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Balcony balustrades – a guide to materials, rules, safety, and views

Published Last updated Approx. 23 min read

The right balcony balustrade combines fall protection with materials and a design that complement the balcony’s view, light, privacy, wind, and architecture. The choice also needs to be tailored to the balcony’s location, size, surface, and how the railing can be mounted.

Glass balustrades on balconies are often a good choice when you want to preserve the view and create an open feel. Aluminium and stainless steel offer different styles and properties, while opal glass, privacy screen, and windbreak can be important considerations when the balcony is close to neighbours or in a more exposed location.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through material selection, glass balustrades, Juliet balcony, privacy screen, windbreak, installation, regulations for apartment buildings, safety, and maintenance. You’ll also get help comparing the options and understanding what you should check before choosing and ordering a balcony railing.

Table of Contents Jump directly to the right section of the guide
Quick Answers The most important thing to consider when choosing a balcony balustrade

Quick Answer

Six Things to Consider When choosing a balcony balustrade

  • Safety comes first. The railing must serve as fall protection and is designed based on the balcony’s height, openings, surface, and fixing.
  • Glass is a good choice when views and light are important. Clear glass provides the most openness, while opal glass and other glass options can offer more privacy.
  • The material affects both appearance and care. Glass, aluminium, and stainless steel offer different looks and have different cleaning and maintenance requirements.
  • Location and weather influence the choice. Wind, privacy, sunlight, and the balcony's location determine how open or enclosed the railing should be.
  • Installation must be planned according to the design. The balcony slab, façade, edge, and existing connections affect how the railing can be mounted.
  • Check the rules and obtain approval in a timely manner. In apartments and multi-family buildings, the homeowners’ association, property owners, planning approvals, and the design of the façade can affect what changes are permitted.

What factors determine which balcony balustrade is right for you?

Choosing the right balcony balustrade depends primarily on safety, the view, privacy, wind, and the installation conditions. Therefore, start by considering how you want to use the balcony before comparing materials, colours, or models.

Once the five questions below are clear, it will be easier to determine whether glass, aluminium, stainless steel, or a more private solution is best suited for the balcony.

Five Factors

Start with the function – then choose the material

Safety and fall protection

Start with fall hazards, the railing design, openings, and fixing. On a balcony, safety considerations must be addressed before deciding on materials and design.

View and Light

If you want to preserve the view from the balcony, glass is often a natural choice. Clear glass provides the greatest sense of openness, while the posts, and profiles affect how visible the railing is.

Overlooking and privacy

neighbours, the street, or a courtyard can make privacy screen important. Opal glass, grey glass, or more solid sections can provide more privacy without making the balcony feel closed off.

Wind and the balcony's location

A balcony located high up or in an open area may need more shelter. Glass can provide shelter while still allowing light and a view to be maintained.

Façade, Substrate, and Installation

The railing must be compatible with both the balcony’s design and the building’s aesthetic. In apartments and multi-family buildings, the homeowners’ association’s or property owner’s requirements may also influence the materials, colour, and fixing.

How do location, view, and weather influence the choice of balcony balustrade?

The balcony's location affects how open or enclosed the railing should be. The view, wind, overlooking from outside, and height above the ground can therefore be at least as important as the material you choose.

A balcony with an unobstructed view may benefit from an open glass balustrade, while a balcony close to neighbours may require more privacy. In high or open locations, windbreak may also need to be taken into account as early as the railing design phase.

Towards the View

Preserve Light and Views

If the balcony overlooks the water, a garden, the city, or open countryside, glass can be a good choice. The balustrade provides fall protection without taking up too much visual space.

Against neighbours

Improve privacy without blocking the view

If the balcony is located near other residences, a street, or a courtyard, opal glass, grey glass, or other privacy screens can provide a greater sense of privacy while still allowing light to enter.

Shelter from the wind

Create shelter without sacrificing floor space

On upper floors and in open locations, the wind can make a small balcony difficult to use. Design the railing and screening so that they provide shelter without making the balcony feel heavy or confined.

Map out the balcony

Four questions to help you choose the right railing

Where does the wind come from?

Note whether the wind is coming mainly from the side, from the front, or around a corner.

What would you like to see?

The view, the sky, and the light may be worth preserving with a more open railing.

Where does the overlooking come from?

Streets, neighbouring buildings, and courtyards may require different types of glass or screening.

