There are many advantages when it comes to building a glass deck. In the past, when looking at deck railing systems, wood was one of your only options. Now there are all kinds of deck products in all kinds of materials, and you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. Many people are opting for glass deck railing systems because of the low maintenance and how pleasing it is to the eye. In addition, glass deck products allow you to enjoy your deck without being forced to enjoy heavy winds or water sprays. A lot of homeowners decide on building a glass deck if they live near water. Not only do glass deck railing systems allow you an uninterrupted view of the ocean or lake, they also protect you from irritating elements such as wind. If you live near a body of water, you've likely noticed the wind is quite a bit stronger than in landlocked areas. Unlike wood or metal railings, where wind is free to flow in and out, glass deck products offer an attractive shield while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. When building a glass deck it's important to leave small spaces in between the panels to facilitate air flow, however. These tiny spaces don't allow large gusts of wind to flow through, and they protect your deck from becoming damaged from high and powerful winds. When living near water, another problem you may face is the salty sea breeze damaging the wood on your deck. With glass deck railing systems you don't have to be concerned about the elements compromising the integrity of your deck. One of the downsides of building a glass deck is that it can be rather expensive. In order to cut down on costs you should consider building a combination deck. You can use glass deck products on only part of your deck - preferably the part closest to water that will be most exposed to the elements. Or, you can use glass deck products where you'd most like to have an unobstructed view. By using a combination of glass and wooden or metal deck railing systems you can create a stunning deck without breaking the bank. Building a glass deck is also a great option for homes located in the woods. Wooded areas have a lot of bugs, and wooden decks can take a lot of abuse from insects. In particular, termites may decide your deck is the perfect place for them to set up their new home. When you install glass deck railing systems, you don't have to worry about bugs moving in. In addition, any animals that may be apt to chew on wood are also discouraged by glass deck products. When building a glass deck, you may be wondering what sort of rail posts you should use. A great option for providing an uninterrupted view of the landscape is the InvisiRail post. InvisiRail can be used in combination with other posts or by itself to create a deck railing that's practically invisible to the naked eye. InvisiRail is available in powder coated aluminum which will stand up well to elements such as wind and salty sea water.