert breakdown of tempered glass vs laminated glass for railings—backed by the realities of Prairie weather and the needs of busy Canadian families.
Understanding How Safety Glass Works: Why It Matters for Families
Safety isn’t just an industry term. It’s what separates a deck that feels like a private resort from one that keeps you constantly worried about accidents. Both tempered glass and laminated glass are engineered to prevent dangerous injuries, but their differences are critical for households with curious kids or energetic pets. Here’s what sets them apart:
What is Tempered Glass for Railings?
Tempered glass is made by superheating regular glass and then rapidly cooling it. The process strengthens it significantly and, most importantly, changes the way it breaks. When tempered glass fails, it doesn’t turn into razor-sharp shards: it shatters into tiny, blunt granules that are less likely to cause serious cuts. That feature alone makes it much safer than standard (annealed) glass.
- Strength: Up to five times stronger than regular glass of the same thickness.
- Breakage behavior: Turns into small, dull pieces, not splinters or spears.
- Temperature resistance: Handles big swings from freezing winters to hot Canadian summers.
- Price point: Typically more budget-friendly and easier to source for standard railing systems.
For example, the Crystal Rail 10mm "No Iron" Tempered Glass delivers an exceptionally clear, iron-free panel for those who want their deck's panoramic view unobstructed. The strength and clarity make it extremely popular for homes in Regina, Saskatoon, and throughout Canada.
Tempered Glass: What Should Parents and Pet Owners Be Aware Of?
Although tempered glass performs brilliantly under most everyday knocks, it does have downsides. If it experiences a direct, hard impact—like a large dog jumping up full force or a very energetic kid with a hard toy—it will fully shatter and the pieces can fall to the ground. While the pieces aren’t sharp, the sudden breakage can surprise, and it does mean you’ll have to keep kids and pets away until it’s all cleaned up. Tempered glass panels also cannot be cut or drilled after production, so custom fits require precise planning up front.
What is Laminated Glass for Railings?
Laminated glass is constructed by fusing two or more glass panes with a super-strong, clear plastic interlayer—most often polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The magic trick happens not in the glass layers, but in this interlayer: when the glass is struck or broken, the panes adhere to the plastic, holding together rather than falling apart. That’s why car windshields use laminated glass.
- Shatter containment: Even if broken, the fragments stay attached to the interlayer, forming a spiderweb effect but not creating an opening.
- Security: Much harder to breach (accidentally or intentionally).
- Reduces falls: Critically, there is no instant gap for pets or toddlers to squeeze through if a panel is damaged.
- Blocks UV: Most high-quality laminated glass blocks the vast majority of UV rays, protecting furniture, flooring, and your family's skin.
- Noise reduction: The interlayer also dampens sound, which is a hidden bonus for city or high-traffic homes.
Laminated Glass: What to Consider
Laminated panels are heavier (often up to 50% more), and usually cost more than tempered glass. They’re also slightly more challenging to install, and in rare cases, the interlayer can discolour or delaminate after decades of harsh exposure. Still, modern laminated glass, made to building code standards, will last 25 years or more with recommended care.
Tempered vs Laminated Glass: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Tempered Glass | Laminated Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Safety on Breakage | Shatters into blunt pellets | Holds together, forms spiderweb pattern |
| Risk of Open Gap | Yes, possible after breakage | No, interlayer retains fragments |
| Strength | Very high (4-5x normal glass) | High, and impact-retentive |
| Noise/UV Reduction | Minimal/noisier | Significant |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (reflects extra layers) |
| Weight | Lighter and easier to install | Heavier, needs solid framing |
| Installation | Straightforward | Takes more planning, but manageable for a pro |
| Suitable for | Most decks and balconies | High-traffic decks, or homes with energetic children/pets, high-rise situations |
Which Glass is Actually Safer for Families With Kids and Pets?
If your main concern is preventing any chance of a child or pet getting through a broken panel (especially on elevated decks), laminated glass generally offers an extra degree of security. Kids and pets can't be trusted to stay away from broken glass—and while tempered glass is very safe for typical use, laminated panels hold together even after serious impacts, giving you valuable time to repair or replace without introducing a dangerous opening.
For single-level decks, areas where breakage is extremely rare, or if budget is a top factor, properly installed tempered glass from a reputable supplier (built specifically for outdoor railing systems) is still a strong and compliant choice—and it’s much safer than basic annealed glass.
How to Choose the Best Glass Railing for Your Home—A Step-by-Step Approach
- Assess Your Environment: Are your railings on a second-storey deck? Do you have a large dog or children who roughhouse outside? Higher risk usually favors laminated glass panels.
- Check Building Codes: In Canada, deck railings over a certain height require safety glass. Both tempered and laminated options meet code; laminated will provide another safety net when fall risk is highest.
- Think About Maintenance: Both types need regular cleaning for safety and clarity. Laminated glass may develop interlayer clouding after many years if not cared for. For seasonal maintenance insight, see our detailed Deck Maintenance page—keeping rail and deck surfaces clean is especially important where kids and pets are involved.
- Match Your Style: Tempered glass railings (like the Crystal Rail system) provide a crystal-clear, unobstructed view that’s ideal for Prairie vistas. Laminated glass offers more custom tint or privacy options, if desired.
- Installation Considerations: Heavier laminated panels might require beefed-up framing, but both systems are within the capability of pro installers or skilled DIYers with the right guidance.
Glass Railing Panel Thickness—What’s Safe?
Most Canadian deck railings use 10mm or 12mm thick safety glass. Thicker panels add strength but increase weight and price. We always recommend checking with your local expert to confirm the ideal thickness for your situation based on height, location, and how your family uses the deck. Need help? Our staff are ready to provide guidance (and samples) in Regina or Saskatoon.
Cleaning and Deck Care: Tips for Long-Lasting Railings
Both tempered and laminated glass have the best lifespan when surfaces stay clean and free of debris or minerals. For regular maintenance, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a mild soap-and-water solution. Skip vinegar-based or abrasive cleaners—they can cause micro-scratches or, rarely, degrade the interlayer in laminated panels.
For a full guide to keeping your deck and glass railings beautiful all year round—including advice on seasonal cleaning, sealing, and storm prep—check out our Deck Maintenance resource. This is especially important for family homes, as children and pets tend to create more outdoor mess and wear.
Related Reading
- Types of Glass Railings Explained: Framed vs Semi-Frameless vs Frameless (Pros and Cons) – Dive deeper into the structure and safety comparisons of railing systems.
Bottom Line—Our Perspective
Tempered glass railings are a proven choice for most deck environments, while laminated glass is the gold standard wherever the penalty for a sudden opening—due to an impact or breakage—is high. At The Ultimate Deck Shop, we lean on real-world conversations with homeowners, contractors, and inspectors right here in Saskatchewan. The safest solution is always the one that fits your family’s habits and risk factors, not just the code minimums.
If you’re weighing these options, drop by our Regina or Saskatoon locations or reach out to us online. We’d love to show you real samples, go through building code requirements, or simply give advice if you’re stuck. For anyone who wants expert guidance, our team can help you choose, measure, and even arrange installation of certified tempered glass rail panels that deliver both style and peace of mind.
Ready to make your backyard safer for everyone? Get in touch for a quote or expert consult—and let’s build a deck you’ll feel good about for years to come.
