Glass railings open up a staircase, a balcony, or a patio without blocking the view, and in coastal Southeast Florida that view is usually the whole point. At CFG Shower Doors & Closets, we design and install glass railing systems for homes across the tri-county area from our Boca Raton showroom. Below are the questions homeowners ask us most. If you have one that isn’t covered, call us at 561.989.8373.

Are glass railings safe?

Yes, when they’re built with the right glass and hardware, glass railings are very safe and are used on stairs, balconies, and elevated decks every day. They’re made from tempered or laminated safety glass, which is engineered to be strong and to fail safely if it’s ever damaged. The panels are secured in systems rated to withstand the horizontal load a railing has to resist. Proper engineering and installation are what make the difference, which is why this isn’t a DIY job.

What are the code and height requirements for a glass railing?

Guardrail height and load requirements are set by building code, and the exact numbers depend on whether the railing is residential or commercial and whether it’s on stairs or a level surface. In general, guardrails have a minimum height and must resist a specified horizontal load. Florida’s coastal building requirements can add considerations too. We design each railing to meet the applicable code for your project and location, and we’ll walk you through what applies to your home.

What’s the difference between framed and frameless glass railings?

A framed railing captures the glass in metal posts and rails, which is a traditional, budget-friendly look. A frameless railing skips the vertical posts and holds the glass with either a base shoe (a channel along the bottom that grips the glass) or standoff mounts (metal fittings that pin the glass to a wall or the edge of the deck). Frameless systems give you the cleanest, most open view. Which one fits depends on your style, your structure, and your budget.

What are base shoe and standoff systems?

A base shoe is a continuous aluminum channel mounted along the floor or deck edge that the glass panels seat into, giving a clean uninterrupted line with no visible posts. Standoffs are individual round or cylindrical fittings that bolt through the glass and anchor it to a wall or fascia, leaving a small gap between the glass and the structure. Both are frameless approaches, and each has its own look and mounting requirements. We help you choose based on your structure and the look you want.

Can I use glass railings on interior stairs and exterior balconies?

Yes, glass railings work well in both. Interior stair railings are a popular way to keep sightlines open and make a home feel larger and brighter. Exterior balcony and deck railings let you keep the water or landscape view while meeting guardrail requirements. The glass type and hardware finish are selected for the environment, so exterior installs get corrosion-resistant fittings. We handle both regularly across Southeast Florida.

What glass type and thickness are used for railings?

Railings use thick tempered safety glass, and many exterior and elevated applications use laminated glass, which bonds two layers with an interlayer so the panel stays intact even if the glass is broken. The thickness is chosen based on the panel size, the mounting system, and the load the railing has to carry, so it’s specified per project rather than one-size-fits-all. Thicker glass and laminated construction add strength and peace of mind. We’ll specify the right glass for your railing during design.

Do glass railings hold up to salt air and humidity in South Florida?

Glass itself is unaffected by salt air and humidity, which is a big reason it’s popular near the coast. The key is the hardware: we use corrosion-resistant metals and finishes for exterior and coastal installs so the fittings hold up alongside the glass. Choosing marine-appropriate hardware from the start is what prevents rust and staining down the road. This is exactly the kind of detail we plan for given where we work.

How do I clean and maintain a glass railing?

Cleaning is simple: a microfiber cloth and a streak-free glass cleaner, or water with a little vinegar, keeps the panels clear. Near the coast, rinsing exterior glass and hardware periodically helps wash off salt buildup. It’s also worth checking the mounting hardware occasionally to confirm everything stays snug. Beyond that, glass railings are one of the lower-maintenance railing options available.

What drives the cost of a glass railing?

Cost depends on the system (framed versus frameless), glass type and thickness, total linear footage, the number of panels and corners, and the hardware finish. Frameless base shoe and standoff systems with laminated glass sit higher than a basic framed run, and stairs add complexity over a straight level railing. Site access and mounting structure matter too. A free in-home consultation is the best way to get an accurate quote for your project.

Where does CFG install glass railings?

We serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County from our Boca Raton showroom. Interior stairs, exterior balconies, pool decks, and patios across the tri-county area are all within our range. Call 561.989.8373 to set up a free consultation.

Talk to CFG: Ready to open up your view with a glass railing? CFG Shower Doors & Closets offers free in-home consultations across Southeast Florida. See our services, contact us, or request a free quote to get started.

A custom mirror does more than reflect a room. It shapes light, makes a space feel bigger, and finishes a wall the way a stock mirror never quite can. At CFG Shower Doors & Closets, we fabricate and install custom mirrors across Southeast Florida from our Boca Raton showroom, and these are the questions homeowners and designers ask us most. If you don’t see yours here, give us a call at 561.989.8373.

What’s the difference between a custom mirror and an off-the-shelf mirror?

An off-the-shelf mirror comes in fixed sizes and standard shapes, so you’re stuck working around whatever the store happened to stock. A custom mirror is cut to your exact wall, opening, or design, which means no awkward gaps and no settling for “close enough.” We measure the space, account for outlets and fixtures, and fabricate the glass to fit. The result usually looks built-in rather than hung.

Can you make mirrors in custom shapes and sizes?

Yes. We cut mirrors to almost any rectangular, square, arched, round, or radius-cornered shape, and we can go oversized for a full feature wall. If you have a sketch, a template, or just a rough idea, bring it to the consultation and we’ll tell you what’s feasible. Very large mirrors are usually made from a single sheet when the dimensions allow, or seamed cleanly when they don’t.

What are frameless and beveled mirrors?

A frameless mirror has no surrounding frame, so the glass edge itself is finished, which gives a clean, modern look. A beveled mirror has an angled, polished border cut into the glass around the perimeter, adding a subtle decorative edge that catches light. You can combine the two, and both are popular for vanities, entryways, and living spaces. We’ll walk you through edge options at the showroom so you can see them in person.

