Glass Balustrades

With an almost-there appearance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a Frameless Glass balustrade is less substantial than a framed balustrade system. After all, where the system is recessed below the floor the lack of obvious structure makes these glass railings look unsupported. But that’s not the case. Every Balconette Frameless Glass balustrade is supported by a combination of anodised aluminium base shoe and laminated glass.

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Glass is often seen as a more unusual option for backyard fencing. Unlike wooden fence panels or brick walls, glass fencing is a modern introduction to our gardens. Here are six of the most common questions people ask when thinking about adding a glass fence to their backyard.

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With no posts to obscure the view, this simple, yet stylish Balconette balustrade near Whitehaven in Cumbria creates a seamless connection to sunsets and the sea.

Its ‘sheltered’ design in the west-facing newbuild house was a key factor for homeowner Keith Ross so that he and his family could make the most of far-reaching views, whatever the weather.

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We’re often asked about the options available for the width of the glass panels on our balustrading. While it’s physically possible to manufacture, transport and install glass at almost any width, we recommend sticking to more conventional panel widths.

How wide can a glass panel be?

The maximum width we supply for glass panels is 1.2 metres. However, we’d normally recommend glass panel widths of around 1.0m.

Fitting one large glass panel or a series of wider panels can feel like a good move. After all, a run of crystal-clear glass, unobscured by posts would give you a clear view of the world beyond and add that elusive wow factor to your build. But is using wider glass panels the only option?

By installing an SG12 Frameless balustrade system or a Hybrid® system with minimal posts, you will get a set-up that’s as seamless as if you’d used a series of wider panels. Unlike systems which are interrupted by regular posts, Balconette’s balustrading options can gives you the option of installing a boundary that consists only of glass panels. There will be small gaps between the panels, that allow for expansion and contraction tolerances but these are barely noticeable with well-maintained, well-installed glass.

Lower replacement costs

No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. And if they do, a narrower glass panel is your friend. Not only will you have a narrower width to secure while you wait for the replacement panel, but the replacement will be more affordable. There’s another advantage too, because it’s a conventional size, it will be faster to source and deliver replacement panels.

Easier, more cost-effective installation

A single pane of glass at 1.0 metres squared weighs in at 25kg – around the weight of an 8-year-old child. It’s easy enough to lift and manoeuvre into place without difficulty or the need for help. Double that width and you double the weight. Few people can safely lift 50kg alone. Because larger panels weigh more, you’ll need more people to handle, position and install the glass balustrading; increasing the installation costs.

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Keeping beautiful views over three counties from the patio decking at their Herefordshire home was of paramount importance to Gill and Ronald Webb – and their smart Balconette balustrade fits the bill perfectly.

With the advent of better weather and easing of restrictions, this Balconette Aerofoil Glass Balustrade System helps to create a social space on patios where guests can lean on the sturdy wing-shaped handrail, chat and admire the view.

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If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony on your property, brightening it up with plants is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature and add a touch of individuality to your home.

From a modest window box to a sky-high smallholding, balcony gardening can be as simple or involved as you want it to be. With so many of us embracing gardening during lockdown, gardening in small spaces has grown in popularity and there is an abundance of support and advice available from gardening experts across the country.

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Now framed with a beautiful Balconette glass balustrade, it was the impressive panoramic view of the Kent coastline that sold this bungalow to a couple from Hythe.

“We didn’t even look at the house, it was the gorgeous view that sold it,” says Susan Treadwell. “That is why when we undertook renovation work, we wanted to create a big outdoor seating and barbecue area to make the most of it. We’ve gained lots of space!”

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Café culture doesn’t get much closer to the sea than here in Westgate-on-Sea where your coffee cup, or dining out experience, is just a few metres from the waves.

Taking advantage of this enviable position is owner Alan Dolan’s West Bay Café which has undergone extensive renovation, including the installation of nearly 40 metres of glass balustrade manufactured and supplied by Balconette.

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Tantalising sea views are delivered through 171 metres of Balconette’s clear glass balustrading at these luxury modern apartments – with a famous connection – located on the prestigious North Foreland estate, one of the most desirable areas in East Kent.

Residents of the two contemporary apartment blocks at Ocean Drive, Broadstairs have private access to a secluded beach below via the famous ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps’ from John Buchan’s renowned novel of the same name, first published in 1915.

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Striking glass balustrades supplied by Balconette add extra external space while opening up extensive countryside views at this unique self-built home in a rural location on the Lincolnshire/Cambridgeshire border. Construction of the four-bedroomed home near Peterborough took three years and it was completed in March 2020 just before the first national lockdown.

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