Types Of Glass Balustrades For Patios And Balconies

Outdoor glass balustrades are the ideal way to add a level of wind protection and safety to an outdoor space, without interrupting the views. For this reason, they’re becoming an increasingly popular choice for patios, decking, balconies, flat roofs, terraces, or pool areas. Here’s a guide to outside glass balustrades.

Frameless glass balustrades

Frameless glass balustrades are a great option when you want nothing to interrupt your view. They are made from toughened or laminated safety glass, and are held in place with a deep u channel for glass, rather than upright posts. You can also opt to have a handrail installed for comfort or extra visibility.

Framed glass balustrades

When the glass is inserted as an infill between post and top railing, it is known as a framed glass balustrade. This system can usually accommodate thinner glass than a frameless balustrade. There is some variation on how far apart the posts are spaced and the handrail is usually optional. The glass panels are fixed with clamps to the posts. 

Curved glass balustrades

For curved patios, balconies, and so on, you can also install a curved glass balustrade. These are more expensive than straight glass, because of the extra engineering required in bending the glass. 

Glass balustrades for balconies

A balcony is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you have limited space for a garden. They also open up a upper storey room, allowing more natural light to flow into your home. It is now very common to replace traditional metal railings with glass, to increase the light and open up the view.

It can be difficult to retrofit a full size balcony to a house, but a popular choice is the false balcony, usually also known as the Juliet balcony, or a balconette. These are not usually designed to accommodate furniture, but have a narrow ledge where you may be able to place plant pots. 

They allow for floor to ceiling windows or French doors to be fitted in a room, and when teamed with a glass balustrade for safety, it creates an open view and maximises the amount of natural daylight in the building. Juliet balconies are also an attractive visual feature, which can enhance the value of your property.

Glass balustrades for patios, decking and terraces

For an elegant and contemporary alternative to fencing around an outdoor sitting area, the glass balustrade is an excellent choice. The solid panels offer protection from the wind and provide a safety barrier, and allow you to sit and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the garden and the landscape beyond.

If you want to a more traditional and contemporary look, you could opt for wooden posts with glass panels installed in between. This gives you the best of both worlds, and may be more aesthetically pleasing on older style properties, with traditional cottage gardens. 

If you want the barrier for privacy rather than to open up a view, you could also opt for opaque or frosted glass, which will allow some light to filter through, while protecting you from full view.