From Toddler-Proof to Storage-Smart: My DIY Deck Build with Aluminum Decking and Glass Railing
I’ve worked at Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Co. for 6 years and have always loved our maintenance free watertight aluminum decking and framed glass aluminum railing systems. But once I became a mom to twin two-year-old daughters, every home improvement decision started revolving around safety, durability, and practicality. So when my husband and I were finally ready to finish our elevated deck, choosing aluminum decking and glass railing was an easy decision.
What I did not expect was how much the finished space would completely change how we use our home.
Our deck has become a barefoot-friendly play area, an outdoor dining room, a peaceful overlook of our property, and even a dry storage area underneath. It feels like we added usable square footage to our house without building an addition.
A DIY Deck Build That Required Serious Planning
That said, I want to be honest about one thing upfront: this is not a beginner DIY project. Installing a watertight aluminum deck system requires experience and careful planning. There are technical aspects involving structural support, water management, flashing details, and local building code requirements. My husband is an experienced DIYer, and even with my product knowledge from working at Craft-Bilt, we still spent a lot of time planning before installation day. If you are comfortable reading plans, understanding load requirements, and working through detailed installations, it can absolutely be a rewarding project.
The Unexpected Benefit: Dry Storage Under the Deck
One of the biggest benefits we noticed immediately was the dry storage underneath the deck. Because the aluminum decking system is watertight, the area below stays protected from rain and snow. My husband quickly claimed it as his favorite part of the project. Now our mower deck, wheelbarrows, and garden stakes are all organized under the deck instead of taking up room in our garage. It also keeps our firewood protected from the elements and our unsightly rain barrel tucked away from view.
Glass Railing Was the Perfect Choice for Our Backyard
Above the deck, my favorite feature is the framed glass aluminum railing system. Our backyard backs up to a meadow and woods, and the glass railing gives us a clear, unobstructed view of the property. Traditional balusters would have broken up the sightline, but the glass panels almost disappear visually. In the morning, sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee while the girls play has become one of my favorite parts of the day, and a glass of wine at sunset isn’t far behind!
Creating a Safer Outdoor Space for Our Toddlers
As a parent, safety was also a major factor in choosing glass railing. The tempered glass panels create a strong barrier around the elevated deck, which gives me peace of mind with two energetic toddlers constantly running around. The railing feels secure and sturdy without making the space feel closed in.
Another thing I genuinely appreciate is how comfortable the aluminum decking stays during the summer. Unlike some decking materials that become unbearably hot in direct sun, the aluminum surface stays much cooler under bare feet. My daughters are constantly outside without shoes, and I never have to worry about them stepping onto a scorching hot deck surface, getting a splinter from cracking boards, or catching their foot on a nail pop (did I mention Craft-Bilt decking uses hidden fasteners?).
The glass railing has also surprised us during windy weather. Because our house sits in a more open area, wind can sometimes make outdoor spaces uncomfortable. The glass helps block the harshest gusts while still allowing enough airflow to keep the deck cool and comfortable on warm days. It creates a much more usable outdoor space throughout the seasons.
Easy Cleanup for Busy Families
And with two toddlers, easy cleanup might be the most important feature of all.
If you have ever watched small children eat spaghetti and meatballs, you already know exactly what I mean. Between dropped sauce, juice spills, and crushed snacks, our deck sees its share of messes. Thankfully, aluminum decking is incredibly easy to clean. We simply rinse it off or wipe it down without worrying about staining or ongoing maintenance.
Seasonal cleaning is just as simple. In the spring, we use a long-handled bristle brush, some soapy water, and a hose with a spray attachment to freshen everything up. The framed glass railing cleans up just as easily, so the entire deck looks polished again with minimal effort.
More Than a Deck: An Outdoor Space We Use Every Day
Looking back, this project gave us so much more than a finished deck. It created a safe place for our daughters to play barefoot, a relaxing outdoor living space for our family, and practical dry storage underneath that we use every single day. For homeowners looking for a maintenance free deck solution that combines safety, durability, and functionality, aluminum decking and glass railing have been an incredible fit for our home. If you are considering a similar project and want to learn more about maintenance free aluminum decking or framed glass aluminum railing systems, the team at Craft-Bilt Manufacturing Co. can help you explore options that fit your space and your goals.
