Home » Shop » Bespoke Glass » Bespoke Balustrades » Glass Balustrade Systems
build your own balcony today
Glass Balustrade Systems - Image 2
Glass Balustrade Systems Frameless
Glass Balustrade Systems Frameless
Glass Balustrade Systems Frameless
Glass Balustrade Systems - Image 6

Glass Balustrade Systems

This item is made to order

Balustrade Drop Height

Balustrade Style

Balustrade Design

Balustrade Area Dimensions

  • Min: 250

  • Min: 250

  • Min: 250

Balustrade Extras

  • Polymer Coating

Quantity

    Get Your Quote

    Please provide your details below to receive your personalised quote.

    Accept GDPR policy to send email (required)

    Only looking for balustrade glass?

    Product Description

    From raised floors to staircases, balconies to mezzanines, terraces to patios, there are plenty of places that benefit from glass balustrades. Made with strong tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, this type of glass panel is very difficult to break.

    Acting as both space dividers and safety barriers, glass balustrades are ideal for separating areas without disrupting views. They’re an essential safety feature where differences in floor levels could cause people to trip or fall, or for filtering large crowds of people into smaller queues.

    Not only can toughened glass balustrades improve safety and organisation, but they also enhance the appearance and design flow of your indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern glass balustrades add an impressive sense of sophistication that also makes them a valuable decorative feature.

    Product Additional information
    Glass Type

    Extra Clear (Low Iron) Toughened Glass, Clear Toughened Glass, Grey Tinted Toughened Glass, Bronze Tinted Toughened Glass, Satin Toughened Glass
    Categories: , , , , Tags: , , , , ,

    People Also Bought

    Related products

    Clear toughened laminated glass balustrade acting as a barrier on the open edge of an enclosed, first floor decking area.
    Glass Balustrade
    Frameless glass balustrades
    Picture of Clear Glass Balustrades with Silver Handrail
    Tinted Glass Balustrade

    Glass Balustrades

    Glass balustrades are used as protective barriers on balconies, staircases, terraces, decks, and internal level changes.

    At Express Toughening, we supply premium, legislation-compliant laminated glass balustrade panels, with optional fittings and installation via approved partners.

    It’s important to understand the information on sizing, pricing structure, compliance, load performance, lead times, and the ordering process, so read on or contact our team to discuss your bespoke requirements.

    Measurements and pricing guide

    Glass thickness Construction Typical panel size (mm) Indicative price (£/m)
    10mm Toughened Up to 1500 x 1000 £95-£130
    12mm Toughened Up to 2000 x 1200 £130-£165
    13.5mm Laminated (6.8+6.8) Up to 3000 x 1200 £180-£230
    17.5mm Laminated (8.8+8.8) Up to 3000 x 1200 £230-£295
    21.5mm Laminated (10.8+10.8) Up to 3000 x 1200 £290-£360

    What’s included in the price?

    • Glass cut to size
    • Polished edges
    • Safety marking (where required)
    • Compliance documentation

    What’s not included?

    • Handrails
    • Posts, clamps, or base channels
    • Delivery
    • Installation
    • Structural surveys

    Glass types available

    Glass type Safety Optical clarity Typical use
    Toughened High Standard Internal only
    Laminated Very high Standard Internal and external
    Low-iron laminated Very high High Premium applications
    Tinted laminated Very high Reduced glare External 

     

    Common designs and post/clamp options

    Some commonly specified fixing components for glass balustrade installations include:

    • Side-mounted stainless steel clamps
    • Floor-mounted stainless steel posts
    • Aluminium base channel (frameless systems)
    • Slot-in aluminium handrail

    Final fixing selections and prices will be confirmed in your final quotation, and depend on your glass specification, load requirements, and installation method.

    How to measure for frameless glass balustrades

    Accurate measurements are crucial when ordering your frameless glass balustrade. To ensure correct dimensions, you should:

    • Measure finished floor-to-finished floor levels
    • Confirm the fixing method before measuring
    • Allow for expansion gaps and handrail tolerances

    For detailed guidance and expert advice, get in touch with our team today!

    Do frameless glass balustrades need a handrail?

    No, frameless glass balustrades don’t always need a handrail.

    When using toughened laminated glass, frameless glass balustrades are permitted without one, however, if you’re only using toughened glass, a handrail is required. This is because toughened laminated glass stays in place when broken, acting as a double barrier, whilst a single, toughened glass panel would fall out – violating safety rules. 

