Internal glass balustrades

An internal glass balustrade replaces spindles or a solid wall on a staircase, landing or mezzanine with toughened laminated glass, so light and sightlines run through the whole stairwell.

£280–£520per metre run plus VAT, supplied and fitted (guide)

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Internal glass balustrades — illustrative interior

Workmanship guarantee in writing
Free, no-obligation survey
Toughened and laminated safety glass
Surveys across the UK
Fixed-price written quotes

What are internal glass balustrades?

Frameless systems hold the glass in a floor channel or with side-fixed clamps or standoffs; a top handrail can be added or left off, depending on the design and the glass specification.

Options and specification

Toughened laminated glass sized to the loading required
Recessed channel, face-fixed channel or clamp fixing
Optional handrail in stainless steel, black or oak
Stairs, landings, galleries and mezzanines

Guide price: £280–£520 per metre run plus VAT, fitted
Minimum job: About £900 plus VAT
Lead time: Around 3–5 weeks from survey
Best for: Open-plan staircases, loft landings, split-level living spaces and office mezzanines

Where they work best

We most often fit internal glass balustrades in open-plan staircases, loft landings, split-level living spaces and office mezzanines. At the survey we'll look at the light, the way the space is used and the structure around the opening, and suggest a layout that works for it.

Building Regulations and safety

Guarding must meet Approved Document K for height and loading. In a house, guarding on stairs, landings and internal floor edges is generally at least 900mm high; in offices and other buildings, landings and mezzanine edges generally need 1100mm. Laminated glass keeps the barrier in place if a pane breaks.

How the job runs

We survey and measure, send a drawing and a fixed written price, then make your glazing to order — lead time is around 3–5 weeks from survey. On the day, floors are protected, the frame or track is fixed, the glass is set and sealed, and the space is cleaned before handover.

Questions about internal glass balustrades

Does a glass balustrade need a handrail?

Stairs still need a handrail to grip, which can be fixed to the wall. Whether the glass needs a top rail depends on the glass type and fixing; laminated glass in a structural channel often doesn't.

How high does an internal balustrade need to be?

In a house, generally at least 900mm on stairs, landings and floor edges. In offices and other buildings, landings and mezzanine edges generally need 1100mm. We design to the current Approved Document K.

Is glass hard to keep clean?

It shows fingerprints, but a quick wipe keeps it clear. An easy-clean coating is available.