Decks with Curved Rails — A Muskoka Case Study
Curved rails are one of those details a lot of builders attempt and few pull off — something that actually fits the site, reads well up close, and holds up structurally for decades. This project, a summer residence near Gravenhurst, is one we’re proud of.
The design had to work two ways at once: flow naturally from the house, and read well from the water, since elevated lakeside homes get seen from both directions.
Structurally, the rim joists are a solid lamination of red cedar and marine-grade adhesive — effectively one continuous curved piece built up from multiple layers, installed and fastened like a standard joist, then bolted to the posts like any deck. The top cap is laminated the same way and faired smooth (a boatbuilding term for evening out a curve), sized generously — about 9 inches wide around the curve — to allow for the small framing imperfections that are inevitable on a project like this. A drip edge keeps the inner rail dry.
The glass panels are quarter-inch tempered, a standard detail in our rail systems, engineered to span six feet without issue. Posts are spaced roughly every four and a half feet around the curve so flat glass panels can be used — curved glass is possible, but the price tag rules it out for most clients.
When you want a deck that shows off the view and the craftsmanship behind it, a curved rail like this is hard to beat.
This project was built in the Barrie/Muskoka area. See more of our work and get started on your own project on our Barrie area page.