    Where can toughened glass balustrades be installed?

    Glass balustrades are extremely versatile and can be installed in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including balconies, decks, terraces, staircases, patios, swimming pool areas, mezzanines, and more, provided they are thick enough.

    They provide safety and enhance views by creating open, light-filled barriers for residential properties and commercial buildings – ensuring modern aesthetics and compliance with safety regulations.

    Installation costs

    Glass balustrade costs vary by location, access, fixing system, and handrail requirements, but typically, prices range from:

    • Internal balustrade systems: £180-£280 per linear metre
    • External balustrade systems: £220-£350 per linear metre
    • Frameless channel systems: £250-£420 per linear metre

    Do you provide installation services?

    At Express Toughening, we supply glass and hardware only.

    However, installation services are available via approved installation partners in England, Wales, and selected areas of Scotland. Installer details are provided during the quotation stage, and costs may vary depending on your chosen system and location. You can also refer to our guides for extra assistance.

    UK building regulations compliance

    All of our glass balustrade panels are designed and manufactured to meet all relevant UK safety standards, as well as our own quality standards. These include:

    • BS 6180 – Barriers in and about buildings
    • BS EN 12150 – Toughened safety glass
    • BS EN 14449 – Laminated safety glass
    • Approved Document K – Protection from falling

    Compliance certificates (per product)

    • 10-12mm Toughened Glass: BS EN 12150 Certificate
    • 13.5–21.5mm Laminated Glass: BS EN 14449 Certificate
    • Frameless Channel System A: BS 6180 Load Test

    Structural performance – line load and impact load

    It’s important that glass balustrades meet BS 6180 load requirements. See typical UK load requirements below:

    Location type Line load (N/m) Point load (N)
    Domestic (inside dwellings) 500 N/m 500 N
    Residential balconies 740 N/m 500 N
    Commercial/public 1500 N/m 1000 N

    Frameless systems without a handrail typically require laminated glass ≥ 17.5mm to meet line-load criteria.

    Can I upload drawings?

    Yes, drawings can be uploaded with your enquiry to speed up the quotation process and compliance checks.

    PDF, DWG/DXF, and JPG/PNG files are all accepted, and you can upload multiple files at once. However, it’s important to note that each file cannot exceed 20MB, so keep this in mind when submitting your images.

    How to get a quote

    Getting a quote from us is easy, and all it takes is three simple steps to get your price:

    1. Submit the online enquiry form
    2. Upload drawings (if you have them to hand)
    3. Confirm your site location and use type

    We aim to respond to all enquiries within 1 working day; however, more complex projects may require clarification before we can provide your final price.

    Lead times

    • Quote – We aim to respond to all quotation requests within 1 working day.
    • Approved drawings – Approved drawings will be complete within 1-3 working days.
    • Glass manufacture – Your glass balustrade will be manufactured within 5-10 working days.
    • Delivery – Once the manufacturing process is complete and we’ve performed rigorous quality checks, your glass balustrade will be delivered within 1-3 working days (UK mainland only)

    Warranty duration

    Different components have different warranty durations.

    Component Warranty duration
    Toughened glass 10 years (manufacturing defects only)
    Laminated glass 10 years
    Stainless steel fittings 5-10 years (grade dependent)
    Powder-coated aluminium 5 years

    Our warranties do not cover incorrect installation or structural movement.

    Order online today!

    Whether you want to find out more about our bespoke glass balustrades, or need help designing glass balustrade systems for your clients, our toughened glass specialists are here and happy to advise.

    Get in touch with us today by calling 020 8500 1188 or emailing info@expresstoughening.com, and we’ll be in touch to discuss your project.

    Get in touch
    How thick should glass balustrades be?

    The minimum thickness for a glass balustrade depends on the type of glass and finish, as well as where you’ll be installing it. Frameless glass balustrades should be at least 10mm thick, which is why we provide clear toughened glass in this thickness, as well as clear toughened laminated glass in 16.8mm and 20.8mm for extra strength.

    Standard toughened glass is generally only available at 10mm thick and above, so this is the thinnest your glass balustrade can be if it has posts and handrails. Our frosted satin glass balustrades and tinted glass balustrades (grey or bronze) are only available in this thickness, so they may not be suitable for a frameless balustrade system.

