Glass for glass balustrade is selected based on the railing system’s design, glass dimensions, fixing, and the safety features the glass is required to provide. Common options include 8.76 mm laminated safety glass, 8.76 mm toughened laminated glass, and, in systems that require it, 12.76 mm toughened and laminated glass. You can then choose clear, ultra-clear, opal, grey, or tinted glass based on views, light, privacy screen, and aesthetic appeal.
The correct glass thickness is therefore not determined solely by how strong the glass you want it to be. Laminating helps the glass hold together when it breaks, while tempering alters the glass pane’s mechanical properties and fracture pattern. The glass, fixing, and other parts of the railing must therefore be evaluated as a single, integrated structure.
In this guide, we compare 8.76- and 12.76-mm glass, standard laminated glass and toughened laminated glass, as well as clear, ultra-clear, opal, grey, and tinted glass. You’ll also learn how the glass is manufactured, how the edges are finished, what types of glass are available, and how to choose the right glass for your glass balustrade.
Which safety glass is used in a glass balustrade?
In a glass balustrade, safety glass is used, selected based on the function the glass is intended to serve. Laminated safety glass can hold together when the glass breaks, while thermally toughened safety glass results in a breakage pattern with many small fragments. Toughened laminated glass combines toughened glass panels with a laminating interlayer.
When glass is intended to provide fall protection, it is not enough to select the type of glass based on its fracture pattern. The glass surface and fixings must together be designed to withstand the impacts and loads that may occur, or be supplemented with another form of fall protection. Therefore, the glass must always be evaluated as part of the entire glass balustrade, along with the balustrade system, glass dimensions, fixing, positioning and drop height.
The design is intended to minimise the risk of cuts
Thermally toughened safety glass breaks into many small fragments rather than large, sharp shards. Laminated safety glass works differently: the intermediate layer helps to hold the glass fragments in place when one or more glass panels break.
Glass and fixings must work together
When glass is used as part of a fall protection system, the glass surface and fixings must together withstand the impacts and loads that may occur. Laminated safety glass is an example of glass that can remain held together after breakage and thus contribute to fall protection through the glass surface.
What is 8.76 mm laminated glass, and when is it suitable for a glass balustrade?
8.76 mm laminated glass is a laminated safety glass consisting of two 4 mm glass panels and a 0.76 mm interlayer. It is suitable for glass balustrades where the balustrade system is designed for 8.76 mm laminated glass and where the glass dimensions, fixing and load fall within the system’s design specifications.
The interlayer bonds the glass panes together and helps to hold the glass fragments in place if one or more panes shatter. The glass thickness should therefore not be selected in isolation: the same 8.76 mm glass can have different properties depending on the glass’s width and height, how it is mounted, and the load that the entire glass balustrade must withstand.
The first glass pane in the laminate.
Bonds the two glass panes together.
The second glass pane in the laminate.
4 mm glass + 0.76 mm interlayer + 4 mm glass results in a total glass thickness of 8.76 mm. However, this does not mean that 8.76 mm is the right choice for all glass balustrades – the balustrade system, glass dimensions and fixing must always be evaluated together.
When is 8.76 mm toughened laminated glass suitable for a glass balustrade?
8.76 mm toughened laminated glass is suitable when the railing system’s design specifications indicate that the laminated glass panels should be toughened. This may be necessary depending on the glass dimensions, fixing and the load the structure must withstand, but the tempering should not be selected independently of the rest of glass balustrade.
The glass has the same nominal thickness as standard 8.76 mm laminated glass and consists of two 4 mm glass panes with a 0.76 mm interlayer. The difference is that both glass panes are toughened before they are laminated, which alters their mechanical properties and fracture pattern, while the lamination helps the glass hold together after breakage.
Two glass panes with an interlayer
Standard 8.76 mm laminated glass consists of two 4 mm glass panes laminated together with an interlayer. The lamination helps keep the glass fragments in place if one or more panes break.
The same laminated construction using toughened glass panes
In 8.76 mm toughened laminated glass, both 4 mm glass panes have been toughened prior to lamination. Tempering alters the glass panes’ strength and fracture pattern, while the interlayer still helps the laminated glass hold together after breakage.
When is 12.76 mm toughened laminated glass needed in a glass balustrade?
