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To measure for a glass balustrade, measure each straight length of the run along the edge it guards, note how the run turns at each corner and how each end finishes, and measure the height from the finished floor level. Our balustrade designer turns those figures into panels and fittings. Where it can price your design you see the price and can add it to your basket; anything else our team checks and quotes by hand.
A balustrade is a barrier that stops people falling, so the design matters more than the tape. Read balustrade loads and BS 6180 before you start.
What does the designer ask for?
| Input | What to measure |
|---|---|
| Segments | Each straight length of the run, in millimetres, labelled A, B, C along the run. |
| Corners | Where one segment meets the next: a square corner or another angle, turning left or right. |
| Ends | How each end of the run finishes: at a wall, a free glass edge or a post. |
| Height | From the finished floor level to the top of the glass. |
| System | Spigots, base channel, or posts and clamps. |
| Gate | Optional, an opening between 600 mm and 1,200 mm wide inside one segment. |
The designer splits each segment into equal panels, adds the gaps the system needs and lists the fittings. You do not work out panel widths yourself.
How do I measure the run?
Step 1: Sketch the run from above
Draw the edge being guarded, mark each straight length A, B, C and each corner. Note what each end meets.
Step 2: Measure each straight length
Measure along the line the glass will stand on, wall to corner, corner to corner, or corner to the free end. Measure once the walls and posts are finished.
Step 3: Measure the height from the finished floor
Include tiles, decking or screed still to be laid. A height taken from the subfloor ends up short.
Step 4: Record the drop and the setting
Note whether the balustrade is inside or outside, and what it guards: a landing, a terrace or a stair.
Step 5: Mark any gate
Measure the clear opening you want and its position from the start of its segment.
Step 6: Send the design
Choose the system and the glass. If the designer shows a price, add it to your basket. If it says we price the design by hand, send it and our team checks it and sends the quote.
What height should a balustrade be?
The designer checks your height against the guarding heights usually needed under Approved Document K: 900 mm inside a home and 1,100 mm outside. A lower figure is flagged for our team, with the reason. Your building control body or designer has the final word for your building. The government page on Approved Document K sets out the guidance.
Which glass can each system take?
The designer offers these glass choices for each system:
| System | Glass offered |
|---|---|
| Spigots (frameless) | 12 mm or 15 mm toughened, or 17.5 mm or 21.5 mm toughened laminated |
| Base channel (frameless) | 15 mm toughened, or 17.5 mm or 21.5 mm toughened laminated |
| Posts and clamps | 8 mm or 10 mm toughened, or 8.8 mm or 10.8 mm toughened laminated |
A frameless barrier on glass that is not laminated is flagged for an engineering check, with or without a handrail. Our team looks at every flagged design before it is priced.
What can the designer not do?
It draws level runs. Stairs and raked panels go to a person: tell us about them through the designer or our contact page. Commercial buildings always get an engineering check before a price.
Where to go next
- Design your run: open the balustrade designer
- Check a design: balustrade checker
- Glass balustrades
Questions we get asked
Do you price a balustrade online?
Sometimes. Where the price book covers your design, the designer shows a price and you can add it to your basket. A gate, an angled corner, a spigot or channel system, commercial use or anything flagged for an engineering check goes to our team, who check it and send a quote.
Do I measure from the subfloor?
No. Measure from the finished floor level, including flooring that is still to be laid.
Can I add a gate?
Yes. A gate opening can be 600 mm to 1,200 mm wide, inside one segment of the run.
Can the designer draw a staircase balustrade?
Not yet. Stairs and raked panels go to a person, who works them out with you.
Contact the team with your order reference and the step you need help with, or search all help topics.