The Ultimate Guide to Glass Balustrades: Enhancing Your Property's Aesthetics and Safety
As experts in the glass field, EGW is here to provide you with in-depth information and valuable insights to help you make informed decisions regarding your property's aesthetics and safety.
Glass balustrades are an increasingly popular choice for homes and commercial spaces, offering a sophisticated and modern aesthetic while ensuring the safety of those using the space. If you’re shopping for custom balustrade systems, be sure to read through our guide to discover what you should know before placing your order.
What is a glass balustrade?
A glass balustrade is a barrier made with glass panels that is commonly used on stairs, balconies, or elevated flooring levels to prevent people from falling without blocking views or light flows.
This type of barrier system can be frameless or framed with metal posts and handrails, depending on the location, as the materials and installation must comply with safety regulations. There are also different glazing options to choose from, such as laminated glass and tinted or frosted satin glass.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional timber railings or fence panels, glass railings are the ideal solution, as they provide a stylish look and fall protection while still being see-through.
Which types of glass balustrades are available?
There are several types of glazed balustrade to choose from, each offering unique benefits and design possibilities, which include:
Frameless Glass Balustrades
Featuring toughened glass panels without any visible vertical posts, frameless glass balustrades provide an unobstructed view for the ultimate sleek appearance. They are perfect for minimalist designs and both small and open-concept spaces.
Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrades
Using minimal vertical posts between the glass panels, semi-frameless glass balustrades offer a balance between open views and structural support. This design is ideal for those who want a subtle but distinct barrier without sacrificing visibility.
Framed Glass Balustrades
Consisting of toughened glass panels with visible vertical posts and a top rail, this classic framed glass balustrade design is suitable for those who prefer a more traditional or industrial look while maintaining the main benefits of clear glass.
Where can glass balustrades be used?
As toughened glass is hard to break, it's the ideal material for slim yet strong balustrades in areas with high foot traffic, from residential properties to commercial buildings. Whether it's a home, an office, a shop, or an educational or healthcare facility, all can benefit from toughened glass balustrades.
Balustrades made from specially treated glass are the ideal mid-height partition for dividing different sections within a larger open area or elevated area. This could be for safety against trips and falls, or for organisational purposes to define enclosed areas and guide foot traffic – or both.
Indoor and Outdoor Glass Railings
From surrounding composite decking for the ultimate modern look to creating stylish Juliet balconies on upper storeys, or from guarding indoor stairs to organising retail or public transport premises, there are plenty of ways to use glass railing systems in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Whether for indoor use or outdoor use, examples that you're likely to see every day include glass balustrades for staircases, walkways, mezzanines, balconies, terraces, patio areas, and decks.
In addition to outlining walking and seating areas, their various outdoor uses include installation around accessible rooftops, gardens, swimming pool areas, and ponds as a safety barrier. If you want to be on-trend, one of the most popular outdoor applications is installing a glass infill panel across an upper-floor window to make a contemporary Juliet balcony.
What are the benefits of glass balustrades?
Glass balustrades offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties. Their many benefits include:
Aesthetic Appeal
Glass balustrades enhance the visual appeal of any space, creating a sleek and modern appearance. Their transparency allows for unobstructed views and improved light levels, making your property feel more spacious and open – especially when extra-clear low iron glass is used for the glass infills.
Custom Options
Need a custom-shaped balustrade? Let us know whether you want drilled holes, cut-outs, or dubbed or radius corners, and we’ll get right on it. Plus, from glass clamps to stainless steel posts, glass balustrade fittings are also available in our accessories shop to design an installation that works for you.
Safety and Durability
Constructed from toughened safety glass, glass balustrades are designed to withstand high levels of impact, ensuring safety for anyone using the space. They’re also resistant to weathering and corrosion, making them an extremely durable and long-lasting solution for all kinds of settings.
Low Maintenance
Convenient glass balustrades are very easy to maintain and clean, requiring only regular wiping with a glass cleaner or soapy water and a soft cloth to keep the glass railings looking pristine. Unlike wooden fencing, glass and metal components don’t require regular top-up treatments to prevent rot.
How much does a glass balustrade cost?
The price of glass balustrade systems varies, as it depends on several factors, such as the size of your staircase or floor area, the dimensions and number of panels you need, and the finish and fitting options you choose. After selecting your exact requirements, this will generate a quote, then you can check out to see the final price with shipping.
Here at Express Glass Warehouse, we're proud to offer some of the most competitive prices for our toughened glass balustrade panels. With good communication, including sending us technical drawings for custom shapes and finishes, you can be confident you're getting the highest quality products without having to break the bank.
Which glass balustrade is right for your property?
When selecting the perfect glass balustrade to fulfil your needs, consider the following factors:
Design and Aesthetics
Firstly, you should assess the overall design and aesthetics of your property to find a glass balustrade style that complements your existing architecture and/or interior design. With clear toughened/laminated glass, grey-tinted toughened glass, bronze-tinted toughened glass, and satin toughened glass categories to choose from, you’re sure to find a suitable look.
