Whether you are installing a new glass balustrade in your home or office, you will want it to look as stylish, sleek and sophisticated as possible, complementing the rest of the interior design and making the building more attractive to visitors.
The biggest decision you will have to make when picking your balustrade, therefore, is whether to go for a frameless or framed one.
Read on for some tips on how to choose between the two.
Everything you need to know about framed balustrades
Framed glass balustrades are perhaps the more familiar option, with lots of office buildings and even domestic properties choosing to have a glass partition reinforced with metal posts and handrails.
There are many benefits to this type of balustrade, including the following:
- Security
Having a handrail that can easily be grabbed on to means there is less chance someone will fall when standing next to them.
The handrail also makes it more secure should someone lean against it. Although the glass itself is incredibly strong, it provides an extra barrier of protection, keeping both the person safe and the balustrade undamaged.
As glass balustrades are available in toughened glass, and they can also be up to 2.4m high, this can provide additional security and, subsequently, reassurance.
- Both interior and exterior
They are also a popular choice as they look great in both interior and exterior settings. By having one design that can be used indoors and outdoors, property owners only have to choose a single balustrade.
Furthermore, it creates a smooth transition between the inside and outside of the building and provides a fluid interior design that looks well thought through and seamless.
- Domestic and commercial
You may have seen a framed balustrade frequently because they are popular in both domestic and commercial buildings. They look just as good in an office block as they do in a hospital, and they suit shopping centres as well as they suit townhouses or apartment blocks.
This is why more people are not letting themselves be influenced by where they have seen a framed balustrade, as they look good in a huge variety of settings.
- Durable and robust
Anyone investing in updating their property will want to know that the materials and build will last a long time. The good news about framed glass balustrades is that they are robust, so are unlikely to break anytime soon after being fitted.
At the same time, they are also made from durable materials, which means they are resilient and long-lasting. Glass itself can last thousands of years, while the metal handrail and posts can withstand inclement weather and decades of use.
- Easy to maintain
Something else that is appealing about a framed glass balustrade is that they are easy to maintain. The glass simply needs to be washed with a cleaning solution every so often to keep it sparkling.
The handrail and posts can be cleaned using a vinegar solution to take out any marks, remove dust and stains, and prevent water marks from forming. This can be done after using diluted washing up liquid to remove debris and bacteria from the rail.
- Wide variety available
Just because framed balustrades can be found in lots of different buildings, it does not mean they all look the same.
Something that attracts people to these fittings is that there is a huge variety of handrails and profiles available these days. Therefore, it is easy to choose one that suits the building and the rest of the interior design, which is focused on luxury and glamour.
With all these benefits to bear in mind, it is not hard to see why framed glass balustrades are incredibly popular. However, lots of people are also considering frameless glass balustrades.
Everything you need to know about frameless glass balustrades
Frameless balustrades really suit an ultra-modern design, so if this is the style you are going for in your property, it is worth taking a look at these instead.
Thanks to not having metal posts or handrails, it does not obstruct any views and makes it look as though there is no balustrade at all, creating a clear vista and allowing more light to spread around the area.
Here are just a few benefits of choosing frameless glass balustrades if you are on the fence between the two:
- Does not block the light
While a traditional wall would block the light and view, glass ones do not. What’s more, a lack of handrail and posts means anyone nearby can have uninterrupted views of the surroundings as they look entirely transparent.
- Safety is paramount
It might seem as though a frameless balustrade is not as safe and secure as other options, but this is not the case. They are engineered in a way that makes them incredibly robust, so people do not have to be worried about leaning on them or using them to brace a fall.
Though there is no handrail, they can still be held on to, with the toughened laminated glass available in thickness between 13.5mm and 21.5mm.
They also come with a secure fitting in the bottom channel, meaning they will not wobble and are completely steady. Therefore, property owners do not have to worry about them being less able to prevent a fall than other types of balustrade.
- Suits any style of building
The great thing about frameless glass balustrades is that while they are very contemporary, thanks to their lack of other fittings, they are able to suit any style of building.
Handrail and post profiles might date over time or may not suit certain periods of properties, such as Edwardian homes or Georgian mansions.
However, frameless ones merely look as though there is no barrier in place at all, complementing the current architectural and interior design, while also adding a contemporary contrast to them.
- Resistant to impact and damage
This type of balustrade is also incredibly durable. As the tempered glass is resistant to impact, you can rest assured they will not become damaged because of human actions or environmental force.
Therefore, they are able to stand strong for many years, no matter what the conditions are like and, due to their unimposing style, will never go out of fashion.
Whatever style you choose, you can be certain it will elevate your interior or exterior design, making your building feel more modern, up-to-date with the latest trends, and luxurious.
