See how others have designed their staircase balustrades, glass balustrades for patios and frameless balustrades for balconies. Find inspiration among modern, classic and discreet solutions – each with a personal touch.
Browse our frequently asked questions and answers, or contact one of our specialists, who are happy to help.
A frameless glass balustrade has no visible posts between the glass panels, while a glass balustrade with posts supports the glass using posts and hardware. A frameless design offers a more unobstructed view and a cleaner, more minimalist look, while posts provide more opportunities to combine materials and details.
In a frameless balustrade, the glass is held in place by a sturdy base channel, which places higher demands on the mounting surface and requires thicker glass – which is why it’s more expensive. With posts, the posts themselves, their colour, and the top rails can become part of the design. A frameless balustrade is best when the view is the most important factor, while posts offer greater freedom in terms of materials and design.
Yes, glass balustrades can be used as fall protection on balconies, terraces and in public spaces, but it is the whole structure that determines safety. Glass, fixings, profiles and substrate must be designed for how the location is used and the loads involved. Correctly installed, glass is a safe choice.
Laminated safety glass holds together if it breaks, and glass has no horizontal parts that can be used as footholds. A frameless glass balustrade is not automatically less safe than one with posts. The manufacturing process is certified to EN 1090-1 and continuously monitored by RISE. The requirements for height and openings depend on local building regulations.
Glass balustrades use safety glass that is tailored to the balustrade’s design, glass dimensions, mounting, and load-bearing capacity. Common options include laminated safety glass and toughened laminated glass, and the entire system determines which type is needed. The glass is selected based on the entire balustrade system.
Laminated glass consists of two glass panes with an interlayer that holds the glass pieces together if the glass breaks, so that it does not shatter immediately. Toughened laminated glass is used when the system requires greater strength, such as for large glass panes or in exposed locations. If a pane of glass has cracked, it must be secured and replaced, since its properties have changed.
The right fixings depend on how the glass is supported, where the balustrade is installed and the look you want. Common options include glass clamps, point fixings, base channels and certain types of floor fixing. Glass clamps hold the glass without holes in the panels and can be used with posts or walls.
Point fixings pass through pre-drilled holes in the glass and minimise visible fittings, but require panels with correctly positioned holes. A base channel supports the glass along its bottom edge and is used for frameless glass balustrades. The glass dimensions and specification, substrate and fixings must be compatible as a complete system.
How close to the edge a side-mounted glass balustrade can be installed depends on the material of the substrate, fixing, and the load. There is no single edge clearance that works for all balustrades and substrates, so the distance is determined based on the design. The correct distance protects both the substrate and the balustrade.
In concrete, the fixing must be placed far enough from the edge so that the load does not cause cracks; the distance depends on the type and size of the fixing, the concrete, and the load on the balustrade. In timber, the most important thing is that the fixing reaches a load-bearing stud or beam. The profile or post must be supported against the substrate. Check the substrate and the distance from the edge before drilling.
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The choice of fixings makes a big difference to the appearance. There are five mounting methods to choose from when ordering a Vista balustrade:
Vista is a frameless glass balustrade that can be customised with different glass types, fixings and top rails – to suit your style and setting.
Glass with a top rail
Glass without top rail
Toughened and laminated glass, 12.76 mm, ultra-clearToughened and laminated glass, 12.76 mm, clear
Toughened and laminated glass, 12.76 mm, opal
Toughened and laminated glass, 12.76 mm, grey
Square aluminium, 20×30 mm
Round stainless steel, 42 mm
Round oak, 45 mm
Natural anodised (silver)
Grey with texture
Black (RAL 9005)
White (RAL 9010)
Any RAL colourVista is a glass balustrade without posts – for anyone who wants a balustrade that does not interrupt the view. With no visible profiles, it creates an open look, while the glass gives stable protection at changes in level.
The balustrade is built from toughened, laminated safety glass and mounted with discreet fixings into the surface, on top or on the side. The design is determined by the glass height and fixing – not by load-bearing posts.
Vista is often used in places where light and views are important, such as:
A balustrade for spaces where the surroundings should speak for themselves.
