Framed glass balustrades combine toughened safety glass with a supporting frame to create a strong, practical barrier for stairs, landings, balconies, terraces and other areas where protection from a change in floor level is required.
At The Online Glass Shop, we manufacture glass to suit individual projects rather than limiting our customers to standard panel sizes. We produce custom sized and bespoke shaped toughened glass panels for framed balustrades used in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
Whether you need glass for a new staircase, an outdoor balcony or a larger commercial development, panels can be manufactured to the measurements and specifications required for the project.
A framed glass balustrade is a protective barrier in which glass panels are supported by a surrounding or adjoining framework. Depending on the system, this can include posts, handrails, base rails, clamps or other structural components that hold the glass securely in position. This differs from a frameless balustrade, where the aim is to minimise visible supports. With a framed system, the frame forms a clear part of the overall design and provides structural support for the glass.
The combination of glass and a frame provides a useful balance between visibility and a clearly defined barrier. Glass allows light to pass through and helps maintain views across a space, while the frame can complement other features such as metal staircases, balconies, decking and architectural fittings.
The framing itself can also form an important part of the finished appearance. Stainless steel is commonly used for framed glass balustrades, particularly where a clean, modern finish is required. Depending on the chosen system, the glass may sit between upright posts or be secured using specialist clamps and rails.
The glass does not have to be restricted to simple rectangular panels. We can manufacture bespoke shapes and sizes to accommodate different layouts, angles and dimensions. This is particularly useful for staircases, where individual panels may need angled edges to follow the rise of the stairs.
Framed glass balustrades can be used both inside and outside buildings, provided the complete system has been appropriately specified for its location and intended use. Within homes, they are commonly used alongside staircases and around landings. Replacing solid barriers or traditional spindles with glass can help maintain natural light and create clearer sightlines between different parts of a room. They can also be used around balconies, raised terraces, patios and decking. Here, the transparent glass provides the necessary infill without creating the same visual obstruction as a solid wall or opaque barrier.
Commercial applications can include offices, shops, hospitality venues, communal areas and other public facing spaces. Framed systems are also suitable for industrial and workplace environments where a robust barrier is required around stairs, landings, walkways or changes in floor level.
Bespoke manufacturing is particularly useful where a balustrade needs to work around existing architectural features. Glass can be shaped to suit sloping staircases, changes in level and other non-standard spaces, helping the finished installation follow the design of the building.
Every project is different, which is why made-to-measure glass can be valuable. Instead of designing a balustrade around predetermined glass dimensions, panels can be manufactured to suit the required layout.
There is no single glass thickness that is suitable for every framed glass balustrade. The correct specification depends on factors including the type of framing system, panel dimensions, fixing method, location and loads the completed barrier will need to withstand. A framed system can generally use thinner glass than some frameless systems because the glass is supported by posts, rails or other fittings. For example, 10 mm toughened glass is commonly used for some domestic framed balustrade applications.
Larger panels, different fixing arrangements and balustrades in commercial or higher load environments may require a different thickness or type of safety glass. Laminated safety glass may also be specified where the design requires the glass to remain in place following breakage.
Glass thickness should be determined as part of the design of the complete balustrade rather than being chosen on appearance alone. The supporting frame, size of each panel and way in which the glass is held all affect the requirements.
We manufacture toughened glass to precise dimensions, allowing panels to be produced for the requirements of individual framed glass balustrade systems. Any holes, cut-outs or other processing required for fittings must be specified before the glass is toughened, as toughened glass cannot subsequently be cut or drilled.
A balustrade is primarily a safety barrier, so appearance is only one consideration when designing the system. Its location, height, construction, glass and fixings all need to be appropriate for the intended application. For building work in England, Approved Document K provides guidance on protection from falling, collision and impact. It covers guarding around areas including stairs, ramps, landings, balconies and changes in floor level. The guidance also refers to BS 6180 for the design of barriers and infill panels.
Required guarding heights depend on the building and location. For example, guarding in a single-family dwelling should generally be at least 900 mm high at stairs, landings, ramps and internal floor edges, while external balconies and roof edges generally require guarding of at least 1,100 mm.
The completed balustrade must also be capable of resisting the loads applicable to its location and use. This is particularly important because requirements differ between domestic, commercial, public and industrial environments. A system suitable for a private staircase, for example, should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for a busy public space.
Where young children are likely to use a building, Approved Document K also provides guidance intended to reduce the risk of children becoming trapped or readily climbing the guarding. This includes consideration of the size and arrangement of openings.
Glass used in a balustrade must be appropriately specified safety glazing. The design of the frame, fixings and supporting structure is equally important. Compliant glass alone does not make an entire balustrade installation compliant.
Building regulations and requirements vary according to the project and its location. The complete balustrade should therefore be designed and installed to meet the regulations and standards applicable to the particular building and intended use.
At The Online Glass Shop, we specialise in manufacturing custom toughened glass rather than supplying only standard sized panels. This means we can produce glass for framed balustrades according to the dimensions of your individual project. Made to measure manufacturing is particularly useful when working with existing staircases, unusual spaces or bespoke architectural designs. Panels can be produced in different dimensions and shapes, including angled glass for staircases and other layouts where a standard rectangular panel will not fit.
Our toughened glass is manufactured to BS EN 12150, the relevant standard for thermally toughened safety glass. Accurate manufacturing also allows required holes and other processing to be incorporated before the toughening process.
Choosing bespoke glass gives homeowners, tradespeople, architects and commercial customers greater flexibility when planning a framed glass balustrade. Whether the project involves a single domestic staircase or glass panels for a larger commercial or industrial installation, the glass can be manufactured around the requirements of your design.
Accurate measurements are essential when ordering bespoke balustrade glass. As toughened glass cannot be cut, drilled or reshaped after toughening, the required dimensions and position of any holes or cut-outs need to be confirmed before manufacture.
If you already have the measurements and specification for your framed glass balustrade, we can manufacture the required panels to size. For more complex projects, providing accurate dimensions, drawings, and details of any holes, cut outs or shaped edges helps us ensure the finished glass is produced correctly for the intended system.
