The use of glass in Domestic balustrades is a “must-have” bringing unobscured sightlines and amazing panoramic vistas coupled with minimalist design.
Our balustrade systems are designed for Domestic applications with either seamless glass to glass panelling or with vertical posts and handrails for a more engineered aesthetic. The system and glass selection will vary in order to meet the latest UK Building Regulations as well as the design preference and the budget.
Channel Systems
Individual glass panels inserted into an aluminium base channel with minimal gaps in between allow you to enjoy an unrestricted panoramic view.
Post Systems
The use of vertical posts in balustrade, staircase and balcony design is more traditional and far more widespread than other systems, especially when glass is not included.
Button Fixing
For a simple and striking solution we can use circular stainless steel button fixings which clamp the glass panels to the wall or staircase stringer giving a minimalist design with or without a handrail.
Glass Selection
With a wide range of systems on offer the requirement for glass needs to change to meet UK Building Regulations as well as personal choice by way of look and by way of economy.
The use of glass in balustrades is a “must-have” bringing unobscured sightlines and amazing panoramic vistas coupled with minimalist design.
Glass Balustrades
Glass balustrades
Glass balustrades provide an elegant and practical option for staircase, decking and balcony installations for both domestic and commercial settings whether indoors or out.
Advances in glass technology in particular and glass balustrade design in general means there are many attractive, durable and practical examples of glass balustrades installation to be found throughout the world whether in secluded gardens or busy public areas such as airports and shopping malls.
What is a balustrade?
Glass balustrades provide an elegant and practical option for staircase, decking and balcony installations for both domestic and commercial settings whether indoors or out.
Advances in glass technology in particular and glass balustrade design in general means there are many attractive, durable and practical examples of glass balustrades installation to be found throughout the world whether in secluded gardens or busy public areas such as airports and shopping malls.
Glass balustrades for stairs or a balcony
Glass balustrades for stairs or a balcony are not restricted to ‘gentler’ domestic environments: while glass may be perceived as too fragile for heavy use areas, the reverse is actually true - so modern glass balustrades may be chosen for durability and ease of maintenance and not just for aesthetic reasons.
Glass balustrades’ cost
Glass balustrades’ cost effectiveness is a factor in terms of longevity and maintenance: glass only requires the occasional clean whereas wood often needs regular attention such as repainting or re-varnishing and eventual repairs and replacements.
Similarly, stone can require labour intensive care, attention and repair as it ages.
Glass balustrades detail and design
For a quality glass balustrades installation, various options are possible in terms of the balustrades glass type along with the balusters and handrails chosen.
A combination of glass panels and steel balusters and horizontal rails could be used, or maybe a combination of both - a wooden handrail with steel balusters perhaps?
Another option for glass balustrades stairs is a channel or button fixing system whereby there are no uprights - just glass panels slotted into a base so making the most of natural light and creating a minimalist look. Searching for ‘frameless glass balustrades UK’ would yield some examples.
Glass balustrade decking could similarly benefit from a frameless design so making areas open and clear, yet providing appropriate protection and partitioning as required.
Balustrades glass type
The glazing used for some residential glass balustrades would usually differ in type and specification compared to that used in a commercial setting, or in other high footfall areas such as railway stations, airports or shopping centres.
For residential interior use basic toughened glass may likely suffice - it is durable and should provide years of low maintenance use - but in commercial applications and public areas the glazing may have to satisfy glass balustrades building regulations.
To this end, toughened laminated glass may be required. As with vehicle windscreens, laminated glass used in a glass balustrade staircase is layered so will stay in place if broken and thus be safer in areas of higher footfall so meeting glass balustrades building regs.
Also, certain glass balustrades for gardens may require a more durable glass type: for example, near a swimming pool where broken glass could potentially prove dangerous.
Appearance is another factor governing balustrades glass type: you may prefer a totally clear ‘natural’ glass look or perhaps a slight tint or even an opaque finish? Various options are possible.
The use of glass in balustrades is a “must-have” bringing unobscured sightlines and amazing panoramic vistas coupled with minimalist design.
Glass balustrade direct knowledge and experience
Benefitting from glass balustrade direct knowledge and experience
The glazing used for some residential glass balustrades would usually differ in type and specification compared to that used in a commercial setting, or in other high footfall areas such as railway stations, airports or shopping centres.
For residential interior use basic toughened glass may likely suffice - it is durable and should provide years of low maintenance use - but in commercial applications and public areas the glazing may have to satisfy glass balustrades building regulations.
To this end, toughened laminated glass may be required. As with vehicle windscreens, laminated glass used in a glass balustrade staircase is layered so will stay in place if broken and thus be safer in areas of higher footfall so meeting glass balustrades building regs.
Also, certain glass balustrades for gardens may require a more durable glass type: for example, near a swimming pool where broken glass could potentially prove dangerous.
Appearance is another factor governing balustrades glass type: you may prefer a totally clear ‘natural’ glass look or perhaps a slight tint or even an opaque finish? Various options are possible.
Viewing glass balustrades cost as an investment
As mentioned earlier, low maintenance glass balustrades will last many years with little attention required and enable you to enjoy a bright, airy space maximising natural light in a timeless design for decades to come so can be considered a genuine investment.
Searching for ‘internal glass balustrades UK’ for domestic and commercial interior solutions, or something more specific such as ‘glass stair balustrades UK,’ or ‘glass balustrades for decking UK companies’ is one way to see what is possible. By drawing from our years of experience we can help you create the glass balustrade design you are looking for.