Glass Balustrades

The standard height, in accordance with building regulations is dependent on whether your installation is indoors or outdoors. Where the installation is indoors the minimum height has to be 900mm from the finished floor level. Externally, the minimum height has to be 900mm on a staircase and 1100mm on balconies. Remember these are the minimum heights, but can be taller if you wish.

No, the minimum height requirement is the same for both residential and commercial settings.

Yes, we can install a balustrade without a handrail for an unobscured view. For safety, the type of glass installed will be different in order to comply with building regulations.

A glass balustrade can be either depending on the system chosen and always within the guidelines of building regulations. However, as a general guide where handrails are not installed, laminated glass must be used.

Yes, we can install a balustrade without posts & a handrail for an unobscured view. The type of glass installed will be different in order to comply with safety regulations. The rules around stairs are a little different though so give us a call if you’d like to talk about your project.

With a large choice of fixings available we can choose the correct fixings to overcome any uneven floor surfaces.

The simple answer to this is yes. A decking platform is one of the most common places where we install glass balustrades. We would need to check the structure of the decking to ensure it is viable for fixing to.

No, all of our components are made using aluminium or stainless steel grade 316, both of which will not rust.

The run of a glass balustrade itself can be as long as required. However, each individual piece of glass according to building regulations stipulate that the maximum width is 1500mm. The size of the glass we install is generally dependent upon the overall length of the balustrade and what fits in better for aesthetic purposes, to leave you with all glass panels the same size where possible.

Not all balustrade installations require planning permission; in fact, many don’t. You will need to check. You can do this by contacting the local planning department of your local authority. Here’s a handy tool for quickly finding yours: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority

Yes, glass must never touch as it needs room to expand otherwise there is a risk of breakage. How wide should the gap between the glass panels be? We recommend an air gap of 30mm, this can be increased to a maximum of 100mm. In our experience 30mm is aesthetically the appropriate gap and safety wise it does not create a finger trap. Anything above 100mm would not meet regulations.

Yes, we can supply on a self install DIY basis. We recommend first installing any metal work and then measuring and ordering your glass after in order to ensure a better fit as toughened or laminated glass cannot be cut down after.

A keen diy-er will have the basic tools required to install a glass balustrade, these should include a drill and associated bits and thread taps, screwdrivers and spirit level. However in addition PLEASE NOTE that the handrail supplied (if required) comes in either a 2.5 or 5 metre length and will require cutting to length, we recommend this using a specialist saw to avoid damaging the finish.

Sorry, we have a strict rule: “We only measure what we fit and will only fit what we measure”. This eliminates any room for error by the customer or the supplier. This is the result of decades of experience learning how to best offer our customers the best service, reducing the risk of errors and additional costs to our customers.

Sorry, we have a strict rule: “We only measure what we fit and will only fit what we measure”. This eliminates any room for error by the customer or the supplier. This is the result of decades of experience learning how to best offer our customers the best service, reducing the risk of errors and additional costs to our customers.

90% of the clamps we supply are brushed stainless. However, polished chrome is another option along with black, nickel and many other options. Please call us to discuss what finish you require.

We always recommend using brushed stainless steel for balustrade hardware as aesthetically it is easier to maintain as it doesn’t show fingerprints and it doesn’t scratch or show scratches as easily. The only time we really recommend installing polished chrome is if it is being sited near the sea, as the salt in the air can affect the appearance of stainless steel.

We can supply your glass balustrade in tinted options of grey and bronze (also known as smoked glass). Satin glass as known as frosted is another alternative should you require privacy. For a commercial setting, we can also offer printing on the glass.