12.76 mm toughened laminated glass is used when the glass balustrade’s design requires glass thicker than 8.76 mm. This may be necessary for larger glass panels, in balustrade system where the glass bears a larger portion of the structure’s load, or when the load on the railing requires a stronger glass assembly.
The glass consists of two toughened 6 mm glass panels layers with a 0.76 mm interlayer. However, the correct thickness is not determined by the individual dimensions of the glass or drop height, but rather by how the glass dimensions, fixing, balustrade system, and load interact.
Larger glass panels may require thicker glass
The width and height of the glass affect how the pane is loaded. Therefore, as the glass panel becomes larger, a different glass thickness may be required than for a smaller section, depending on how the glass is supported and fastened.
Glass and fixings are designed together
For example, in post-free glass balustrades, the glass and the continuous fixing play a more significant structural role. The glass thickness must therefore comply with the design specifications for the relevant balustrade system and the selected fixing.
Location and intended use affect the requirements for the railing
A glass balustrade can be subjected to various loads depending on where it is placed and how the environment is used. This does not mean that a 12.76 mm thickness is automatically required in a particular location—the entire structure must be designed to withstand the specific load.
12.76 mm is not a general requirement for a specific environment or drop height. This thickness is used when the railing system’s design, glass dimensions, fixing, and the load combined require a thicker glass assembly.
What is the difference between 8.76 mm and 12.76 mm glass in a glass balustrade?
8.76 and 12.76 mm differ in both thickness and construction. Standard 8.76 mm laminated glass consists of two untempered 4 mm glass panels, while 8.76 mm toughened laminated glass has two toughened 4 mm sheets. 12.76 mm toughened laminated glass, on the other hand, is constructed of two toughened 6 mm glass panels.
However, thicker glass is not automatically the right choice. Glass thickness and type must be consistent with the railing system’s design specifications and evaluated in conjunction with the glass’s dimensions, fixing, and the load that the entire glass balustrade must withstand. The table shows the most important differences side by side.
| Property | 8.76 mm laminated glass | 8.76 mm toughened laminated glass | 12.76 mm toughened laminated glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 4 mm glass + 0.76 mm interlayer + 4 mm glass | 4 mm toughened glass + 0.76 mm intermediate layer + 4 mm toughened glass | 6 mm toughened glass + 0.76 mm interlayer + 6 mm toughened glass |
| Glass panels | Non-toughened | Toughened | Toughened |
| When broken | The glass panes crack, and the fragments are held in place by the laminate | The toughened panes fragment and are held together by the interlayer | The toughened panes fragment and are held together by the interlayer |
| Glass thickness | 8.76 mm | 8.76 mm | 12.76 mm |
| When applicable | When the balustrade system is designed for 8.76 mm laminated glass | When the system's design requires or specifies toughened 4 mm glass panels | When the system's design requires a thicker glass assembly, such as in the case of larger glass panels |
| Edge Finishing | Ground and polished edges | Edges ground and polished before toughening | Edges ground and polished before toughening |
| Colour Options | Clear, ultra-clear, opal, and grey | Depends on the type of glass and configuration selected | Depends on the type of glass and configuration selected |
How are laminated and toughened glass for balustrades manufactured?
Laminated Glass is manufactured by bonding two glass panels together with a laminating interlayer, while toughened glass is first cut and edge-finished, and then heat-treated and rapidly cooled. When toughened laminated glass is manufactured, the glass panes are thus toughened before lamination.
These processes serve different functions. Laminating helps keep the glass panes and fragments together after breakage, while toughening alters the mechanical properties and fracture pattern of the glass panes. Therefore, dimensions, edges, and any holes must be finalized before the glass to be toughened moves on to the next stage of the process.
How laminated glass is made
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Glass panes are cut to size and their edges finished
The two glass panels are cut to their final dimensions. The edges are ground and polished before the panels move on to the lamination process.
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The interlayer is placed between the glass panes
A laminating interlayer is placed between the panes of glass. The interlayer later helps to hold in place glass fragments if one or more glass panels shatter.
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Glass and the interlayer are bonded together
The glass panes and the interlayer are pressed and treated so that the layers bond together to form the finished laminated glass sheet.
Toughening takes place before lamination
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The glass is finished before toughening
Dimensions, edges, and any holes are finished before toughening. After heat treatment, the glass sheet cannot be cut or drilled in the usual way.
