

If you like clean lines and open space, a minimalist deck design could be a worthwhile renovation. Minimalist designs prioritize only the essential; utilizing limited materials that will achieve the core function. Aesthetics are a huge driver for choosing a minimalist design, however the positive impacts are more than visual. Minimalist designs often use less material and provide a greener approach to building. The material choices are often natural wood, stone, steel, and glass; simplistic and elegant. How to Create a Minimalist Deck Design Modern coastal homes are perfect candidates for clean simple designs. The focus is a “less is more” approach to functionality. Choose a limited color palette and emphasize a feeling of open space. Decking– Ipe’ hardwood decking is one of our favorite substrates for use in a minimalist deck designs. The dark rich color and tight grain patterns produced by this hardwood species are unmatched in the decking world. True craftsmanship is possible by using real timber such as Ipe’. Even a simple square or rectangle deck can look like a work of art by properly utilizing this amazing natural product. Furnishings– “less is more” when it comes to furnishings and minimalism. Everything should have a place or purpose in this type of design; so choose accordingly. A simple water feature or fire bowl can offer sculptural form to your deck without being overdone. Consider monochromatic patio furniture with simple accent colors used sparingly. Well chosen materials such as masonry, steel, glass and wood should be integrated into your choices. Look to the zen simplicity of traditional Japanese gardens and decks for pure exterior examples of these spaces. Lighting– Outdoor lighting can provide ambience and appealing accents to deck railings and stairs without losing the minimal design aspect. Consider only lighting every other post or every few stairs; whatever minimal amount of light that will provide safety and beauty. In any deck design it’s imperative not to over do the lighting. A minimalist space for night use should provide just enough light to navigate the space without drawing attention to the lighting itself. One element should never over power the design as a whole. Minimalist Railing Systems Over the years cable railings have absolutely exploded in popularity. Both interior and exterior designs can benefit from featuring these sleek modern railings. Glass panels and rod railings are also popular minimalist railing choices for your deck. Clean and simple lines combined with sturdy material choices like steel and stainless steel blend seamlessly into minimalism. Unimpeded views and a feeling of open space add to the desired effect. San Diego Cable Railings is a company dedicated to providing modern railing systems to a variety of DIY and professional customers across the country. We offer a full line of stainless cable railings and glass railing systems for interior and exterior projects; commercial and residential uses. Give us a call at (888) 389-0003 or visit the quote request form today.
Minimalist designs and products are in high demand. Our sales team receives requests on a daily basis for the most transparent and minimal railing frames and products we have to offer. Over the years we’ve built and tested all types of railing posts and frame systems in actual field conditions. This article aims to provide some information to our customers who want to utilize the most minimalist railing posts and hardware that any particular building application will safely permit. Our company offers a variety of different products and mounting systems with minimalist aesthetics in mind. Listed below are some of our minimalist railing products with descriptions: Flat Bar Cable Railing Posts- Possibly the least amount of visible obstruction from a vertical post; flat bar cable railing posts have an exceptionally minimal profile at 3/8″. Flat bar cable railing posts can also be called intermediate spreaders, pickets, or spreader posts. These posts can be alternated with 2″ structural posts to broaden viewing “windows” allowing for larger spacing in between standard posts. SDCR “ultra slim spreader posts” utilize welded connections making for a very rigid post despite their minimal profile. We have even seen our customers use them consecutively across a span of field posts while only using structural posts on the ends and corners for tension. We do not however, recommend the use of flat bar posts for any tension post. 1.5″ Stainless Steel Square Railing Posts 1.5″ square posts are an excellent option for both cable railing systems and glass railings. These posts can be capped with a low profile 1″x2″ top rail or even a standard 2″x4″. San Diego Cable Railings 1.5″ stainless steel posts can be used for glass panel railings by mechanically fastening “clips” or ” U channel” to the railing post with self tapping screws. Welded mounting connections ensure the ability to satisfy lateral loading requirements. This post system can be a great option for minimalist stair railings and can also satisfy a graspable railing requirement when utilizing 1″x2″ cap rail. Base Shoe for Glass Railings- Despite the fact that a base shoe is not exactly a railing post; it’s definitely worth a mention. Base shoes are used to secure glass panels via connection of the shoe to the base material (wall, deck surface, etc.). Base shoes are often constructed of mill finished aluminum which is lightweight and strong; allowing for free standing glass panels and absolute transparency. Shoe systems provide a safe support system for glass panels without the use of posts, clips or top railings. One caveat to the use of a base shoe could be the need for thicker glass panels. It is not recommended to use less than 3/8″ tempered glass panels and most commonly 1/2″ is called out for base shoe glass railing installations. Fully framed glass railing systems and clip systems will accommodate smaller 1/4″ tempered glass panels. San Diego Cable Railings is a full service fabricator and distributor of cable and glass railing systems. We offer turnkey solutions for sales and preferred installation of cable and glass railing systems, products and DIY railing systems. If you have questions or would like pricing our minimalist railing posts, visit the quote request page today.