How will the balcony be used?

Dining areas, lounge areas, and plants each have different requirements when it comes to views, shelter, and privacy.

How do the size and shape of the balcony affect which balustrade is best suited?

The size and shape of the balcony affect both how the railing is perceived and how much usable space remains. On a narrow balcony, a visually light railing is often a good fit, while a larger balcony can accommodate a more striking design.

Therefore, don't just measure the total length. Corners, wall connections, the depth of the balcony, and the positioning of furniture also affect your choice. Once you have the measurements, you can use our design tool for railings to design a solution based on the balcony's dimensions and shape.

Measure correctly from the start

Three measurements and factors to check

A custom-sized balcony balustrade needs to be designed based on the entire geometry of the balcony, not just its total width.

Total length

Measure each section where the railing will be installed. If the balcony has multiple sides, each side should be measured separately.

Corners and end details

Check angles, columns, wall connections, and other façade elements that affect where the railing can begin and end.

Depth and Furnishings

Take into account walking space, doors, furniture, and plants. On small balconies, even a few centimetres can affect how the space can be used.

The shape of the balcony

Adjust the railing to match the shape of the space

Narrow balcony

Keep the balustrade visually light

Glass can let in light and make a narrow balcony appear larger. Avoid designs that protrude unnecessarily inward and reduce the usable floor space.

Corner balcony

Plan for multiple directions

A corner balcony can be exposed to both wind and overlooking from several directions. It may therefore be wise to combine open sections with more private areas.

Deep balcony

Plan according to different zones

If there is room for a table, a seating area, and plants, the railing can be customised depending on where a view, privacy, or a greater sense of space is needed.

Balcony facing the building façade

Let the balustrade complement the building

In apartment buildings, the colour, materials, and proportions of the railing often need to complement the façade, windows, and other balconies.

Which balcony balustrade is the best fit?

Which balcony balustrade is best depends on what you want to prioritize: a view, low-maintenance care, a more distinct material aesthetic, or more privacy. The balcony’s location, the building’s façade, and the possibility of a secure “ fixing ” also need to be taken into account.

Glass, aluminium, and stainless steel are not always entirely separate options. For example, a glass balustrade may feature posts, profiles, or top rail made of aluminium or stainless steel. Therefore, compare the entire balustrade system and base your decision on which feature is most important for your specific balcony.

View and Light

Glass balustrade

Ideal when you want to preserve the view and have the railing take up as little visual space as possible. Clear glass provides the greatest sense of openness, while other glass options can offer more privacy.

Low maintenance

Aluminium railing

Ideal when you want an easy-to-maintain railing with a clean look. Powder-coated profiles can be customised in colour to match the façade, windows, and doors.

A clearer sense of the material

Stainless steel balustrades

Ideal when you want the metal to be a visible part of the balcony’s design. Stainless steel can be combined with glass when you want to preserve light and views while giving the railing a more metallic look.

More privacy

Shielding Solution

Ideal when privacy or wind are more of a concern than the view is appealing. Opal glass, grey glass, or more opaque sections can be placed where they’re needed most without making the entire balcony feel closed off.

Quick guide

Start with what's most important on your balcony

If the view is the most important thing

Choose an open- glass balustrade, and customize the glass design based on how much privacy screen you need.

If overlooking or wind is the problem

Add more screening where it's needed most and keep the areas more open where you still want light and a view.

If the façade defines the look

Choose colours, profiles, and materials that work well with the building and the other balconies.

When is the best time to use glass balustrade on the balcony?

Glass balustrades are particularly well-suited for balconies where you want to maintain the view, natural light, and an open feel. This can be especially valuable on a smaller balcony or where a more solid railing might otherwise block the view from the apartment.

How open the railing appears depends both on the balustrade system and on the appearance of the glass. Within our range of glass balustrades you will find different options for those who want to prioritize an unobstructed view or more privacy. The specific glass options depend on which balustrade system you choose.

The appearance of the glass

How much of a view and how much privacy do you want?

Start by considering what the glass will be used for on your specific balcony. The difference between the options is most noticeable in terms of visibility, light, and how secluded the space feels.

Clear glass

When the view matters most

Ideal when you want a clear view through the railing and want the balcony's view and natural light to be as prominent as possible.