Do you make bathroom vanity mirrors?

Vanity mirrors are one of our most requested projects. We can replace a builder-grade mirror with a single custom piece sized to your vanity, or do split mirrors over a double sink. We work around sconces, medicine cabinets, and outlets, and we can finish the edges to match the rest of your bathroom glass. It’s an easy upgrade that changes the whole feel of the room.

Can you install gym and dance studio wall mirrors?

Yes, and this is a common request for home gyms, dance rooms, and studios. Wall mirrors for these spaces are typically large-format and installed edge to edge for a continuous reflection. Because they’re big and mounted on a wall people move around, safety backing and secure mounting matter a lot here. We handle the layout, seaming, and installation so the finished wall is flat, level, and safe.

What is safety backing on a mirror?

Safety backing is a film applied to the back of the mirror that holds the glass together if it ever breaks, so the pieces stay in place instead of falling. It’s a smart choice for gyms, kids’ rooms, and any large mirror mounted where people gather. We often recommend it for oversized and floor-adjacent installations. Ask us whether it makes sense for your project.

How do you measure and install a custom mirror?

We start with an in-home measurement so we capture the true dimensions, wall condition, and any obstructions like outlets or trim. The mirror is then fabricated to those specs and installed using a combination of mechanical clips, mirror mastic, or a track system depending on size and location. Proper mounting is what keeps a heavy mirror secure for years, so we don’t cut corners on the hardware. Most installs are quick and clean.

What drives the cost of a custom mirror?

Price comes down to size, glass thickness, edge treatment, shape, and any special features like safety backing or antique finishes. A simple rectangular vanity mirror sits at one end, while an oversized shaped feature wall with beveled edges sits at the other. Installation complexity and access play a role too. The best way to get an accurate number is a free in-home consultation, where we can see the space and quote it properly.

Where does CFG install custom mirrors?

We serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County from our Boca Raton showroom. Whether you’re in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or the Miami area, we can come measure and install. Reach us at 561.989.8373 to set up a visit.

Talk to CFG: Ready to design a mirror that fits your space exactly? CFG Shower Doors & Closets offers free in-home consultations across Southeast Florida. Explore our services, contact us, or request a free quote to get started.

When a shower door starts leaking, dragging, or looking cloudy, the first question is always the same: fix it or replace it? At CFG Shower Doors & Closets, we handle both repairs and full replacements for clients across Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, and we’ll always tell you honestly which one makes more sense. Here are the questions we field most often about shower glass repair.

Should I repair or replace my shower glass?

It comes down to what’s actually wrong. Worn seals, loose handles, and failing rollers or hinges are usually straightforward repairs. But if the glass itself is cracked or chipped, or if the enclosure is old and the hardware is discontinued, replacement is often the smarter long-term move. We assess the specific issue and give you a straight recommendation rather than pushing the bigger job.

My tempered glass is cracked or chipped. What now?

Cracked or chipped tempered glass needs to be handled carefully and promptly. Tempered safety glass is built to shatter into small pieces all at once if it fails, so a chip or crack can be an early warning sign that the panel’s integrity is compromised. A cracked tempered panel generally can’t be repaired and should be replaced. Please don’t try to keep using it, and reach out so we can help safely.

Why can’t cracked tempered glass just be patched?

Because of how tempered glass is made. It’s heat-treated to build internal tension that makes it strong, but that same property means it can’t be cut, drilled, or patched after the fact, and a real crack undermines the whole panel. The safe, correct fix is a replacement panel fabricated to match your enclosure. It’s a safety issue, not just a cosmetic one.

My glass looks foggy or etched. Can that be fixed?

It depends on the cause. Surface buildup from hard water and soap can often be cleaned or polished back to clarity, and a protective coating can help keep it clear going forward. But if the glass is truly etched, meaning minerals have permanently pitted the surface over years, cleaning won’t fully restore it and replacement is the way to get that like-new look back. We can tell you which situation you’re dealing with.

My door won’t slide or close right. Is that fixable?

Usually, yes. Sticking sliders, doors that won’t stay closed, and squeaky or sagging swings often come down to worn rollers, loose or failing hinges, dirty tracks, or misalignment. These are common repairs and often much cheaper than replacing the whole enclosure. We’ll diagnose the hardware and get the door operating smoothly again when it’s a good candidate for repair.

Can you replace just the seals, sweeps, or hardware?

Yes. Seals and sweeps wear out over time and are a frequent cause of leaks, and swapping them is one of the most common and cost-effective repairs we do. We can also replace handles, hinges, rollers, and clips when parts are available. Refreshing the wear items can add real life to an otherwise solid enclosure.

What drives the cost of a repair?

Repair cost depends on what’s involved: swapping a seal or sweep is minor, while replacing hardware or a full glass panel is more. Availability of matching parts and the type and thickness of glass also factor in. Because every enclosure is different, the honest way to get a real number is a quick look and a free quote from our team.

How fast can CFG help?

For repairs, we work to get you scheduled promptly, especially for anything involving cracked glass or a shower you can’t safely use. Full glass replacements involve custom fabrication, so those carry a lead time while the new panel is made. When you reach out, we’ll give you a realistic timeframe based on your specific situation.

Do you service doors installed by another company?

In many cases, yes. We’re glad to take a look at an enclosure installed by someone else and let you know what can be repaired versus what’s better replaced. Sometimes matching older or discontinued hardware is the limiting factor, and we’ll be upfront if that’s the case. Either way, you’ll get an honest assessment.

Talk to CFG. Dealing with a cracked, foggy, or malfunctioning shower door? See our services overview, request a free quote, or contact CFG at 561.989.8373 and we’ll help you figure out the right fix.