How To Order A Complete Glass Balustrade

When specified correctly, a glass balustrade can integrate seamlessly into a building envelope while meeting structural, safety, and code requirements.

To make the ordering process as intuitive as possible, most of the glass railing products that we offer come as complete kits, where all of the matching parts are bundled together. 

With that in mind, it is good to know what to look out for. There are some systems and accessories that will be required, depending on the glass size used for the project.

Key Components of a Glass Balustrade

Every glass balustrade is made up of multiple interdependent components. Understanding the role of each element is critical to ensuring the system performs as intended once installed.

Glass Panels

Glass panels are the primary structural and visual element of the system. Specifications typically include glass thickness, laminate configuration, edge finishing, and any required holes or notches. Thickness selection is driven by structural requirements, wind loads, occupancy type, and whether the system is framed, semi-frameless, or fully frameless.

Edges may be polished, arrissed, or flat ground depending on exposure and aesthetic requirements. If the system uses clamps, spigots, or point-fixed hardware, hole locations and diameters must be coordinated precisely with the selected mounting hardware and shop drawings.

Posts and Glass Clamps

Post-supported systems rely on vertical posts and glass clamps to retain the panels. Posts, such as our Pro Blade Systems, are typically specified as end, corner, or intermediate units and must be spaced according to engineering requirements and glass size. Material selection, height, and finish should align with the broader architectural palette and environmental exposure.

Glass clamps must be compatible with the specified glass thickness and post profile. Clamp quantity, positioning, and gasket selection all influence load transfer and long-term performance.

Spigots

Spigots are commonly used in frameless glass balustrades where a minimal visual footprint is desired. They secure the glass at the base without continuous framing and are available in surface-mounted, core-drilled, and fascia-mounted configurations.

Each spigot must be matched to the glass thickness and laminate type, with the number of spigots per panel determined by engineering calculations and panel width. Finish consistency across spigots and other exposed hardware is essential for a cohesive appearance.

Depending on the kit, our glass balustrades will come packaged with either our patented TILT-LOCK spigots or our Pro-Fit spigots.

Base Shoes (Base Channels)

Base shoe systems provide continuous support along the base of the glass and are often specified for higher-load or fully frameless installations. These systems (such as our TILT-LOCK Channel System) may be top-mounted or fascia-mounted and can accommodate dry-glaze or wet-glaze installation methods.

When specifying a base shoe, it is important to confirm glass compatibility, allowable tolerances, anchoring requirements, and any cover plates or finishing trims required for the final appearance.

Handrails and Cap Rails

Handrails or cap rails may be specified for code compliance, occupant comfort, or added structural performance. Some systems rely on the handrail as a structural component, while others use it as a purely protective or aesthetic element.

Specifications should address mounting method, profile shape, material, finish, and required end caps or connectors. Coordination with glass thickness and overall system height is essential.

Depending on what your project’s material requirements are, we have both aluminium handrail systems available, as well as stainless steel handrail systems.

Brackets, Fasteners, and Accessories

A complete system also includes a range of secondary components such as brackets, anchors, gaskets, shims, cover plates, and fasteners. These items are often overlooked during specification but are critical to installation and long-term durability.

All fasteners should be selected based on substrate type, load requirements, and environmental exposure. Mixing incompatible materials can result in corrosion or premature failure, particularly in exterior applications.

Mounting Styles and Design Considerations

Mounting style has a direct impact on structural performance, visual outcome, and installation complexity. Early coordination between design, engineering, and procurement helps prevent late-stage changes.

Top-Mounted Systems

Top-mounted systems are fixed directly to the top of the slab or structure. They are commonly used where sufficient slab edge depth is available and where a clean fascia line is desired. These systems often require cover plates or trim profiles to conceal anchors and provide a finished appearance.

Structural capacity, waterproofing interfaces, and tolerance for slab variation should all be reviewed during design development.

See our BR78 TILT-LOCK Installation Guide to see what this mounting style looks like.

Fascia-Mounted Systems

Fascia-mounted systems fix to the vertical face of the structure, preserving usable floor space on balconies and walkways. These systems typically require engineered brackets and careful coordination with edge conditions and façade finishes.

