Can You Use Plexiglass for a Deck Railing? (What You Need To Know)

Using a transparent material for railing is an awesome choice for those who want to make the most out of their outdoor view.

Plexiglass has the same ‘see-through’ effect as regular glass and it can become a solid, strong barrier on your deck for a much lower cost. However, plexiglass has its own downsides – it is not scratch resistant and can change color throughout the years.

Let’s have a closer look at all the ‘pros’ that plexiglass has to offer to find out if they outweigh the ‘cons’.

Can You Use Plexiglass for a Deck Railing?

Plexiglass is a cost-effective ‘see-through’ option for fences, skylights, and even railings. If you are on a tight budget, then you can definitely choose to use plexiglass on your deck.

However, the material has quite a few downsides, especially, when it comes to using plexiglass outside.

Below you will find the main pros and cons of the transparent material so that you can make a more informed decision.

Pros of Using Plexiglass for Deck Railings

Cost-effectiveness

When comparing the price of plexiglass to other common clear materials like glass, for example, the former is a lot cheaper.

Moreover, it is relatively easy to work with plexiglass and is lightweight. One can use ordinary household tools to cut and assemble plexiglass, so you might not need to pay the high installation cost.

Clarity

Plexiglass is one of the most transparent materials out there. New sheets have a crystal-like appearance and a light transmittance percentage of up to 92%.

It is shatterproof

Even when plexiglass cracks, it will not shatter, which makes the material a safer alternative to glass. By the way, acrylic is also about 10 times more impact-resistant than glass.

It is a solid barrier

Unlike cable railings, plexiglass sheets are completely solid which means that no small object is going to fall.

Can be made with a variety of coatings

If you want to go the extra mile, you can choose from a wide range of coatings that are going to protect the plexiglass. There are special substances that can make the material UV- or abrasion-resistant.

Of course, all these additions come at their own cost.

Cons of Using Plexiglass for Deck Railing

Is not resistant to a lot of household cleaners

If you want your plexiglass railing to look amazing, you would have to keep it clean. However, that might become quite a challenge as plexiglass is not resistant to various abrasives.

In a nutshell, the cleaning products that are made especially for glass, for example, can end up damaging plexiglass.

Is not resistant to UV-damage

Of course, if you are opting for a plexiglass deck railing, you would want the material to stay transparent. Unfortunately, UV rays can make the material more yellow or milky throughout the years.

The longer the exposure to UV and the stronger the radiation, the more profound the damage will be. This is a feature of any kind of acrylic plastic.

Hint: you can opt for a manufacturer that produces plexiglass sheets that have been stabilized and made UV-resistant (the price tag of such a material is going to be higher though).

Plastic is not a biodegradable option

If you are interested in going green, then you would want to stay away from plastic. During the material’s production process, toxic gases and fumes get released, and when it comes to utilization – there are plenty of other options that are much easier to recycle.

Birds Can’t See It

Another big downside of plexiglass is that it can be dangerous for birds.

The little creatures might mistake the railing for open space and fly into it which can cause serious injuries or even death.

How to Keep Plexiglass Railing Maintained?

Taking great care of plexiglass will help make sure that the sheets continue to look nice and clear for long years.

For light cleaning, you would want to use a wet microfiber cloth. Simply rinse the cloth every time you get to a new area, so that the dust doesn’t set back on the panels.

To get rid of the tough stains, you would have to use a special non-abrasive cleaner. Allow the solution to sit on the panels for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a cloth.

Do not use ammonia, aromatics, and abrasives on your plexiglass as acrylic is quite sensitive to those.

Tip: you might want to draw something on the plexiglass with a white marker while it’s still transparent, as some birds might not notice the railing in the bright light and will end up hurting themselves.

Plexiglass Alternatives for Deck Railing

If a clear view is your main aim, then here are a few other options that you can go for:

Tempered glass deck railing

Tempered glass is more on the pricier side, but it might end up being less expensive than the majority of materials in the long run.

Thick tempered glass is a lot stronger and less breakable than regular glass, it is easy to take care of, and it will not change its appearance. A glass rail is very durable and can last for 10-25 (that’s the manufacturers’ guarantee, though, in reality, the material can last a lot longer).

Cable deck railing

The majority of homeowners might not be thinking of cable as a transparent material. But the truth is that some stainless-steel cables are so thin, then they become pretty much invisible

Cable railing requires only minimal periodic cleaning and can last for decades (especially, if you have gone for a stainless-steel cable).

The upfront cost is not low, but cable railing is relatively easy to install when compared to glass railing, so you can omit the installation costs if you’re an experienced DIYer.

What is the most inexpensive deck railing?

Both composite and vinyl railings are going to be cheaper than glass, plexiglass, and metal options. If you want to save on the costs, then you can always opt for a wood railing and paint it white – that way it would look clean and elegant.

Final Thoughts

Plexiglass can become a really good choice in cases when safety and cost are the top priorities. For example, the usage of this material for skylights and greenhouses has a lot of benefits.

However, when it comes to transparency, plexiglass is not the best option. The material will scratch and change color throughout the years.

If you have opted for a glass-like material for your deck railing, you would want it to stay nice and clear. And that’s exactly what plexiglass can’t really do.

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Can You Use Plexiglass for a Deck Railing? (What You Need To Know)