Opal glass

When you want to improve privacy

Opal glass lets daylight through but obscures the view through the glass. It is therefore well-suited for use facing neighbours, the street, or a courtyard.

Grey glass

When you want a more subdued look

Grey glass creates a darker and more distinct appearance than clear glass. At the same time, the perceived level of transparency depends on the light, the viewing angle, and the surroundings.

Compare glass types

What kind of glass is best for the balcony?

Comparison of clear glass, opal glass, and grey glass based on use, view, and privacy screen.
Glass Selection Best suited for when View Privacy screen
Clear glass You want to prioritise an unobstructed view and natural light High Low
Opal glass You want to block the view from neighbours, the street, or the courtyard Low High
Grey glass You want a darker, more pronounced glass finish Average Average

When are aluminium or stainless steel balustrades suitable for a balcony?

Aluminium railings are often a good choice when you want an easy-to-maintain, colour-coordinated balcony balustrade with a clean and understated look. stainless steel railings are a good choice when you want the metal to be a more prominent part of the balcony’s architecture and material aesthetic.

Glass is a common choice for balcony enclosures, but the choice of material also depends on posts, profiles, fixings, and top rail. Therefore, whether aluminium or stainless steel is used affects not only the railing’s appearance, but also its maintenance and how well balcony balustrade it blends with the façade and the surroundings where it will be installed.

Aluminium

Easy to maintain and simple to customize the colour

Aluminium is a good choice for balconies where you want low-maintenance, lightweight, and a clean look. Powder-coated profiles can be customised in colour, making it easier to coordinate the railing with the façade, windows, doors, and other building details.

  • Perfect for when you want your balcony balustrade to feel understated and modern.
  • Colours and profiles can be customised to match the building's aesthetic.
  • Usually requires mainly cleaning to keep the surface clean.
stainless steel

A more pronounced metallic look

stainless steel is a good choice when posts, top rail, and other visible details are meant to be a more prominent part of the balcony railing’s design. The material can be combined with glass when you want to preserve light and views while also giving the railing a more metallic character.

  • Ideal when you want the metal to be visible in the balustrade's design.
  • Can be combined with glass when you want to preserve the view.
  • Materials and surface treatments should be adapted to the environment, especially in locations exposed to salt or chlorine.

What is the difference between the glass balustrade, aluminium balustrade, and stainless steel railings?

The difference lies primarily in what defines the railing’s function and appearance. Glass balustrades are a good choice when views and light are most important; aluminium is best when low-maintenance and colour coordination are key considerations; and stainless steel is ideal when the metal should be a more prominent part of the balcony’s appearance.

At the same time, these terms can overlap. A glass balustrade can feature posts, profiles, or top rail made of aluminium or stainless steel. In the comparison below, glass balustrade therefore refers to a solution where the glass surface dominates, while aluminium balustrade and stainless steel railings describe solutions where the respective metal is a more prominent part of the structure and design.

Comparison of glass balustrade, aluminium balustrade, and stainless steel railings based on view and light, privacy, wind and location, maintenance, colour and style, as well as when each solution is best suited.
Property Glass balustrade Aluminium railing Stainless steel balustrades
View and Light The glass surface dominates and provides an unobstructed view through large sections of the railing Depends on the infill—it can be open or combined with glass It depends on the design of the railing and whether it is combined with glass
Overlooking Can be customised with, for example, clear, opal, or grey glass Can be combined with glass or more opaque sections Depends primarily on the balustrade's infill and how open the system is
Wind and Location A larger, continuous glass surface can provide more protection against the wind Profiles and infills can be customised based on the balcony's function and location The quality of the materials and the workmanship must be adapted to the environment where the railing will be installed
Care The glass should be cleaned as needed to maintain a clear appearance Powder-coated surfaces generally require cleaning primarily as needed Must be cleaned and maintained based on the environment and the surface's exposure
Colour and Expression Visually light, with the glass taking centre stage Easy to customize the colour with powder-coated profiles A more distinct metallic look and a more noticeable sense of the material
Best suited for when Views, natural light, and a sense of openness are the most important factors You prioritize low-maintenance, colour, and a clean look You want the metal to be a prominent part of the railing's design
Quick Comparison

Choose glass balustrade when the view and light are your top priorities, aluminium balustrade when low-maintenance and colour coordination are most important, and stainless steel for railings when you want a more distinct metallic look.