    To meet the British and European safety standards for glass balustrades, glass panels must be certain thicknesses and withstand certain loads under standardised impact tests. There are different classes based on minimum glass thickness and minimum impact load, which are explained in BS EN 12600:2002.

    It’s recommended for glass panels to be no less than 10mm thick when used as a framed balustrade with a handrail. If you want a frameless balustrade, much thicker glass is recommended – it’s better to opt for laminated glass in this case, which features two panels of toughened glass sealed together with an interlayer to make it extra robust.

    You can find more information about the minimum requirements for glass balustrade safety in the UK Building Regulations, which explain how high and wide a glass balustrade must also be in a particular situation to comply with the law.

    For example, balustrades around seating areas in the UK must be at least 800mm tall (only 530mm if the seating is fixed in place), increasing to 900mm for stairs and ramps and to 1100mm for balconies. Additionally, to reduce or eliminate the risk of anyone getting stuck in gaps between balustrades or fixtures, it must not be possible for a 100mm sphere to pass through any openings.

    As the buyer of the product, it is your responsibility to make sure that the glass panels and fittings that you order and the installation method you use comply with all the relevant standards and regulations. Please consult your local Building Control office for advice on your planned application first if you are unsure.

    Where can glass balustrades be installed?

    Like any type of protective or partitioning system, there are many applications for glass balustrades – including indoor and outdoor, residential and commercial, and more. Here are some of the places you could install glass balustrades:

    • Staircases and landings
    • Mezzanine floors
    • Walkways and bridges
    • Terraces and patios
    • Swimming pools and Jacuzzi decks
    • Balconies (including rooftop and Juliet balconies)
    • Areas for waiting, dining, viewing etc

    These can be found in homes, offices, shops, and public buildings such as schools and hospitals, among many other settings. They can be used to divide open spaces safely without making them feel smaller and darker, or to provide a safety barrier for changing floor levels.

    However, if you’re using glass balustrades at the edge of stairs, landings or floor edges, or balconies, then you must be sure that your railing system complies with building regulations for health and safety. These specify minimum height levels where there are differences in floor levels.

    More information can be found in Approved Document K, which covers protection from falls, collisions, and impacts. Generally, a balustrade is mandatory where there is a change in floor level of more than two stair risers, or 600mm – for example:

    • Stairs and ramps
    • Balconies and galleries
    • Roofs and terraces
    • Light wells or sunken areas

    When you’re using glass balustrades as barriers to protect against falls, make sure that the glass panels you order are the appropriate thickness with the minimum load resistance required by British/European safety standards.

    Should glass balustrades have a handrail?

    BS 6180:2011 states that a continuous handrail should always be used for balustrades unless they’re made of toughened laminated glass. This means it isn’t a legal requirement for glass balustrades to have a handrail, as long as the glass is strong enough to remain ‘in situ’ on its own.

    Since toughened laminated glass has an extra layer in the middle that holds the pane together even if it cracks or shatters, it doesn’t need a secondary barrier. However, standard toughened glass is likely to need a secure frame and handrail to keep the panels in place.

    That said, you need to make sure that any frameless glass balustrades without handrails can take the appropriate line load for it to be safe.

    As per the disclaimer on this product page, it’s the responsibility of the customer and not Express Toughening to comply with all standards and regulations, including BS 6180:2011 and BS 6399-1:1996. Approved Document K of the Building Regulations 2010 also specifies when and how handrails should be installed along stairs and ramps.

    We stock a range of glass balustrade fittings on our website, including glass balustrade posts and frameless glass balustrade profiles, so you should be able to find everything you need for safe and stable installation. Should you require more information, give us call or send us a message.

    How much does a glass balustrade cost?

    The cost of bespoke glass balustrade systems depends on several key factors, including:

    • Glass type and thickness – All our glass balustrades are made from top-quality toughened or laminated glass. Laminated glass tends to be more affordable than toughened alternatives, so keep this in mind when designing your balustrade if you’re on a budget. Also, the thicker the glass, the more you’ll pay.
    • Design and installation complexity – The more complex your design, the more difficult it will be to install, which often translates to higher costs.
    • Labour costs – Of course, if you have DIY experience and are confident handling glass installations, labour costs won’t be an issue. However, if you need a professional to help you (which we’d highly recommend!), this is an additional cost you’ll need to account for in your budget.
    • Regulatory requirements – Compliance with local building codes and safety regulations can also influence the final cost.