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The glass panes are toughened
The glass is heated and then rapidly cooled. This process changes the mechanical properties of the glass pane and how it shatters if it breaks.
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The toughened panes are laminated
After toughening, a laminating interlayer is placed between the panes, and the layers are bonded together to form a finished toughened laminated glass unit.
How is grey, opal, and tinted laminated glass made?
Grey, opal, and tinted laminated glass each have their own distinct appearance. In grey laminated glass, the colour comes from the glass panes themselves, while opal glass gets its milky appearance from the interlayer. Tinted laminated glass, on the other hand, is constructed using tinted films between transparent glass panels.
The difference, then, lies in which part of the laminate gives the glass its colour or opacity. The glass surface is not painted afterward; rather, the appearance is created as part of the glass’s structure.
- Grey glass
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The tone comes from the glass panels themselves
Grey laminated glass is made up of grey-tinted glass panels with a clear laminating interlayer. The glass panes provide the grey tint, while the interlayer bonds the glass together.
Grey-tinted glass + clear intermediate layer + grey-tinted glass
- Opal glass
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The interlayer creates the milky character
Opal glass is composed of transparent glass panels with a white, milky intermediate layer. It is this intermediate layer that reduces direct transparency and gives the glass its opalescent appearance.
Clear glass + opal intermediate layer + clear glass
- Tinted glass
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Coloured foils create the colour
Coloured laminated glass is made from clear glass panes with one or more coloured interlayers between them. Different interlayers can be combined to create a range of colours and shades within the laminate.
Clear glass + tinted films + clear glass
What is the difference between clear and ultra-clear glass for balustrades?
Both clear and ultra-clear glass are transparent, but regular clear glass has a more pronounced green tint because it contains more iron. Ultra-clear glass, also known as low-iron glass, has a lower iron content and therefore appears more neutral, especially along the edge of the glass and against light-coloured surfaces.
Clear glass is a good choice when you want an unobstructed view and the faint green tint does not affect the overall impression. Ultra-clear glass becomes more relevant when the glass’s tint, the view, or the colours behind the railing are important and you want the glass to appear as neutral as possible.
Choose clear glass when you primarily want a transparent glass balustrade. Choose ultra-clear glass when you want to reduce the green tint and achieve a more neutral look, especially where glass edges or light-coloured surfaces are clearly visible.
What is the difference between opal glass and frosted glass for balustrades?
Opal glass and “frosted glass” may look similar, but the terms do not always describe the same design. Opal glass in a laminated glass balustrade consists of transparent glass panels with a white or milky intermediate layer, while “frosted glass” is a broader term for glass with a matte or diffuse effect.
Opal glass is a good choice when you want to reduce direct views into the space but still allow daylight to pass through the railing. A frosted look, on the other hand, can be created in several ways, such as by etching or sandblasting the glass surface. Therefore, it is important to check the actual composition of the glass and not simply rely on the name.
The diffuse effect is present within the laminate
Transparent glass panels are laminated with a white or milky interlayer. The glass surface remains smooth, while the interlayer reduces direct visibility and gives the glass its light, opalescent appearance.
"Frosted" describes a matt or diffused appearance
Frosted glass is a broader term and does not in itself indicate how the effect was created. For example, the glass may be etched or sandblasted, but opal glass with a milky interlayer can also be perceived as frosted.
Opal glass is a good choice when glass balustrade you want to create a more privacy screen look than clear glass, without creating a completely opaque surface. This can be useful, for example, on balconies and patios where you want to screen off the view from neighbours, the street, or a walkway while still maintaining a bright, airy feel.
When is grey or " tinted glass " appropriate in a glass balustrade?
Grey or “ tinted glass ” is a good choice when you want to maintain transparency through glass balustrade but give it a darker and more distinct look. “ Grey-tinted ” glass is sometimes also called smoked glass. In grey laminated glass, the colour tone comes from the glass panes themselves, which are laminated with a clear interlayer.
Compared to clear glass, the grey tint dims both the light and the view behind the railing, but the glass is still transparent. Grey glass therefore does not provide the same level of privacy screen as opal glass, where direct visibility is significantly more limited. The choice depends primarily on how much visibility you want to maintain and what visual effect glass balustrade should have.
When is tinted glass appropriate in a glass balustrade?