How do you safely install and secure a balcony balustrade?

balcony balustrade is installed securely by adapting fixing to the load-bearing surface, the balcony’s structure, and how the railing meets the floor, edge, or façade. The surface and fixing must therefore be determined before installation begins.

Also check the dimensions, corners, wall connections, waterproofing, water drainage, and other details that may affect the installation. Posts, glass, profiles, and fixings need to work together as a whole on the balcony in question.

Before installation

Check these three points first

  • Check the substrate

    Determine whether the railing will be mounted on, for example, concrete, steel, wood, a façade, or an existing balcony structure. The composition of the substrate determines which fixing is possible.

  • Measure openings and end details

    Measure the balcony's lengths, corners, wall connections, and clear openings. Also take into account doors, thresholds, drainage, and details on the façade.

  • Plan posts, glass, and connections

    The positioning of posts, glass, profiles, and fixings must work in harmony with the balcony's shape. Pay special attention to corners, short sides, and connections to the wall.

Fixing in practice

Which fixing method is suitable for the balcony's construction?

The choice depends on where suitable load-bearing material is available and how the railing will connect to the balcony floor, edge, façade, or an existing structure.

Top-mounted fixing

The railing is mounted on top of a suitable load-bearing substrate. Check the structure of the surface and how fixing it affects the waterproofing and water drainage.

Side-mounted fixing

The railing is attached to the edge or side of the balcony. This can free up floor space, but requires that the edge be accessible and suitable for the specific fixing.

Installation on an existing structure

If the railing is to be attached to a façade, balcony front, existing railing, or other structure, the materials, load-bearing capacity, and connection must be verified before planning the installation.

What are the rules for balcony balustrade in apartments and multi-family buildings?

In an apartment or a multi-family building, you first need to determine whether the homeowners’ association or the property owner approves the change and whether the new balcony balustrade affects the building’s façade in a way that requires planning permission.

Replacing a railing may be considered a façade alteration. Whether planning permission is required depends on the building, the façade’s location, and the local regulations. Protected environments and special regulations for the area may also affect the requirements. Therefore, check the requirements before deciding on materials, glass, colour, and fixing design.

Apartment and Façade

Start with approval and prerequisites

A balcony balustrade is a prominent feature of a building’s exterior. Therefore, check both who has the authority to approve the change and what requirements apply to the property before ordering the railing.

Building management or property owner

Check whether the association or the property owner needs to approve any changes or replacements to the balcony balustrade and whether there are any established requirements regarding the work.

The Appearance of the Façade

Determine whether the colour, glass, posts, profiles, or top rail need to match the existing balconies and the building’s architectural style.

Façade Alterations and planning approvals

Replacing a railing may be considered a façade alteration. Whether planning permission is required depends on the building, the location of the façade, and the regulations in that area. Buildings or areas of special historical value may have additional requirements. Contact your local building authority if you are unsure.

Design and fixings

Ensure that the installation and fixings are compatible with the balcony's existing structure, waterproofing, connections, and other building components.

Before placing an order

What kind of background information is good to have ready?

Photos, measurements, and information about the property's requirements make it easier to assess which solution will work before a balcony balustrade is ordered.

Platsen

Pictures

Take photos of the existing balcony balustrade, façade, wall connections, balcony edge, and visible fixings.

Dimensions

Dimensions

Measure the length, height, corners, wall connections, and other parts of the railing that affect its positioning.

Design

Desired design

Compile requests regarding materials, glass, color, and the overall design of the railing so that they can be compared with the property's requirements.

Site conditions

Requirements and approvals

Obtain relevant information from the association, the property owner, or the local building authority before the final solution is determined.

When is a Juliet balcony needed for fall protection?

A Juliet balcony is installed in front of an opening door or a full-height window when there is no traditional balcony area outside. The railing serves as a fixed fall protection in front of the opening while allowing natural light to enter and preserving the building’s façade appearance.

The materials, the dimensions of the opening, and the need for secure fixing determine how the solution should be designed. In this category, Juliet balconies includes solutions made of glass and aluminium for various styles and conditions.

Juliet balcony

Fall protection without a projecting balcony

The French balcony is installed in front of the opening and must be designed to work in harmony with the façade, the width of the opening, and the surface to which the railing will be attached. Unlike a standard balcony, this solution does not create any floor space outside the door or window.

