A glass balustrade is a safety or decorative barrier made primarily of glass panels, commonly used in places like balconies, staircases, terraces, or decks, and even to protect you for falling in a swimming pool! Its main purpose is to safety, prevent falls while maintaining a modern look and feel, as well as adding security to your safe space.

The cost of a glass balustrade varies depending on the type, materials, installation complexity, and whether it's DIY or professionally installed.

Here at Premier Range we have a state of the art design tool to work it out the cost to the penny.

Click HERE, and simply enter the dimensions of the space(s) you’re wanting to fill. Select the type of glass, type of posts (as well as colour variations) and we’ll tell you the exact amount with no hidden costs.

Safety is as important to us, as it is to you, and we strongly suggest you speak to your local building inspector if you are unsure of what specification is required, as there are many regulations to adhere to.

Example of one particular regulation:
If the height of a drop (on either side) is over 600mm, laminated glass or a handrail should be used, and a height of 1100mm should be obtained for your balustrade. This can be with or without a handrail.
You don’t need laminated glass or a handrail if the drop is less than 600mm on either side.

Frameless System

The channels of our frameless balustrade system are made of durable anodised aluminium, and are all suitable for outdoor use.

Posts System

If you are looking for a glass balustrade for outside, select posts from our 316 Stainless steel section. 316 steel works well in rainy or wet environments, and even corrosive elements like saltwater. We also offer all our posts in a powder coated version in black.

In the UK handrails are required on stairs and ramps, as well as as if they are being used to protect from a drop of 600mm or more (on either side)

Cleaning and maintaining a glass balustrade is very straightforward, and doing it correctly helps preserve its longevity and appearance. Here’s a simple guide:

What you’ll need:

• Mild dish soap or glass cleaner
• Warm water
• Soft cloth, microfiber, or a non-abrasive sponge
• Squeegee (optional, for streak-free finish)

Steps:

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of washing up liquid.
2. Gently wipe the glass panels, post, frame, and handrail with a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse with clean water.
4. Dry with a microfiber cloth or use a squeegee to avoid water spots.

Tip: Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight—it can cause streaking.
For Tougher Stains (Bird droppings, salt spray, or hard water marks)
Use:

• White vinegar + water (50/50 mix) in a spray bottle
• Or a commercial limescale remover safe for glass

Method:

• Spray the solution on the marks.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Scrub gently with a non-scratch pad or soft cloth.
• Rinse and dry.

Avoid using abrasive pads, steel wool, or strong acids that can scratch or weaken the glass.
We recommend cleaning this every 6 months, or at least every 12 months.

 

 

We can supply your made to measure full balustrade solution in any thickness, in either clear or smoked glass, in toughened, or toughened AND laminated glass in around 14 working days.

We offer two main types of balustrade: a frameless channel, where the glass us supported by a rail fixed to the ground, and a post system consisting of middle, end, and corner posts as required. Both systems support clear and smoked glass.

The sizing and spacing can be decided upon your personal preferences, as long as the weight of each piece adheres to regulations.

For example, say you have a 4 metre run than you want to enhance with a Balustrade. With a post system, you could choose to fit large, heavier, pieces of glass, with fewer posts (in a post system), or you could fit less wide, lighter, panels meaning more posts but a more secure installation.  With a frameless channel system the choice is simpler as the joins between glass panels is less obvious as with a post system, but you still have options as to the size and weight of each glass panel.  The choice is yours.

If you want to see what both options look like, create a preview model on our Glass Balustrade Design Tool.

Fitting a balustrade requires a certain level of skill ,and any confident DIY-er should have the task in hand. However, we always advise you to seek the advice of a professional if you have any concerns.

Here’s an overview of what we envisage in the average job entails:

1. Planning & Measuring

1. Confirm the rules: Check local building regulations—glass balustrades must often meet height, load-bearing, and glass safety standards.
2. Measure the total length of the area where the balustrade will be fitted.
3. Plan post positions and panel sizes.

2. Install Base or Posts

Post System:

1. Mark the post positions along the mounting surface.
2. Drill anchor holes and secure posts with suitable bolts.
3. Ensure all posts are perfectly vertical using a spirit level.

Frameless System:

1. Mark and drill holes for channel.
2. Bolt the aluminum channel to the surface you want to mount the balustrade glass into, ensuring alignment and level.

3. Fit the Glass Panels

1. Carefully lift each glass panel into position—this can often be a two-person job.
2. For clamped systems, secure the glass into place using rubber gaskets and stainless steel clamps (included on our post systems)
3. Adjust for level and plumb.

4. Install Handrail (if required/wanted)

1. Fit a top rail onto the post by drilling and tapping the handrail, then aligning it with the stem fitting and screwing it into place. Ensure the rail is continuous and level.

5. Finishing Touches

1. Clean all glass and the posts or channel.
2. Apply silicone sealant at the base for water resistance (optional).
3. Double-check fixings and alignment.

In the UK, balustrade regulations are primarily governed by the Building Regulations 2010

Below is a detailed set of guidelines correct at the time of writing, however we recommend that you seek the advice of your local building inspector before installing.

UK Regulations for Balustrades (As per Building Regs & BS 6180)

1. Minimum Height Requirements

Location	Minimum Height
Internal stairs, ramps, landings	900 mm
External balconies, roof edges, terraces, or raised platforms	1100 mm
Around swimming pools (as a barrier)	1100 mm

Measured from: Finished floor level to the top of the balustrade or handrail.

2. Load Requirements (Structural strength)

According to BS 6180, balustrades must resist specified horizontal loads:

Location Type	Horizontal Load (kN/m)
Internal residential area	0.36 kN/m
External residential/ Office	0.74 kN/m
Most Public Areas	1.5 kN/m

Balustrades must be structurally designed to resist horizontal force, usually tested and certified accordingly.

3. Glass Type Requirements

• Must be safety glass: Toughened (tempered) or laminated.
• Frameless glass (no handrail) must be laminated safety glass to ensure that if one panel breaks, the glass remains bonded.
• All glass must meet BS EN 12150 (toughened) or BS EN 14449 (laminated).

4. Spacing Rules (For posts or infill)

• No gaps larger than 99 mm are allowed in horizontal or vertical balustrade infill—this is to prevent children from slipping through.
• Applies to spindles, glass panels, or wire infill systems.

5. Handrails (When Required)

• Required on staircases with a drop.
• Not strictly required on frameless glass if the glass is laminated and load-tested, but some local authorities may still require one depending on height and risk.

Summary: Key Compliance Checklist (UK)
✔ 900 mm on internal stairs/landings
✔ 1100 mm on balconies/terraces
✔ Safety glass (toughened or laminated)
✔ No gaps >99 mm in infill
✔ Structural load testing to BS 6180
✔ Edge protection for falls over 600 mm