Glass balustrades need different stainless-steel fixtures and fittings from what wire balustrades require. Not many know that stainless steel fittings are perfect for glass railings. It is crucial that you choose the best material for fitting, especially if you live with children who think of every inch of the home as a playground and might be too rowdy with the balustrades.

Because balustrades are in dangerous areas like the stairs and balconies, it is essential that you choose suitable fixings to ensure the safety of everyone in the house. To help you out in selecting the components you need, here is a list of the key stainless-steel fittings and fixtures that you need for your glass balustrade: 

Posts and Bases

While most balustrade posts and bases look the same, they come in various options. From a practical standpoint, you need to choose between undrilled and pre-drilled posts. Undrilled posts offer more choice when it comes to where you can install them, but pre-drilled ones are easier to install. 

Bases are also available pre-drilled. You can hide the base fixings, too, by laying a base cover on top of it. This is a good option if you want a cleaner and more elegant overall look. 

You can also choose between a matte and a mirrored finish. If you live in a coastal area, it’s better to go with the mirrored polish finish as it is less prone to corrosion which can be a problem in areas with high salt levels in the atmosphere. 

Of course, regardless of the finish you choose, stainless steel will look amazing for many years. The finish does not affect the grade of the stainless steel. 

Handrails and Supports

Another safety component that you can’t do without is a handrail. Stainless steel handrails are perfect for both internal and external applications. There are two options for you – tubes and bars. Tubes have hollow insides while bars are solid. Apart from the handrail, you would have to get stainless steel brackets as well. 

Glass Clamps

To ensure that bespoke glass balustrades stay firmly in place, glass clamps are needed. The last thing you want is for the balustrade to wobble when someone leans on it. You need to get the right clamp specifically for the thickness of your glass panel. If you don’t do this, there’s a risk that the glass will not stay in place or not even slide through the gap at all. Thankfully, most glass clamps now come with screws that you can use to adjust the fit. Four clamps for every square metre of glass balustrade are highly recommended.

Glass clamps, like posts and handrails, come in various finishes, including raw, mirrored polish, and satin or brushed. You can also find them in different shapes, but the choice is typically between squared or rounded edges. If you are worried about scratching your glass panel, you don’t have to be, as glass clamps have rubber interiors that can help prevent this from happening. 

Conclusion

Considering that stainless steel is one of the most durable materials, it makes sense that they make the best fittings for glass balustrades. However, since each home and project is different, it’s still important that an expert assess yours to determine what it is that your balustrade requires. This can help ensure the durability of the railing and the safety of the family. 

Aussie Balustrading and Stairs is your trusted supplier of balustrades in Perth. We also sell steel and stainless-steel stairs, residential and commercial handrails, and more. Contact us today to know more about our products!