  • Works well in front of full-height doors and windows.
  • Provides a fixed fall protection without a protruding balcony slab.
  • Can be designed to allow light and visibility through the opening.
  • Must be customised to fit the opening and the specific conditions of the façade.
Materials and appearance

Glass or aluminium—which is best for the façade?

For maximum light

Glass

Glass is a good choice when you want fall protection to take up little visual space and allow light and the view through the opening to be prominent.

For a more defined boundary

Aluminium

Aluminium is a good choice when you want the railing to be a more prominent feature of the façade. The colour and design can be customised to complement the building’s other details.

Before you order

Check the opening, façade, and fixing

Dimensions of the opening

Measure the width of the door or window and check how much space there is on both sides of the opening.

The Structure of the Façade

Determine what material is present where the railing is to be installed and whether the exterior cladding or other details affect its positioning.

Fixing

The railing must be anchored to a suitable load-bearing surface. Therefore, plan fixing along with the railing's dimensions and positioning before placing your order.

How do you choose a privacy screen for your balcony?

Choose a privacy screen based on where the view is actually coming from and how much light and visibility you want to maintain. On a balcony, the result is often best when you screen off the most exposed side rather than enclosing the entire area.

Clear glass preserves the view and lets in light, while opal glass and grey glass can provide more privacy. If you want to create a stronger sense of privacy, a separate privacy screen for the balcony may be a better option than trying to meet all your needs with the railing glass alone.

For maximum light

Clear glass

Ideal when views, natural light, and an open feel are more important than privacy screen. Clear glass defines the balcony without obstructing the view, but provides little privacy from neighbours, the courtyard, or walkways.

For more privacy

Opal glass or grey glass

Opal glass is a good choice when you want to limit visibility through the railing but still allow light to pass through. Grey glass creates a darker look and can reduce visibility from certain angles, but does not provide the same level of privacy as opal glass.

For better screening

More substantial privacy screening

Ideal when your balcony is close to a neighbour’s balcony, a street, a walkway, or a courtyard, and you need more privacy. On smaller balconies, it’s often enough to screen off the side where visibility is greatest, so that the rest of the balcony can retain as much light, view, and openness as possible.

How do you choose a windbreak for your balcony?

Choose a windbreak based on where the wind is most disruptive, how much of the view you want to preserve, and how the screen can be attached to the balcony’s structure. It’s often enough to protect the most exposed side instead of enclosing the entire balcony.

Glass is a good choice when you want to create more space without taking up floor space or blocking out the light. Clear glass preserves the view, while opal glass or grey glass can provide more privacy when the balcony is also exposed to view from the outside.

Start with the prevailing wind direction

Find out which direction the most troublesome wind comes from. On a corner balcony or a balcony in an open location, the wind can come from several directions, but that doesn't mean the entire balcony needs to be shielded.

Choose glass based on the view and privacy

Clear glass is a good choice when you want to reduce drafts while still letting in as much light and offering as much of a view as possible. Opal glass or grey glass is a good choice when you also want to create more privacy on the balcony.

Plan the fixings and end details

Windbreak must work in conjunction with the railing and the existing structure. On high or open balconies, the positioning, fixing, and how the guardrail is finished become particularly important when the solution is exposed to wind.

What rules and safety requirements apply to balcony balustrade?

A balcony balustrade must provide protection against falls where there is a risk of personal injury. How high the railing needs to be and how it is designed depends on how the balcony is used, how large height of fall it is, and which building codes apply at that location. Therefore, there is no single measurement that fits all balconies.

In areas where young children are present, there are often additional requirements ensuring that the railing prevents climbing and that the openings are designed so that children cannot fall through or get stuck. Therefore, check the specific requirements for the location before selecting and ordering a railing.

Areas where young children may be present

Four things to keep a close eye on

Requirements vary by location and are subject to change. Use these points as a checklist when comparing railings, and then check what applies to your property.

The design needs to prevent climbing

The lower part of the railing must be designed so that younger children cannot easily climb up. For example, avoid horizontal sections that can be used as steps.

Vertical openings need to be narrow

Gaps between balusters, glass and other components must be narrow enough that young children cannot squeeze through. Check the size of openings permitted at the site.

Keep the gap beneath the balcony balustrade small

The space between the bottom of the railing and the balcony floor needs to be small enough so that young children cannot slip under the railing or get stuck. Check the regulations for your specific location.

