How thick should glass balustrades be?

August 5, 2026September 12, 2023 by Adam Blundell

Glass balustrades lend a modern aesthetic to any building project, be it homes, offices or outdoor balconies. Their popularity is not merely due to their visual appeal, but their functionality and safety.

One big consideration when it comes to choosing a glass balustrade is the glass thickness you need. This isn’t always just down to visual preference, the thickness of the glass balustrade can often be dictated by strict safety regulations.

The correct thickness depends on installation type, fixing system and UK building regulations.

We supply toughened and laminated glass balustrade panels manufactured to BS standards.

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What are the building regulations related to glass balustrades?

Building regulations for glass balustrades are designed to ensure safety and functionality. These regulations vary from region to region but generally focus on aspects like minimum height, glass thickness, and the necessity of a handrail.

Check out our article ‘Do you need planning permission to install glass balustrades outside’ for more information about the regulations you need to be aware of when installing balustrades.

How tall should glass balustrades be?

Minimum height depends on location — 1100mm for balconies, 900mm for stairs and landings under UK building regs. See our [full compliance and load requirements](link to product page’s compliance section) for the complete breakdown.

Not sure which glass specification you need?

Our team can help you choose the right balustrade thickness and fittings for your project.

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How thick do glass balustrades need to be?

A handrail isn’t required if you’re using toughened laminated glass, since it remains in place if a panel fails — see our full breakdown of handrail requirements for the regulations in detail.

Is a Handrail Necessary for Glass Balustrades?

According to UK building regulations, under the standard BS6180:2011 Section 5.5.2, a handrail is not necessary. However, it is advised that a handrail is used unless your balustrade is constructed using toughened laminated glass as this will remain in situ if a panel fails.

Ensure Project Success with Express Toughening

At Express Toughening, we’re dedicated to helping you stay on top of your projects. With our extensive range of glass balustrades, expert advice, and prompt delivery, we are your one-stop shop for all your glass needs. To stay informed about the latest in glass innovation and design trends, read our blog or sign up for our newsletter.

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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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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)

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!

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.