In our design tool, you choose the glass type (clear, grey or opal), the fixing and whether to add a top rail in aluminium, timber or stainless steel. All your choices are shown straight away in the configurator, so you can see how the balustrade will look before you order.
Installing a frameless glass balustrade doesn't have to be difficult. Vista comes as a complete kit with all the brackets, screws, and parts you need – along with clear instructions that guide you through the entire process.
Here's how it works:
Once you have placed your order, you get access to our installation videos. They show how to install the balustrade step by step – based on the choices you have made in the configurator.
Vista is manufactured at our facility in Ängelholm and made with 12.76 mm thick toughened and laminated safety glass with ground, polished edges. The system is designed to provide stable protection at changes in level while retaining an open, minimalist appearance.
Manufacturing complies with the requirements of EN 1090-1 and is continuously monitored by RISE – with checks on the process, traceability, and load-bearing capacity in accordance with the Eurocodes for construction products. Each order is customised according to your selections and comes with a declaration of performance.
The glass is available in clear, opal, or grey finishes and remains intact even if it breaks. All of our glass balustrades are tested in-house.
Here you’ll find technical information about Vista – our frameless glass balustrade. We have gathered data on glass, fixings and installation principles to make planning and comparison easier.
All files are available to download as PDFs. They help you take the right measurements, choose a fixing and carry out a safe, correct installation – whether you build it yourself or hire an installer.
20 µm surface coating on the channel
Our aluminium channel is anodised. It is the same principle used on the mast of a sailing boat, which is resistant to wind and weather.
Stainless steel fix points
For side mounting, we use stainless steel fix points. AISI 304 for indoor use and AISI 316 for outdoor use.
Floor bracket
Square aluminium profile posts measuring 50×50 mm with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm. The aluminium profile is anodised with a 20 µm surface coating. It is the same principle used on the mast of a sailing boat, which is resistant to wind and weather.
12.76 mm toughened and laminated glass
Two glass panels, each 6 mm thick, with a plastic film in between. If the glass were to break, it would still hold together as a single piece thanks to the plastic film. Comes with ground and polished edges.
Glass options (colour)
When configuring your balustrade, choose clear glass or laminated glass with a grey-tinted or opal interlayer. The coloured or frosted film is positioned between the glass sheets.
Aluminium top rail
U-shaped aluminium profile (20×30 mm) that is attached to the top of the glass with adhesive. Surface coating: 20 µ.
Stainless steel top rail
Stainless steel top rail in AISI 304 or 316, depending on where the balustrade will be installed. Fixed on top of the glass with a rubber strip. Ø 42.4 mm.
Timber top rail
Top rail in untreated light oak or teak, Ø 45 mm. Fixed to the glass with adhesive.
Angles
For any corners, fittings are included for stainless steel and aluminium top rails. Timber top rails are mitred by you to ensure an exact fit.
Symmetrical Sections
When you enter your measurements in our configurator, you always specify the edge dimensions at the location where you want the balustrade installed. Our configurator then makes the necessary adjustments. For your balustrade, we then adjust the section dimensions so that each section on either side is the same length. In other words, we customise the balustrade to fit your measurements – not the other way around.
Choice of balustrade height
In the configurator, select a height between 400 and 1,100 mm, measured from floor level to the top of the balustrade. The appropriate height depends on the installation site, fall risk and applicable local building requirements.
Made to the millimetre
When you provide your measurements, please be as precise as possible – down to the millimetre. We’ll craft your balustrade to the millimetre so that it fits perfectly in the spot where you want to install it.
Top-mounted with a base channel
The channel is supplied in lengths of up to 5,000 mm. For longer runs, it is supplied in several sections to keep the balustrade symmetrical.
Side-mounted with a base channel
The channel is supplied in lengths of up to 5,000 mm. For longer runs, it is supplied in several sections to keep the balustrade symmetrical.
Side-mounted with point fixings
Stainless steel point fixings are installed on the outside using threaded studs. This option can provide slightly greater stability than top mounting and does not take up floor space.