Avoid gaps where a child’s head could become trapped

Horizontal openings of certain sizes can cause a child to get their head stuck. Check which sizes the local building codes identify as high-risk and avoid them.

How do you maintain a balcony balustrade?

Maintain balcony balustrade by cleaning the surfaces as needed, checking fixings, and keeping an eye out for changes in the glass, posts, profiles, and other parts. How often this is needed depends, among other things, on the materials and how exposed the balcony is to dirt, precipitation, and salt.

A quick check every now and then makes it easier to spot dirt, loose parts, or other changes before they have a chance to become bigger problems.

Ongoing maintenance

Check these four things

  • Clean the railing

    Wash away dirt, pollen, dust, and other deposits from glass, posts, profiles, and top rail using methods appropriate for the material.

  • Check fixings

    Check to see if any screws, fittings, posts, or other fixings seem loose, have changed, or need to be inspected more closely.

  • Inspect the glass and infill panels

    Check that glass, panels, or other infill panels are securely in place and that you do not see any damage or changes that need to be assessed.

  • Be extra careful in exposed locations

    Balconies near the ocean, busy areas, or other locations where the railing is exposed to more dirt or salt may need to be cleaned and inspected more often.

Care Instructions by Material

What do you need to consider when choosing different types of balustrades?

Glass

Clean the glass as needed with water and a suitable cleaning agent. At the same time, check the edges, glass clamps, and other connections to ensure that the glass is properly secured.

Aluminium

Powder-coated Aluminium surfaces generally just need to be kept clean. Wash off dirt and deposits, and check the surface for scratches, damage, or other changes.

stainless steel

Stainless steel surfaces also need to be cleaned, especially in environments with salt or other deposits. Remove dirt from posts, top rail, and fixings, and follow up if discoloration or deposits occur.

What style suits the balcony and the balcony balustrade?

The style that works best depends on how the balcony is used and the atmosphere you want to create. The view, the size of the balcony, the need for privacy screen, and how the railing meets the façade all influence whether the design should feel light and unobtrusive or more enclosed and cozy.

Feel free to have balcony balustrade incorporate materials, colours, or lines that already exist on the house. Clear glass can enhance the view and let in more light, while opal glass, grey glass, aluminium, and complementary privacy screen can create a more secluded or distinctive look.

Balcony with a view

Keep the balustrade as visually unobtrusive as possible

If the balcony overlooks water, trees, the city, or open countryside, a balustrade that preserves the view and lets in plenty of light is a good choice.

Clear glass, narrow profiles, or a frameless glass balustrade is often a good choice when the view should be the focal point.

Small balcony

Create Space with Simple Choices

On a small balcony, the railing affects how spacious and airy the space feels. A transparent or visually light railing makes the boundary with the surroundings feel less imposing.

Glass balustrades, sleek furniture, and plants placed near a wall or on the floor help maintain a sense of space.

A more private balcony

Create a barrier without confining

If the balcony is close to neighbours, a street, or a courtyard, you need to balance privacy with light and views. Start on the side where visibility is greatest, rather than enclosing the entire balcony.

Opal glass, grey glass, privacy screen, and plants can work together to create a more private atmosphere.

Cosy balcony

Let the balustrade provide a subtle backdrop

If you want your balcony to feel softer and cosier, the railing can serve as a neutral base, while plants, textiles, lighting, and small pieces of furniture add character.

Place larger pots on the floor and avoid solutions that put strain on, rub against, or affect the balcony balustrade.

How do you choose and order the right balcony balustrade?

Start by checking what changes are allowed, measure the balcony, and determine the surface to which the railing will be attached. Then you can choose the materials, glass, and design based on safety, the view, privacy, and how balcony balustrade should complement the façade.

Once you have made your selections, use the measurements and the layout to put together your order. Check each section, corner, connection, and product selection before finalizing the order to ensure that the railing, fixing, and balcony specifications are compatible.

Before placing an order

Check these eight points

  • Check what you're allowed to change

    If you live in an apartment or a multi-family building, you need to know the requirements regarding balcony balustrade, the façade, colour, and any changes before placing your order.

  • Measure the entire balcony

    Check the lengths, height, corners, openings, wall connections, and clearances. Also take into account doors, thresholds, and other details near the railing.