    For a custom quote, get in touch with our friendly team today!

    Installation

    Need help designing, templating, or installing your ideal glass balustrade system? Speak to one of our recommended partners listed below for direct assistance.

    As reputable suppliers of high-quality glass balustrades in the UK, we only partner with reliable affiliates, who will work closely with you in person to measure and fit your balustrade system.

    Simply enquire about their site survey, template, and installation services to receive a free no-obligation quote for fitting our glass balustrades for you.

    The Splashback Co.
    Splashbacks | Mirrors | Balustrades
    T: 020 7965 7492
    W: www.splashbacksco.com

    JS Glass Ltd.
    Shower Screens | Balustrades
    M: 07540 156 877
    W: www.jsglass.co.uk

    If you would prefer to install your glass balustrades yourself, you can find a range of glass balustrade fittings for sale on our website, including:

    Our glass clamps are available in square, rounded, and circular shapes, with either a polished or brushed satin finish – allowing you to customise the final look of your balustrade system.

    Certificates & Partners

    What Our Customers Say

    Andrew Cooke

    Superb customer service from the Express Toughening team – when I made a mistake on my order online, they dealt with the issue quickly organising partial refund immediately. My order arrived quickly and their courier messaged me before delivery to check I was in. Quality product at the best price I found online.

    Rated 5 out of 5
    Kiron Kular

    A massive Thankyou to Helen from Express Toughening for being so patient, co-operative and helpful with my orders. She resolved a re-make without any fuss and in an extremely timely manner. If you want glass – go to Express Toughening and ask for Helen!

    Rated 5 out of 5
    Andy Beviere

    Extremely easy company to deal with, glass ordered weeks ago and asked for a specific delivery date due to glass testing and no one being onsite. Delivered on time and when asked for other types glass stated they couldn’t help but recommended an equally helpful company!!

    Wouldn’t hesitate to use again.

    Rated 5 out of 5
    Brian White

    I’ve used Express Toughening twice now and have been very impressed with the glass they have supplied and also the helpfulness of the staff. The first job was a couple of years ago when they supplied me with a 6mm satin frosted toughened glass door for our shower room. From my measurements they supplied a fabulous door which had the hinge and lock holes cut out and also took into account the out of square measurement of the door frame. It fitted a treat and is stunning to look at.

    More recently (late last year) they supplied me with painted toughened glass splash backs (7 items altogether in 6mm glass with the biggest being 2.1 metres long), all cut to my sizes and with numerous switch and socket cut-outs. My local glass supplier said they could not cut out the close together sockets and switches, but Express did and got it spot on!

    As with the glass door, the splash backs were delivered to me by Expresses’ own transport and without any problems and quality issues.

    After the scary bit of fitting them all the result is faultless and stunning. Thanks go to Alex who helped me with the ordering process and technical aspects of glass splash backs.

    Rated 5 out of 5
    David Convery

    4mm toughened glass for greenhouse. Although slightly dubious about ordering from a company I’ve never heard of and not local (300mile away) I’m so glad I took the plunge. A great customer service from Helen and the team from start to finish, clearly there was nothing for me to worry about.

    Their website is easy to use and made ordering online a doddle and for those shapes, they don’t have on their website a quick email and rough diagram sorted any issues there. All glass arrived on time well packed and with no breakages.

    It’s a company I wouldn’t hesitate to use again and I’d definitely recommend it to others who need quality glass cut to size.

    Rated 5 out of 5
    Tony Fields

    Excellent product.
    Exactly what it says on the tin.
    Brilliant, friendly service from Helen.
    Definitely recommended.
    (And we’re on the Scottish border)

    Rated 5 out of 5
    Tony Owen

    Fantastic service, fantastic prices and fantastic products – I could not recommend Express Toughening highly enough – I got an immediate response to my request for a quotation, and Helen was so helpful in answering my questions. Order placement was easy and everything arrived exactly on time and as promised. I won’t look anywhere else for my next order – great prices (way cheaper than other quotes) and great service!

    Thank you!

    Rated 5 out of 5
    Sam Richardson

    We have been using Express toughening for a number of years, mainly for glass screens and Toughened Glass for balustrade. The company are always reliable, deliveries always on time and friendly helpful service.

    Rated 5 out of 5
    Return To The Top