Purpose and Functionality
You’ll also need to determine the primary function of your glass balustrade – is it meant to add safety, be aesthetically pleasing, or both? Beyond appearances, make sure to select a balustrade that meets your specific needs and functional requirements, be it laminated glass for extra strength or frosted glass for greater privacy without blocking light transmission.
Location and Environment
To ensure that your design is fit for purpose, you must also think about the location and environmental factors that may impact your glass balustrade. For instance, if your property is near the coast, you may need to opt for an outdoor balustrade system made from marine-grade materials to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent corrosion.
Budget and Timeframe
Once you know what you want from your design, establish your budget before making a final decision. Glass balustrades come in a range of prices, so it's essential to find an option that fits within your financial constraints without compromising on quality. The larger and more customised they are, the more they will cost and the longer they will take to make.
What are the lead times for ordering toughened glass balustrades?
After your order from EGW has been confirmed, your toughened glass balustrade should be on the way to the address you have provided in 10–15 working days.
Once you’ve submitted your order and selected from the available delivery options, and we’ve processed your payment, you will receive an email verifying your order and the expected delivery timeframe. We may be in touch with you to confirm the order and delivery details, so it’s essential that you provide the correct contact information.
Please note that local deliveries will arrive faster, as we manufacture our products onsite in Essex. Courier delivery to further areas of the UK, like Cornwall, Devon, and Wales, will take up to 15–20 working days, while delivery to Scotland can take up to 20–25 working days. We do our best to fulfil orders within these estimates.
That said, custom products can take longer to produce, such as thicker glass types or special finishes like tinted glass. Sometimes, orders may be delayed due to busy periods or courier issues, but we will aim to keep you informed, and you can always contact us if you need help with your order.
More information about the process is available on our shipping and returns page. Be sure to read our pre-order technical notice before finalising your EGW order, too.
Should glass balustrades always have a handrail?
According to BS 6180:2011, glass balustrades should always have a handrail running continuously along the top or side, whether it’s an angled or straight balustrade. This isn't just to provide adequate support for users who may need to hold on while walking along or climbing steps or ramped floors, though.
The presence of the handrail also ensures that some kind of barrier will still remain in place even if the toughened glass balustrade breaks. Without a handrail, glass railings will leave a space if they shatter, which could pose a risk of people falling between different floor levels.
However, if you prefer the look of a frameless glass balustrade without a handrail, you can choose toughened laminated glass instead. This uses two panels of toughened glass and holds them together with a polymer layer in the middle, so the frameless balustrade will stay in place even if the individual glass panels break.
As the disclaimer on this page explains, it's your responsibility as the customer to make sure any product you order from EGW is fit for your intended purpose and complies with building regulations and safety standards. This is especially important for upper-floor installations, such as staircases or Juliet balconies.
Can I install a glass balustrade myself or should I hire a professional?
Glass railings will only remain effective with proper installation and maintenance, so it's important to ensure the safety and durability of your glass balustrade system by installing it correctly.
The best way to install glass balustrades depends on the location and configuration, as different building regulations may apply – and the requirements may be especially strict for installations where there is a height difference between floors, such as staircases or glass balcony systems.
Additionally, if you have a uniquely shaped balustrade, it may be difficult to install it in compliance with all the necessary standards if you aren’t 100% sure what you’re doing. This can also be true even if you have a standard balustrade system, as some installations may require drilling holes or embedding channels into the ground to anchor the panels.
This is why it's always recommended to have balustrades designed and installed by experienced professionals. They can advise you on the right design and installation method for your situation, and make sure that your balustrade complies with all relevant building codes and safety standards, giving you peace of mind that it will be safe and functional.
What maintenance is required for outdoor glass balustrades?
Whether they’re installed inside or outdoors, maintaining glass railings is pretty simple, as cleaning them and regularly checking their condition are straightforward tasks. Here are some essential tips for keeping your glass balustrade system in excellent condition:
1) Cleaning: Use a mild glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the glass infill panels, removing any dirt, dust, or fingerprints. Regular cleaning whenever you notice smudges or residue building up on the glass will help to maintain your balustrade's pristine appearance over time.
2) Inspections: Periodically inspect all of the balustrade's components, such as the glass panels, brackets, and fasteners, to ensure that everything remains secure and in good condition. This proactive approach can prevent potential issues and prolong the balustrade's lifespan.
3) Repairs: If you notice any signs of damage or wear, address the problem promptly by contacting a professional to assess the issue and repair the balustrade. Even if glass or stainless steel parts need replacing, timely repairs will ensure the continued safety and functionality of your balustrade.
It’s important to note, however, that outdoor balustrades are likely to need cleaning more often and experience more wear, due to exposure to the weather and outdoor elements.
Remember to prioritise professional installation and regular maintenance to ensure the longevity and performance of your glass balustrade. With the right choices and proper care, your custom balustrade system will be a beautiful and functional addition to your property for years to come.