  • Determine the type of substrate to which the railing will be attached

    Concrete, steel, wood, balcony edges, and existing structures may require different fixings. The substrate must therefore be identified before planning the balustrade and its installation.

  • Decide which factor carries the most weight

    Consider whether balcony balustrade should primarily preserve the view, create more privacy, provide shelter, or give the façade a more distinctive look .

  • Choose glass based on light, views, and privacy

    Clear glass is ideal when you want to preserve light and views. Opal glass provides more privacy, while grey glass can create a darker and more distinct look.

  • Match the materials and colour to the house

    Glas, aluminium, rostfritt stål, profiler och kulörer bör fungera tillsammans med fönster, dörrar, fasad och andra detaljer på byggnaden.

  • Check for safety and openings

    Ensure that the height, openings, and design of the balcony balustrade are appropriate for the fall risk at that location and meet the requirements where young children may be present.

  • Gather the necessary information before placing your order

    Have the measurements, images, material selections, and information about fixing on hand. This will make it easier to verify that the balcony balustrade fits both the design and the look you want to create.

From Selection to Order

Here's what to do next once the details are ready

  1. Collect measurements and product selections

    Keep the balcony's lengths, corners, and connections in mind, along with the selected material, glass type, colour, and planned fixing as you put together your order.

  2. Add the balustrade using the balcony's measurements

    Use the measurements taken on site as your starting point and check each section of the railing, corner, and end. Pay special attention to connections to walls and other areas where the dimensions affect how the railing will fit.

  3. Check your order one last time

    Compare the dimensions, materials, glass, colour, and fixing with your original specifications before finalizing your order. Also verify that any requirements from the homeowners’ association, property owner, or local building authority have been met.

Next step

Which type of balcony balustrade is best suited for your balcony?

Compare our balustrades based on material, view, and how much privacy you want. If you need help making a choice, customer service can assist you.

FAQs

What are the most common questions about balcony balustrades?

Frequently asked questions include which balcony balustrade is the best fit, glass balustrade on a balcony, balustrade height, rules in apartment buildings, privacy screen, attic spaces, and what measurements you need before ordering.

Which type of balcony balustrade should I choose?

Consider the balcony’s view, privacy, wind exposure, size, and the appearance of the façade. Glass balustrades are a good choice when you want to preserve light and the view; aluminium is best when low-maintenance and colour matching are key factors; and stainless steel is ideal when you want a more distinct metallic look.

Can you keep a glass balustrade on the balcony?

Yes. Glass balustrades are a good choice for balconies where you want to preserve natural light and the view. Glass, posts, or profiles, hardware, fixings, and the supporting structure must work together to ensure safety balustrade system.

How tall should a balcony balustrade be?

There is no single height that works for all balconies. The height of the fall protection must be adapted to the balcony’s use, drop height, and local building codes. Where young children may be present, there may also be special requirements regarding climbing and openings.

Do I need planning permission to replace balcony balustrade?

It depends on the building, the location, and the extent to which the change affects the character of the façade. Replacing a railing may be considered a façade alteration, and the regulations vary by location. Contact your local building authority before changing the appearance of the railing.

Can I replace the balcony balustrade if I live in an apartment?

Always check with the homeowners’ association or the property owner before making any changes or replacements to balcony balustrade. They may have requirements regarding, for example, materials, glass, colour, and design to ensure that the balconies blend in with the building’s façade.

Which glass is best for balcony balustrade?

Clear glass is ideal when the view and natural light are the top priorities. Opal glass provides more privacy, while grey glass creates a darker look and can reduce visibility from certain angles. The choice should therefore be based on the view, visibility, and the building’s façade.

Can a balcony balustrade provide privacy screening?

Yes. Opal glass can provide clearer privacy while still allowing light to pass through. Where there is a greater need for privacy screen, the railing can instead be supplemented with a denser privacy screen on the most exposed side.

Can a balcony balustrade provide shelter from the wind?

A glass balustrade can reduce wind and draughts, but the extent to which it helps depends on the balcony’s location, wind direction, the railing’s height, and how open the area around the balcony is. If more protection is needed, the railing may need to be combined with a separate windbreak.

Hur mäter jag för ett nytt balkongräcke?

Measure the balcony’s lengths, corners, openings, edges, and wall connections. Also check where the railing will be attached and what type of surface is present, and consider documenting the balcony and existing fixings with photos.

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