Glass railings have become one of the most requested custom glass upgrades in the New Orleans area. Whether you’re finishing a rooftop deck in the Warehouse District, a second-story balcony in the Garden District, a staircase in a Metairie home, or a commercial property anywhere in the metro, glass railings deliver an unobstructed view while meeting code requirements for safety. Star Glass Inc. designs and installs glass railing systems for residential and commercial properties throughout Jefferson and Orleans Parishes.
Glass Railing Systems We Install
Post-and-panel systems use vertical metal posts set at intervals with glass panels mounted between them. This is the most common and versatile system for both residential and commercial applications. Posts are available in stainless steel and aluminum in a range of finishes.
Standoff systems attach glass panels directly to the deck or wall structure using cylindrical metal standoffs rather than full posts. The result is a very clean, minimalist appearance — the glass seems to float. Works particularly well on decks and balconies.
Frameless base shoe systems mount an aluminum channel to the floor surface, into which the glass panels are seated and secured. No posts, no standoffs — just uninterrupted glass from floor to top rail. This system offers the most open look available and is popular in high-end residential and commercial installations.
Permits and Code Requirements in New Orleans
Glass railing installations in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish typically require a building permit for elevated applications — decks, balconies, and staircases. Key requirements include a minimum railing height of 36 inches for residential (42 inches for commercial and elevated decks over 30 inches), and the glass must be tempered or laminated safety glass. Standard annealed glass is not code-compliant for railing applications.
We recommend verifying permit requirements with the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits or Jefferson Parish’s permitting department before beginning your project.
Design Your Glass Railing Online
Use our Glass Railing Designer to configure your system, choose your hardware finish, and see what your finished railing will look like before installation.
Hardware Finishes
Post, standoff, and base shoe hardware is available in brushed stainless, polished stainless, matte black, and other finishes depending on the system. The right finish depends on your existing architecture and personal preference — we’ll help you match or complement what you already have.Recent Railing Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Do glass railings require a permit in New Orleans? Yes, in most cases. Elevated applications — balconies, raised decks, staircases — generally require a permit. We recommend confirming with your local permitting authority before starting.
What glass thickness is used for railings? Typically, 1/2″ tempered glass for most residential applications. Thicker glass may be required for taller panels or higher-load commercial applications.
How do you maintain glass railings in the New Orleans climate? The hardware is the main maintenance concern — inspect fasteners and base connections periodically for corrosion. The humid Louisiana climate is hard on metal hardware over time.
Ready to Get Started?
Star Glass Inc. — 1000 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053.
Serving Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and the greater New Orleans metro.
- Call or text: (504) 368-8826
- Email: glass@starglass.com
- Contact form