Want to make your home look stunning?
Then why not consider installing a glass balustrade?
Glass balustrades are some of the most popular home renovation projects for Australian homeowners right now. Why?
Well, for starters, they open up spaces by allowing more light to bounce around. Plus, they also add an elegant touch to your property and increase its value.
Not to mention, they’re actually more safe than many of their timber or wrought-iron counterparts.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to ensure that you choose the right glass balustrade system for your home though.
There are several types and styles available, after all.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place!
In this ultimate guide to choosing the perfect glass balustrade for your home, you’re going to find out about:
- Glass balustrade options
- Quality glass materials
- Different installation methods
- Safety standards you can’t compromise on
- Maintenance requirements
Let’s get stuck in!
7 Tips on Choosing the Perfect Glass Balustrade for Your Home
Choosing the right glass balustrade system for your home is not as straightforward as you might first expect.
The material, design, installation methods and more all need to be carefully considered so you can get the most out of your renovation project.
Keep reading for seven easy-to-follow tips on how to choose the perfect glass balustrade for your home.
Tip #1: What Are Your Glass Balustrade Options?
First things first – you need to get an understanding of the glass balustrade types and styles that are available to you.
The first decision to make when it comes to your glass balustrade system is whether you want a frameless or semi-frameless design or if a framed system will be better.
Frameless glass balustrades make use of thick toughened glass panels with no or very little visible hardware to hold it all together.
The effect created is a feeling of openness and minimalism, with uninterrupted views. Frameless glass balustrades are the most expensive option but also make the most dramatic visual impact.
Semi-frameless systems usually involve the use of posts or handrails but are still designed so the glass is the main visual feature.
These are an excellent middle-ground choice if you want to create a modern look but have to stick to a more modest budget.
Framed balustrades have visible frames or rails around the glass panels.
These are less expensive than frameless options but still have all the transparency and light-enhancing benefits you can get with glass.
The experts at Premium Glass and Aluminium recommend considering your specific space, existing architecture and long-term goals when deciding between these glass balustrade options.
Tip #2: The Importance of Quality Glass
This is something a lot of people who are having glass balustrades installed in their homes don’t think about.
However, you should know that the glass you use for your new system matters. It impacts its safety, durability and how long it lasts.
The go-to choice for safety glass balustrades is toughened glass, also known as tempered glass.
The glass is heat-treated to make it much stronger and more resistant to breakage than regular glass.
The one thing to remember though is if toughened glass does break, it shatters into small pieces rather than large shards, so this is still a good option from a safety perspective.
If you want to go one step up in terms of security and protection, laminated glass is also available.
This is made of two layers of glass with an interlayer between the two. In the event the glass does break, the pieces are not going to fly everywhere.
As you can imagine, people are now more aware of these options. Industry data shows the glass balustrades market is valued at $1.2 billion in 2024, growing to $2.0 billion by 2033.
Tip #3: Glass Balustrade Installation Methods
The way in which your glass balustrade is installed is important because it can impact both the look and the structural integrity of your system.
Spigot systems use metal clamps that are fixed into the floor or deck to hold the glass panels in place.
It’s one of the most popular choices because it creates that seamless floating appearance we all love.
Channel systems are similar but have a continuous base channel to which the glass is then secured.
This creates a really clean and consistent look, making channel systems a great choice for longer runs.
Post systems are the third choice for glass balustrade installation methods. These systems use vertical posts between the glass panels.
Posts are more visible than spigot systems, but post systems offer strength and are sometimes more cost-effective.
Tip #4: Australian Safety Standards
Safety is one thing you should never skimp on when it comes to glass balustrades. This is why they need to meet Australian Standards, including AS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208.
This ensures that all balustrades, including glass types, meet minimum requirements for safety.
The standards cover various factors like glass thickness and load requirements. For example, all balustrades need to be at least 1000mm high and be able to withstand a set amount of load.
To comply with these safety standards, your balustrades will also need to have the right fixings and be supported structurally.
Tip #5: Areas to Install Glass Balustrades
The beauty of glass balustrades is that they are suitable for use in many areas of the home. This is why so many people decide to have them installed.
One of the most popular applications for glass balustrades is on staircases.
Not only do they create an impressive visual focal point, but the lightness of glass also allows the space to flow better.
Balconies also benefit from glass balustrades because you can still enjoy your views without compromising on safety.
Areas around pools must have safe and compliant fencing, and glass balustrades make the perfect solution.
Decking and outdoor entertaining spaces also look amazing with glass balustrades.
Tip #6: The Cost
This is an important topic for many people because it allows them to know what to expect when it comes to the pricing of glass balustrades.
Costs can be affected by various factors, including:
- Glass type and thickness
- Frameless, semi-frameless, or framed
- Installation method
- Site accessibility
- Total square meters of glass balustrades required
Glass balustrades cost more upfront than timber or metal alternatives, but they offer better long-term value.
With over 50% of homeowners now preferring to renovate rather than relocate, quality upgrades that boost property value make good financial sense.
Tip #7: Glass Balustrade Maintenance
You might have noticed by now that one of the main reasons people are choosing to have glass balustrades installed in their homes is because they are low maintenance.
Regular cleaning with glass cleaner or soapy water will keep the glass panels looking sparkling clean.
Use a squeegee so you don’t end up with watermarks or streaking.
Hardware should also be checked occasionally to ensure that fittings are still tight and there are no signs of corrosion.
Abrasive cleaners should be avoided, as should anything that could scratch the glass.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope you enjoyed our guide to choosing the perfect glass balustrade for your home.
Remember, there are several options available so it’s vital that you take your time and do your research before making your final decision.
It’s also important that you factor in the glass balustrade price and your budget, but this should be balanced with the fact that you are making an investment that will add value to your home.
Talk to some professionals in the industry and they will be able to help you ensure you make the right choice.
When you install a quality glass balustrade in your home, you are not just renovating; you are investing in how your space looks, feels and functions for years to come.
