Frameless Glass Balustrade

A frameless glass balustrade is a modern safety barrier system that uses structural glass panels that are supported entirely from the bottom. Unlike traditional systems, it requires no vertical posts or thick top handrails to hold the glass in place.

Instead, the glass is securely clamped into a heavy-duty aluminium base channel mounted to the floor, deck, or stairs. The end result is a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that provides uninterrupted views and maximum flow of natural light.

Yes, all our frameless glass balustrades are safe. When specified and installed correctly, they form an incredibly strong and secure barrier that can easily handle daily residential or commercial use, heavy impacts, and even the most challenging of British weather conditions.

If safety is your top priority, you can shop our frameless glass balustrades with absolute confidence as they’re fully certified to comply with BS 6180 - the UK building regulation code for protective barriers.

The primary differences lie in the support structure, the overall aesthetic, and the thickness of the glass. If you are not sure which one is the right option for you, here is a brief overview of the two and what each option has to offer:

• Frameless Glass Balustrades: These don’t use vertical posts or frames to keep them in place. Instead, the system relies on thicker structural glass, which is secured inside a solid base channel. Due to its frameless design, this type of glass balustrade offers a completely uninterrupted view, which is one of the main reasons it’s so sought after for properties where a high-end look is a priority.
• Framed Glass Balustrades: This type of glass balustrade relies on equally spaced stainless steel or aluminium posts to support the glass panels and keep them in place. While they still look exceptional, framed glass balustrades aren’t as minimalistic as their frameless counterparts. They are, however, often the lighter and more budget-friendly option.

Our frameless glass balustrades are incredibly versatile. They can be installed in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor environments, including balconies and roof terraces, garden patios and decking, staircases and landings, and a range of commercial spaces, such as office buildings, restaurants, and public venues.

Not always. Under the UK building regulations (BS 6180), you can achieve a handrail-free finish using 17.5mm or 21.5mm toughened laminated glass. This is possible because laminated glass features a tough plastic interlayer, which allows the barrier to remain structurally upright and secure even in the extremely unlikely event that one of the glass sheets breaks.

Do note that if you choose to use standard toughened glass (non-laminated), a continuous slotted handrail will usually be required across the top to act as a fail-safe support.

At Balustrade Superstore, our frameless glass balustrades are made from two primary types of premium safety glass - toughened safety glass and toughened laminated safety glass.

Toughened safety glass undergoes a thermal tempering process, which makes it up to five times stronger than standard glass. If broken, it crumbles into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. It’s the perfect choice for low-level barriers, patios, and systems with a handrail.

Toughened laminated safety glass consists of two toughened glass panels permanently bonded together with a clear, incredibly strong polymer interlayer. It’s the gold standard for frameless systems, especially on balconies or areas with a fall risk of over 600mm (as the glass panels will not fall if shattered).

Yes, they can. If our off-the-shelf glass balustrade solutions are not suitable for your project, please get in touch with us at your earliest convenience, and we will manufacture a fully bespoke system that’s tailored to your exact specifications.

Not at all. In fact, our frameless glass balustrades are among the lowest-maintenance barrier systems you can choose for your home or business. Unlike traditional timber balustrades that rot, warp, and require annual sanding and staining, or steel railings that rust and need frequent repainting, our structural glass and anodised aluminium systems are built to withstand the elements with minimal effort.

No, we don’t. At Balustrade Superstore, we also supply a wide range of other glass balustrade systems, privacy solutions for glass balconies, and components such as handrails, posts, glass panels, fixings, and accessories to suit different styles, budgets, and project requirements.