A railing system that mixes and matches components or different building media is referred to as a hybrid railing system. This can be as simple as a steel post cable railing system that utilizes a wooden or composite cap. Another example of hybrid railing would be including multiple types of infill on a single installation. For customers exploring hybrid railing options or wondering about the benefits of installing a “mix and match” type system; here are some examples of how this can benefit your project:
Hybrid Material Selection for Cost Effective Deck Railings
One of the easiest ways to save money on any remodeling project is by selecting cost effective materials or value engineering the project. Cable railings are some of the easiest systems to modify and hybridize because they are so versatile. By simply selecting a wooden frame to support stainless cable infill, you can create a hybrid design that will cost less than an all steel system. Another example would include the use of a wooden or composite top rail combined with steel posts and cable infill. Similar configurations would also work with glass or pipe infill and utilize cost effective framing to lower the burden on more expensive materials like glass and stainless steel. Selecting wooden graspable rails (grab rails) to combine with steel brackets would provide cost savings in comparison to an all steel graspable railing.
Glass Panels and Cable Combination Railing
There are several reasons to examine the use and/or combination of glass and cable on a single installation. Cost could be one factor, but the repeated example we encounter is when there is a need for windbreak on a section of deck but not on the entire deck. Glass panels are transparent and beautiful to the eye; they also make an excellent wind break. A customer in the market for the aesthetics of stainless cable that also wants wind protection can choose a hybrid cable/glass system to achieve both goals. The hybrid railing in this case will serve multiple uses, likely cost less than all glass, and be interesting to look at. Both systems provide transparency and beauty, while the cable portion will require less frequent cleaning and cut down cost.
Hybrid Railings for Aesthetic Purposes
Roughly 50% of our railing kits and installations are now performed on the interior of our customers residences. Homes of all different ages and styles make perfect candidates for hybrid styling. One example could be a home with an existing oak hardwood floor and a customer that is looking to remodel their staircase. By simply fabricating a wooden top rail made from similar oak; a hybrid railing will tie in the old with the new. In this example a solid steel or stainless system may not work with the design and the older flooring but the hybrid railing does a great job marrying the two. The glass with cable combo can also work on the interior sections of homes where a loft will require glass but the staircase will be done in cable. Hybrid combos work great with older homes that do not require ultra modern or contemporary finishes.
Design combinations and possibilities are endless with multi purpose railing posts and mix/match infill options like stainless cable and glass. Our company has designed and supplied hybrid railing combos for customers nationwide. If you are interested in obtaining a quote for hybrid railing visit the quote request page today.
