A glass balustrade keeps a balcony, deck, mezzanine or stair edge safe without blocking the view. TemperedGlass.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent glaziers and balustrade installers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not sell, make or install glass ourselves. There is no fee and no obligation, so you can compare quotes for a modern glass balustrade from more than one supplier before you decide.
Types of glass balustrade
Most systems fall into three groups. Ask each installer which one they are quoting.
- Frameless: glass held in a base channel or by stainless steel spigots, with no top rail. This gives the cleanest look.
- Semi-frameless: glass clamped by stainless steel posts or standoff fittings, usually with a handrail.
- Framed: glass set between posts and a top rail. A stainless steel and glass balustrade is the common version, and aluminium is another option.
Panels are typically 12 mm toughened or laminated toughened glass, in clear or low-iron (extra-clear) glass.
Safety, regulations and thickness
A balustrade protects people from a fall, so the rules are strict. SANS 10400-N and SANS 10137 cover glass in balustrades, including the glass type and the load it must carry. Ask your glazier to confirm what the regulations require for your opening, height and drop.
- Laminated toughened glass is often chosen for upper floors, because a broken panel stays in place on its interlayer.
- Check for the permanent etched safety mark (SANS 1263) on every pane.
- Frameless systems need a solid slab or steel base to fix into. Thin screeds and hollow blocks are not enough.
Coastal, estate and fitting notes
Near the sea, wind loads are higher and salt air corrodes fittings. Ask for 316 stainless steel in coastal areas. In apartments and estates, get body corporate or architectural approval before you order.
Tempered glass cannot be cut or drilled after toughening, so panels are made to exact site measurements. Expect a lead time between measuring and fitting. Tell the installer if the balcony is tiled, waterproofed or still unfinished, because the base fixing depends on it.
What affects your quote
We never give prices here, because every balcony is different. Installers usually look at:
- The total length and the number of corners or steps.
- Glass thickness, laminated or single toughened, and clear or low-iron.
- The system: channel, spigot, standoff or post.
- Handrail type and fitting grade.
- Access, height off the ground and travel distance.
Photos and measurements help installers quote accurately.
Comparing quotes for glass balustrades
The lowest figure is not always the best deal. When your quotes arrive, check:
- Glass: the type, thickness and finish allowed for, and that it carries the safety mark where it must.
- Hardware: the hinges, clamps, channels, spigots or frames included, and their finish and grade.
- Measuring and lead time: who measures, how long the toughened glass takes to arrive, and when it can be fitted.
- Guarantee and terms: any workmanship guarantee, deposit, payment stages, removal of old glass and how long the price holds.
What to include in your request
- Give the total length and the number of corners.
- Say whether the balcony is upstairs, on a deck or at ground level.
- Describe the base: concrete slab, steel or timber.
- Mention coastal exposure and any body corporate rules.
- Attach photos and say when you need it fitted.
Frequently asked questions
Does TemperedGlass.co.za install glass balustrades?
Is a frameless glass balustrade safe?
Can glass balustrades be fitted on a tiled balcony?
How long does it take to get the glass made?
Glass Balustrades by province
- Glass Balustrades Gauteng
- Glass Balustrades Mpumalanga
- Glass Balustrades North West
- Glass Balustrades Limpopo
- Glass Balustrades Northern Cape
- Glass Balustrades Free State
- Glass Balustrades KwaZulu-Natal
- Glass Balustrades Eastern Cape
- Glass Balustrades Western Cape
Glass Balustrades by city and town
- Glass Balustrades in Johannesburg
- Glass Balustrades in Pretoria
- Glass Balustrades in Centurion
- Glass Balustrades in Midrand
- Glass Balustrades in Sandton
- Glass Balustrades in Randburg
- Glass Balustrades in Roodepoort
- Glass Balustrades in Krugersdorp
- Glass Balustrades in Randfontein
- Glass Balustrades in Germiston
- Glass Balustrades in Boksburg
- Glass Balustrades in Benoni
- Glass Balustrades in Kempton Park
- Glass Balustrades in Alberton
- Glass Balustrades in Vanderbijlpark
- Glass Balustrades in Vereeniging
- Glass Balustrades in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Glass Balustrades in Middelburg
- Glass Balustrades in Secunda
- Glass Balustrades in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Glass Balustrades in Rustenburg
- Glass Balustrades in Brits
- Glass Balustrades in Klerksdorp
- Glass Balustrades in Potchefstroom
- Glass Balustrades in Polokwane
- Glass Balustrades in Tzaneen
- Glass Balustrades in Lephalale
- Glass Balustrades in Kimberley
- Glass Balustrades in Kathu
- Glass Balustrades in Upington
- Glass Balustrades in Bloemfontein
- Glass Balustrades in Welkom
- Glass Balustrades in Sasolburg
- Glass Balustrades in Durban
- Glass Balustrades in Pinetown
- Glass Balustrades in Pietermaritzburg
- Glass Balustrades in Richards Bay
- Glass Balustrades in Newcastle
- Glass Balustrades in Ladysmith
- Glass Balustrades in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Glass Balustrades in East London
- Glass Balustrades in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Glass Balustrades in Cape Town
- Glass Balustrades in Bellville
- Glass Balustrades in Paarl
- Glass Balustrades in Stellenbosch
- Glass Balustrades in George
- Glass Balustrades in Worcester
