Client as Artist, Metal Railing as Canvas
Posted by: Jennifer on March 17, 2010
We recently created and installed this simple metal deck railing for clients in NE Portland.

Simple yes, but unique & stunning still the same due to the creativity of our clients. They wanted to add an assortment of handmade colored glass tiles to the railing but didn’t know quite how. After talking through some ideas we decided on a 4″ x 4″ mesh railing pattern. Dave would then create metal bezels to hold the tiles in place; positions dictated by client.
Here is Dave’s initial mock-up of the bezel, which turned out to be an effective design:

The glass tiles can then be easily secured into place with silicon after the finished railing is installed.

Placing glass tile into metal bezel.
Close-up of glass tiles.
This project came at the tail end of a complete house renovation that was part of Portland’s Tour of Remodeled Homes. The clients have a vision of a whimsical garden in which to relax & entertain, so as they & their landscapers were quickly finishing the backyard for the tour, we were working diligently on our end to build the railing. The railing was finished with a grey/beige textured powder coat that complements the window & house trim colors quite nicely.

If you are interested in a similar style ornamental metal railing, please give us a call. 360.281.5619

Ron Said,
March 18, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
Dear Cobalt Design Duo, aka Dave and Jennifer,
Nice job on this deck railing. The simplicity is wonderful and the openness perfect. The bezel solution is nifty. When others see this example of your work, orders will come in.
The way you are customizing your work life is inspiring.
Love,
Ron
Jennifer Corio Said,
March 22, 2010 @ 9:43 am
Thank you, Ron. The bezel system creates a wide array of design opportunities, and we look forward to building more railings using this technique.