Tinted glass is appropriate when the glass is intended to be a distinct part of the glass balustrade’s design, not just a transparent barrier. In tinted laminated glass, the colour is created using tinted films between transparent glass panels, which means the colour is embedded within the laminate rather than on the glass’s surface.
The colour can be used to echo tones from the façade, create contrast with the railing’s profiles, or give the railing a more architectural look. How the result is perceived depends, at the same time, on the shade, the transparency of the glass, and the environment behind it. For a railing where both the profiles and the glass are to be part of the same colour scheme, there is also Color.
The colour is built up inside the laminate
One or more coloured films can be combined between the glass panes to create the desired colour and shade.
The colour affects how the glass is perceived
Tinted glass can still be transparent, but darker or more intense colours make the surroundings behind the glass less prominent and alter the way light is perceived.
The same colour can look different in different places
Daylight, the background, the façade, and the colour of the profiles all affect how the colour is perceived. Therefore, evaluate coloured glass in conjunction with the rest of the railing and the surrounding environment.
Choose tinted glass when the colour is meant to be an active part of the glass balustrade’s design. Don’t evaluate the colour sample in isolation—light, background, and the railing’s profiles all affect how the final shade is perceived.
Why do glass panels for balustrades have ground and polished edges?
Glass for glass balustrades is ground and polished to ensure that the glass edge is even, smooth, and finished after cutting. This is especially important for railings where the edge is visible or exposed, such as with glass clamps, U-profiles, and point fixings.
Grinding removes any unevenness and small chips that may remain after cutting, while polishing gives the edge a smoother and more refined finish. Edge finishing therefore affects both the appearance of the glass and the quality of the finished glass edge before the glass is installed in the railing.
The visible glass edge becomes part of the balustrade design
Once the glass edge has been ground and polished, it takes on a smoother and more finished appearance. This is particularly noticeable in open railing structures where the edge is not covered by a post, top rail, or profile.
Edge finishing removes irregularities left by cutting
An untreated cut glass edge may have small chips and irregularities. The edge is ground and polished before the glass is installed, resulting in a smoother and more finished edge along the entire length of the glass pane.
The glass is delivered with ground and polished edges as part of the final edge finishing process. This results in a smooth glass edge that is ready for installation in the balustrade system.
What types of glass are available for glass balustrades – and in what thicknesses?
Clear, ultra-clear, grey, and opal laminated glass is available in 8.76 mm and can be manufactured in-house. Toughened laminated glass is available in 8.76 and 12.76 mm and is made to order. Tinted laminated glass is also made to order and is available in the configurations listed in the table.
Availability affects how the glass needs to be planned prior to the order. Toughened glass panels are manufactured according to the final dimensions before tempering, while tinted glass is customised based on the selected colour and composition. Delivery time may therefore vary depending on the type of glass, dimensions, and current production.
| Type of glass | Thickness | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Clear laminated glass | 8.76 mm | In-house production |
| Clear toughened laminated glass | 8.76 / 12.76 mm | Made-to-order item |
| Ultra-clear laminated glass | 8.76 mm | In-house production |
| Ultra-clear toughened laminated glass | 8.76 / 12.76 mm | Made-to-order item |
| Grey laminated glass | 8.76 mm | In-house production |
| Grey " toughened " laminated glass | 8.76 / 12.76 mm | Made-to-order item |
| Opal laminated glass | 8.76 mm | In-house production |
| Opal toughened, laminated glass | 8.76 / 12.76 mm | Made-to-order item |
| Tinted laminated glass | 8.76 mm | Made-to-order item |
| Tinted toughened laminated glass | 8.76 / 12.76 mm | Made-to-order item |
How do you clean and maintain the glass in a glass balustrade?
Clean the glass when dirt, pollen, salt, bird droppings, or other deposits become visible. Use water along with a mild detergent or regular window cleaner and work with a soft cloth or rubber squeegee that won’t scratch the glass surface.
Maintenance also includes the edges of the glass and fixings. Therefore, check from time to time to ensure that the glass has no cracks or chipped edges and that glass clamps, profiles, and other fixings are securely fastened. If you discover any damage or looseness, its cause should be investigated before continuing to use the railing.
Clean the glass with soft, non-abrasive tools
Start with water and a mild detergent. Then wipe or scrape off the water so that dirt, limescale, and other deposits do not leave visible marks on the glass surface.
