Glass Balustrades Stairs London
If you're on the hunt for a sleek and modern look in your home, glass balustrades are the mutt's nuts. These beauties can transform any staircase or balcony into a right sight for sore eyes. We will get into, why glass balustrades have become the height of interior fashion.
A Brief History of Glass Balustrades
Balustrades and handrails have been used for many years to provide support and prevent people taking a tumble. Traditionally made from wood, stone or wrought iron, modern materials like toughened glass and stainless steel have become quite the rage. Glass balustrade installations started gaining popularity in the 1960s when glazing technology improved. Their minimalist aesthetic and ability to make spaces appear larger quickly caught on.
By the 1990s, advancements in glass production allowed large sheets to be tempered for safety and structural purposes. This led to the proliferation of frameless glass balustrades which have an even lighter look. As time’s gone by, designs and installation methods have become more sophisticated. Now you’d be hard pressed to find a newly constructed home or office without glass balustrades making an appearance.
Call 020 8050 7046 today or request a quote online
to get started with Glazing Works London!
Why are Glass Balustrades So Trendy?
There’s several reasons glass balustrades have become the current must-have feature:
- They allow more natural light into a space which gives an airier feel.
- Frameless glass makes rooms appear larger due to transparency.
- Variety of designs from contemporary to classic are available.
- Low maintenance compared to wood and metal alternatives.
- Toughened safety glass prevents any tumbles resulting in breakages.
- Building regulation compliant when installed correctly.
Today you’ll find glass balustrades smartening up all sorts from staircases, mezzanines and atriums to patios, pools and roof terraces. When it comes to making a design statement, these see-through stunners certainly fit the bill. No wonder they’ve become the interior trend everyone’s nattering about!
Choosing the Right Glass Balustrade in London
If you’ve decided that glass balustrades are just the ticket for your home or business, there’s a few options at Glazing Works London in the market:
Frameless Glass Balustrades
As the name suggests, these don’t have any visible frames, clamps or supporting structures. The glass panels are fixed with specialist hardware and silicon to create a minimalist look. They come in various thicknesses from 10mm to 20mm depending on if laminated or toughened glass is used. While frameless balustrades appear ultra-sleek, the installation precision required bumps up the cost.
Framed Glass Balustrades
Here the glass panels or infill panels sit inside a metal frame which provides the main structural support. The frames are made of aluminium, stainless steel or wood and affixed to the floor and ceiling. This style can be cheaper than frameless, but has a slightly more “industrial” vibe. Frame colour and thickness impacts overall look.
Semi Frameless Glass Balustrades
A hybrid between the above options, these have minimal frames at the base and sides so the glass appears to be floating. The glass panels are slimmer at just 6mm-10mm as they don’t bear as much weight. Tiny “u” channels secured through the floor and ceiling hold the panels in place. This delivers a streamlined finish for less dosh.
When deciding which route to take, think about factors like safety, space, desired aesthetics and budget. Your installer can guide you on what fits best for your needs.
Glass Balustrades Types
Balustrade glass needs to be specially fabricated to handle people leaning over it and the odd knock or two. There’s two main types used:
Toughened Glass
Also known as tempered glass, this is treated with extreme heat so it can flex and withstand high pressure without shattering. It’s 4-5 times stronger than regular glass. Required by building codes for balustrades over 800mm off the ground.
Laminated Glass
Two or more glass sheets bonded together with an interlayer material. Should it crack or break, the interlayer prevents pieces from going everywhere and holds it in place. Used for larger expanses like wide stairways over one floor.
Both are safety tested to confirm they won’t crack under human weight. Necessary paperwork is provided after manufacture.
Watch Your Step! Features to Look For
Along with style, there’s some functional elements worth considering on your glass balustrade journey:
Height Compliant
Building standards require balustrades to be a minimum of 900mm from stair nosing and floors to prevent accidents. A good company will design yours specifically to comply.
Handrails
For extra stability, glass balustrades often incorporate a handrail at regulation height above the stairs. Stainless steel and wood are popular choices that complement the glass.
Access Panels
These removable glass panels allow for cleaning access and maintenance jobs behind the balustrade. Well worth installing!
Corner Posts
Required at the start and end of a run, corner posts visually define the parameters and ensure structural soundness.
Grommets
Tiny holes drilled into outdoor glass balustrades to allow water drainage without leakage.
There’s no shortage of design permutations out there from curved glass to decorative posts - discuss options with your balcony builder to find your perfect match!
Call 020 8050 7046 today or request a quote online
to get started with Glazing Works London!
Proper Installation is Paramount
While glass itself is incredibly durable, its structural integrity depends entirely on how well it’s installed. Shoddy construction puts the whole balustrade at risk of failure down the line.
That’s why it’s dead important your chosen installer knows their onions and follows protocol to the letter. Here’s what that entails:
- Taking measurements using 3D modelling software for millimetre accuracy.
- Having CAD drawings produced to plan the entire job.
- Using diamond drill bits and cores to affix glass panels without surface damage.
- Securing glass with non-corrosive anchors and structural silicone.
- Allowing adequate spaces for expansion between panels and edges.
- Conducting thorough checks that the balustrade is completely level, secure and meeting regulation.
- Providing certification of building compliance once installation finishes.
It is not a five minute job, but doing things by the book ensures that glass balustrades balcony stays put!
The Cost of Putting in Glass Balustrades in London
Let’s talk brass tacks - how many quid are we talking for a quality glass balustrade installation? Prices are driven by:
- Type of system – frameless is most expensive
- Glass specifications like thickness and layering
- Infill panel size and railing height
- Overall length of run i.e 10 metres vs 20 metres
- Accessories chosen – curvature, grommets etc.
- Labour intensity of site e.g. straight stair vs complex mezzanine
- Geographic location and installer rates
As a ballpark guide for materials, labour and everything required end-to-end, costs typically range between:
£300 - £500 per linear metre
So for a standard 1 floor straight staircase of say 10 metres with a 1 metre tall glass, expect to pay £3,000 - £5,000. Complex multi-level jobs are upwards of £20k.
Now that may sound bobbins expensive but remember glass balconies are built to last decades with minimal upkeep. Pay the premium and it’ll be an investment that stands the test of time in style!
Glass Balustrades - Crystal Clear Choice!
With their ability to flood rooms with light, create an illusion of more space and provide show stopping focal points, it’s no wonder glass balustrades have become the height of modern interior fashion. From ultra-sleek frameless to more cost-conscious options, there’s guaranteed to be a system that makes your home shine. Just ensure whoever does the installation knows their stuff and abides by regulations. Do it right and you’ll be admiring your transparent staircase or balcony for years in comfort and safety. So if you’re planning a home spruce up anytime soon, be sure to take a dekko at glass balustrades! Are you as chuffed as I am at how marvy these look? Then call our Glazing Works London glass specialist today and make your abode the snazziest gaff in town!