Screw for concrete fixing – floor bracket
If you choose to fix into a concrete substrate, screws for this purpose are included. The screw is made of hardened steel and, for outdoor use, is also surface-treated with Corrseal – corrosivity class C4. Approved for cracked concrete, uncracked concrete and hollow-core slabs. Also suitable for solid brick, perforated brick, solid calcium silicate brick and natural stone. For fixing into materials other than timber or concrete, we recommend contacting your local builders’ merchant.
Screw for concrete fixing with aluminium channel
If you choose to fix into concrete, screws for this purpose are included. Our safety anchors are made of stainless steel for outdoor use or hot-dip galvanised steel for indoor use. The screw is 100 mm long and is fitted directly into a pre-drilled hole using an Allen key (6 mm), which is of course included in your order. Approved for reinforced concrete, concrete, solid brick and stone.
Top rail with or without wall fixing
If the balustrade meets a wall, you can also choose to fix the top rail to the wall. This can make the structure slightly more stable.
Top mounting
The base is secured to the floor with 4 screws.
Side mounting
The post is fixed with 2 screws on the side, directly against the mounting surface.
Selectable fixing heights
If you choose side mounting, you can also choose the fixing height. The post can extend down either 350 mm or 250 mm. If possible, the larger dimension is preferable.
Everything is included with your order
Our delivery includes everything you need for installation. As well as posts, glass and top rail, all screws, drill bits and any special tools are included. If you have a cordless drill, a spanner, a folding rule and a spirit level, you really don’t need anything else.
Installation videos and instructions
The videos show the different steps to support you during installation. Our installation tips and videos are tailored to each order. You do not get general descriptions – they are adapted specifically to your order.
Aluminium Parts
Posts or other aluminium parts require minimal maintenance. If stains appear, a mild detergent, water, and a soft cloth are usually sufficient. Do not use products with abrasive properties, acids, or alkaline agents.
Glass
Clean the glass with a window and mirror cleaner and a soft cloth. For stubborn marks, methylated spirits can be used. Then clean again with window and mirror cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaners on glass.
Timber top rail
If the balustrade is to be installed outdoors, we recommend cleaning the top rail and then sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper. Treat the top rail with an impregnating product such as wood oil or similar, depending on the conditions. For indoor installation, only cleaning and light sanding are needed. You can treat it with wood oil or similar if you wish. All oak contains tannic acid in varying amounts, depending on the moisture content of the timber, as the tannic acid protects the wood against rot. When your oak top rail or handrail is exposed to rain outdoors for the first time, tannic acid is released, which can cause discolouration on the surface below. We therefore recommend oiling the timber, or alternatively applying oxalic acid during installation to reduce the release of the acid. Oxalic acid can also be used to clean discolouration from the surface below. Ask your paint supplier for advice before using oxalic acid. To keep the timber looking good, we also recommend oiling it once a year.
Stainless steel top rail
Despite its name, stainless steel is not completely resistant to corrosion, so stainless steel components should be cleaned and maintained 1–3 times a year. More frequent care may be needed in coastal environments. Clean the surfaces with lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
Our A+, A, B and C use classes provide guidance on where a particular balustrade configuration may be suitable. They draw on our product testing and take into account factors such as the chosen height, section width and components. These are our own product classifications, not UK building regulation categories. The installation must also meet the requirements that apply at its location.
Use class A+
Our A+ configuration is documented for a minimum horizontal line load of 1 kN/m. The suitability of a particular balustrade for a residential, commercial or public setting depends on the complete configuration and the requirements of the installation site. Where glass is included, the specified safety glazing should be assessed as part of the whole system.
Use class A
Our A configuration is documented for a minimum horizontal line load of 0.5 kN/m. Whether that configuration is suitable for a particular residential installation depends on the site and its applicable requirements. Where glass is included, the specified safety glazing forms part of the overall system.
Use class B
Our B configuration is documented for a minimum horizontal line load of 0.5 kN/m. Whether it suits a particular installation depends on the site, the difference in level and the applicable requirements. Where glass is included, safety glass is used to reduce the risk of injury on impact.
Use class C
Use class C is intended for ground-level settings. Where glass is included, safety glass is used to reduce the risk of injury on impact. A balustrade may also be classed as C if Balustradedesign, in consultation with you, makes a change that deviates from our standard. Class C then indicates that this specific configuration has not been tested.