Because hardware remains visible, finish selection and alignment are especially important in fascia-mounted applications.

See our TILT-LOCK Side Fixed Installation Guide to see what this mounting style looks like.

Frameless Spigot Systems

Spigot-mounted systems offer maximum transparency with minimal visual interruption. These systems rely heavily on accurate substrate preparation and precise glass fabrication.

Anchoring method, spigot spacing, and base cover options should be resolved early to avoid conflicts during installation.

See our Frameless Glass Installation guide to see what this mounting style looks like.

Common Oversights to Avoid

Even well-documented projects can encounter issues if key details are missed during ordering.

One common oversight is forgetting to include finishing components, such as end caps, cover plates, or matching trims, which can delay installation or compromise the appearance. Mixing finishes or materials across different hardware elements can also result in visual inconsistency or durability concerns.

Failure to account for movement and expansion joints may lead to glass stress or alignment issues over time. Similarly, missing gaskets, incorrect fasteners, or incompatible mounting hardware can create installation challenges or safety risks.

Finally, errors in glass specifications, including thickness, laminate type, hole placement, or panel dimensions, are among the most costly mistakes. These issues are best avoided through early coordination with the project engineer and glass fabricator.

Final Checks Before Ordering

Before placing an order, confirm that all components have been specified as part of a complete system, that finishes and materials are consistent, and that glass specifications align with engineering documentation. Verifying compatibility across all elements helps ensure a smooth procurement process and reduces the risk of on-site issues.

Component Checklist

Glass Panels

• Glass thickness and laminate configuration confirmed per engineering documentation
• Panel dimensions finalised, including allowances for tolerances and movement
• Edge finishing specified (polished, arrissed, or flat ground)
• Hole locations, diameters, or notches coordinated with mounting hardware

Primary Support Systems

• Support type selected: post-supported, spigot-mounted, or base shoe system
• Mounting method confirmed (top mount or fascia mount)
• Substrate type and fixing conditions reviewed

Posts and Glass Clamps (if applicable)

• Correct post types specified (end, corner, intermediate)
• Post spacing coordinated with glass panel sizes and load requirements
• Glass clamp size and quantity matched to glass thickness
• Gaskets and clamp liners included

Spigots (if applicable)

• Spigot mounting type selected (surface, core-drilled, or fascia mount)
• Quantity per glass panel confirmed
• Spigot material and finish aligned with other exposed hardware
• Base covers or trim components included

Base Shoes / Base Channels (if applicable)

• Base shoe system compatible with the specified glass thickness
• Mounting orientation confirmed (top mount or fascia mount)
• Glazing method selected (dry-glaze or wet-glaze)
• Anchors, wedges, gaskets, and cover plates included

Handrails and Cap Rails (if applicable)

• Handrail or cap rail requirement confirmed (structural or non-structural)
• Profile, material, and finish specified
• Mounting method coordinated with glass system
• End caps, connectors, and transitions included

Fasteners and Accessories

• Anchors and fasteners specified for substrate and environmental exposure
• Isolators or corrosion-resistant components are included where required
• Cover plates, shims, spacers, and finishing trims accounted for

Coordination and Compliance

• Finishes are consistent across all system components
• All components verified as compatible within a single system
• Engineering requirements reviewed and incorporated
• Installation tolerances and expansion allowances considered

Frequently Asked Questions

What Components Are Included In A Typical Glass Balustrade Kit?

Most glass railing products sold by us come with all the components needed for the system. Some systems and other accessories will be needed, depending on the glass size used for the project.

How Do I Know Which Glass Thickness To Order?

The glass thickness used for each project will be determined by where it’s installed, for example, high wind areas or internal or external balconies. Please refer to the engineering documents to determine the glass thickness for your project.

Can I Mix Post Systems And Base Shoe Systems In One Project?

Yes, you can mix and match multiple different glass balustrades. Just be sure the systems are rated and engineered for the application.

What Tools Or Information Do I Need Before Ordering?

Almost all our systems do not require any specific tools to install the glass into our systems. Generic, commonly used tools in construction are fine. Allen keys, spanners, etc. We have a special tool for our quick-lock standoff pins, which makes the adjustment easier, and for our TLSF82, the custom allen key comes included in the box.