Avoid materials and substances that could damage the glass
Do not use steel wool, coarse scouring pads, or abrasive cleaning agents. Also, be careful with strong chemicals near the edge of the glass, where the laminate’s interlayer may be exposed, and at the same time, check for cracks or edge damage.
Make sure the glass and fixings are secure
Check that glass clamps, profiles, and other fixings are not loose or damaged. If anything needs to be checked or tightened, follow the installation and maintenance instructions for the specific balustrade system.
Clean and inspect the balustrade at the same time
Clean the glass as needed, and while you're at it, be sure to check the edges of the glass and fixings. Cracks, chipped edges, or loose parts should be inspected as soon as they are discovered.
How do you choose the right glass for a glass balustrade?
Start by sizing the railing system and check which type and thickness of glass can be used with the specific glass dimensions, fixing, and load. The technical requirements must be determined before you select glass based on its appearance.
You can then choose clear or ultra-clear glass for an unobstructed view, opal glass for more privacy screen, or grey and tinted glass when tone, light control, and aesthetic appeal are more important. The checklist below lists the six most important things to check before placing an order.
Check these six points
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Start with the balustrade system’s specification
Check what type and thickness of glass the balustrade system in question is designed for. 8.76 and 12.76 mm have different constructions and should not be selected based solely on how thick the glass appears to be.
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Take into account the glass dimensions and fixings
The width and height of the glass, the distance between support points, and how the pane is mounted all affect the conditions. Larger glass panels or balustrade systems with more widely spaced supports may therefore require a different solution than smaller sections.
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Decide how important the view is
Choose clear glass when you want a transparent balustrade. Ultra-clear glass is a good choice when you also want to reduce the green tint and achieve a more neutral look, especially when the glass edges are visible and for larger glass surfaces.
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Decide how much overlooking you want to reduce
Opal glass creates a significantly more private look while still allowing daylight to pass through. Grey or tinted glass, on the other hand, maintain transparency but make the light and the environment behind the glass more subdued.
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Choose a colour based on the overall environment
Grey or tinted glass can give the railing a more distinct architectural look. Consider the colour in relation to the façade, the railing’s profiles, the natural light, and what is visible behind the glass.
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Check the dimensions before ordering special-order glass
Toughened glass must have the correct dimensions, edges, and any holes before tempering. Tinted and other custom-made glass may also be made-to-order items, so please check both the dimensions and the selected glass type before placing your order.
Start with the type and thickness of glass specified in the railing system’s design. Then choose clear or ultra-clear for a clear view, opal for more privacy screen, and grey or tinted glass when tone and aesthetic are more important.
Do you need help choosing glass for your glass balustrade?
Start by visiting balustrade system to choose the glass dimensions and the amount of view, privacy screen or the colour you want. Customer service helps you check the glass type, thickness, and dimensions before you order.
What are the most common questions about glass for balustrades?
Common follow-up questions concern what can be changed after manufacturing, how the glass tone is perceived, and how different types of glass can be used to enhance views, privacy screen, and aesthetics. Here are brief answers to five practical questions to consider when choosing glass.
Can the toughened glass be cut or drilled after it has been manufactured?
No. Toughened glass should not be cut, drilled, or resized in the usual way after tempering. Dimensions, edges, and any holes must therefore be finalized before the glass pane undergoes heat treatment.
Is the green tint more noticeable in thicker clear glass?
Yes, the green tint in standard clear glass can become more noticeable at the edge of the glass and when more glass is in the line of sight. Ultra-clear glass has a lower iron content and therefore appears more neutral than standard clear glass.
Which type of glass is used in privacy screen but still lets daylight through?
Opal glass reduces direct views into the space while allowing daylight to pass through the glass. It therefore provides more privacy screen than clear or grey-tinted glass without glass balustrade having to be a completely opaque surface.
What do the terms “grey glass,” “ tinted glass,” and “smoked glass” mean?
Grey laminated glass can also be described as “ tinted glass ” or “smoked glass.” In this type of glass, the grey tint is found in the glass panes themselves, while a clear interlayer bonds the glass together.
Can you combine different types of glass in the same glass railing?
Yes. For example, a glass balustrade may feature clear glass where the view is important, or grey or opal glass where you want to change the look or limit visibility. At the same time, each glass panel must be compatible with the railing system’s dimensions and fixing.
