Base Rail
Clean lines and visible strength define this frameless glass system. With a surface-mounted, continuous base (shoe) that clamps glass from below, Base Rail delivers an uninterrupted sightline from end to end. It lines up fast for installation, keeps your view open, and is a perfect choice for everything from residential decks to commercial balconies.
Tucked away in the deep woods of McCoy, VA, this natural deck added some modern flair with a base rail glass railing system and black metal top cap.
This home embraced their stunning views by choosing glass railing for their balconies. With Viewrail's Baserail system, this beautiful view remained untouched while creating a safe space to enjoy the outdoors.
Located high above the Las Vegas Strip, The New American Home 2025 utilized Base Rail glass railing to maximize the breathtaking views of the valley below. Paired the endurance bronze power coated cap rail, this railing matches the warmth of the desert.
This event space choose to refresh its stairway with sleek glass railing – giving a touch of modern luxury in an otherwise classical space.
Products: Base Rail, FLIGHT Floating Stairs, FLIGHT Stack, Glass Railing
Location: West Hampton Dunes, NY
Year: 2024
This ultra modern FLIGHT Stack System highlights the simplicity and elegance of the space with a perfect pairing of floating stairs and a luxurious glass railing system.
This glass railing is on par with the beauty of the view!
Seamless Strength
Instantly modern and as at home on interior mezzanines as it is on exterior balconies, Base Rail is a minimalist workhorse. Its continuous channel makes layouts easy over long distances, delivers a rock-solid feel, and hides visual clutter at the floor. Use it on decks, balconies, and landings, or pair it with a unique stair glass system like Vedera or Ascend Talons for a cohesive look.
Safety You Can Feel
Architectural glass sits clamped securely into a structural shoe that stays straight and resists slipping or wobbling. If you opt for a continuous cap rail, it ties the panels together for added stiffness and a firm handrail. All together it means Base Rail is built to last.
For your custom Base Rail system, we’ll engineer everything — glass thickness, panel width, handrails, etc. — to make sure it’s exactly what you want, up to code, and built strong.
Straightforward Installation
Snap a line where your base goes and you’r ready to install your custom Base Rail. After you’ve checked your backing you can align and anchor your base sections before inserting your clamps and setting in the provided glass panels. From there, plumb and lock your panels, install the cover plates and add your cap rail if you have one. Seal it, clean it, done.
Even easier? Use our Certified Installers for a professional install from stairs to railing.
Want an Even Cleaner Look?
Make it Recessed.
For a frameless system with no visible shoe and a clean floor line, ask your rep about Recessed Base Rail. The channel is set flush to your finished surface so that glass appears to rise directly from the floor. Get this seamless aesthetic that gives you the same Base Rail strength and modernism with an even cleaner look.
Glass Panel Types
Starphire®
Low-iron, ultra-clear glass
Solar Gray
Darkly tinted for a rich, modern look
Solar Bronze
A dark amber tint that exudes luxury
Frosted
Lets in light without sacrificing privacy
Design Options
Mounting
Surface
Recessed
Panel Widths
48-54″
Material
6061 Aluminum shoe
Glass Thickness
1/2″
9/16″
3/4″
Handrail
Aluminum
Stainless steel
Wood
Glass Height
Up to 42″ (system)
Glass Tint
Ultra-clear low‑iron
Solar Gray
Solar Bronze
Frosted
Coating
Hydrophobic available
Finishes
Viewrail powder‑coat colors
Custom powder-coat color
Use
Interior
Exterior
Get the Details
Download specs, guides, and more.
Spec Sheets
Base Rail Spec Sheet
Wood Top Cap
Metal Top Cap
ICC ESR-4799
Installation Guides
Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when designed to your project. We set glass thickness, panel width/spacing, anchor schedule, and handrail details with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) under the applicable IRC/IBC code.
A cap rail is often recommended for stiffness and edge protection. Many commercial or high‑load conditions require a continuous top cap. Your drawings will indicate what’s required.
While Base Rail is best known for is use on level runs and landings, it's also effective on stairs as well. Another option is to pair Base Rail on a landing with Ascend Talons or Posts on stairs as a complement.
At least 3.5 inches wide.
Choose Recessed when you want a flush floor line, minimal trip edge, or a premium interior detail. Plan recess depth and drainage early. Recessed Base Rail works best when installed parallel to joists, and isn't recommended with joists that run perpendicular to the system.
48-54 inches. Panel width and height depend on glass type, exposure, and load category. We’ll finalize spans during engineering. Your shop drawings will show exact sizes.
Concrete, steel, and wood framing with adequate blocking (typically at least 4" of solid substrate, see your specific drawings) all work. Anchors and spacing are called out on the drawings based on your substrate.
Use durable powder‑coat finishes; in harsh/coastal regions, specify premium coatings. Covers can be color‑matched to surrounding finishes.
Many independent contractors and DIYers install with our documentation. Through our nationwide network of experienced Certified Installers, you can find a professional familiar with Viewrail systems in your region.
Orders ship in protective crates, labeled to match the drawings for easier staging on site. Your rep will provide a delivery timeline based on your location and scope.
Your order may qualify for Viewrail Delivery, where we deliver on our own trucks with knowledgable drivers who can make sure it arrives safely, confirm that you're not missing anything, and can answer questions.
Use a pH‑neutral glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals. Hydrophobic coatings are available to reduce water spots and fingerprints.
Base Rail Drain Blocks can be used to alleviate this concern. They are placed under the Base Rail body and the hole in the Block is lined up with a mounting hole in the Base Rail channel. The mounting hardware (wood lag or concrete wedge anchor) is then fastened down through the hole and holds the Block in place. This raises the entire system just over 3/8 ” off the mounting surface and lets water drain underneath the Base Rail.
- Project address and adopted code (IRC/IBC version)
- Guard locations (deck, balcony, landing) and linear footage
- Substrate (wood, concrete, steel) and any required blocking
- Desired glass type/thickness (tempered/laminated), tint/frost if any
- Cap rail plan (profile/material) and any wall‑mounted rails
- Panel layout targets (approx. widths), corner/termination details, and expansion joints
- If recessed: finished floor build‑up and drainage detail
- Finish selections (shoe covers/caps color, cap rail style)
