Those of you who live in homes with balconies know how blissful the space can be. In a crowded urban environment, a balcony is a place for relaxation and peace. It allows you to experience fresh air and natural light. It is the perfect spot to savour a cup of tea in the morning or unwind in the evening.
Clearly, the design and décor of a balcony are important. There should be comfortable seating, and a place for cups and plates, for a start. Placing plants on balconies enhances the appeal. It should also be free of junk. You don’t want your balcony to become a dumping ground for all the extra stuff that has accumulated at home.
Safety is an important aspect of balcony décor. The area should be structurally sound and have proper railings around the perimeter. These railings should be of adequate height and be strong and robust.
While there are many choices of material, a glass railing design for a balcony is a contemporary and stylish choice. For many, it has more advantages than disadvantages. Let’s explore the pros and cons and then look at the types of balcony glass design.
The Pros and Cons of Glass Railing Designs for Balcony
It is important to be clear about the ups and downs of a glass railing design for a balcony before going ahead. Here are some of the main considerations.
Visually Striking: Glass railings give your balcony a modern and clean look. Not only does this enhance its appeal, it also creates the right impression on visitors.
Great Views: One of the best things about a balcony can be the view it provides. A big advantage of glass railings is that such views are not obstructed. This is a great contrast to other forms of balcony railings.
Convenient options: As we shall see later in this piece, a modern glass railing design for balcony comes in various forms. This means that whatever your space and preferences, you’re sure to find something just right for your needs.
Durable: Given the right type of tempered glass, such balcony railings can be extremely durable. It is capable of withstanding many different weather conditions.
Price: A modern balcony glass railing can be more expensive than other types of material such as metal or wood. You will have to weigh the increased cost against the benefits that it provides.
Maintenance: A glass railing design for balcony looks best when it is spotless. This means regular cleaning and maintenance.
What to Know About Glass Railing Safety
A question that often comes up in the minds of residents is: how safe is modern glass railing design for balcony? You can rest assured that with the right material and installation, it is very safe indeed.
The factors to keep in mind with a modern balcony glass railing are:
- The type of glass and its thickness
- The height of the railing
- The handrails and top rails
- The mounting surfaces
The type of glass used for such railings is often tempered glass. This means improved strength and shatter resistance. Reputed manufacturers make sure that the tempered glass is tested for adequate strength.
The height of the railing should be in keeping with your building and municipal requirements. You should make sure that this is strictly followed. Most tempered glass used in balcony glass design comes in thicknesses starting from 10mm. The right thickness for your needs will depend on other mounting considerations.
Some of these factors are handrails and top rails. A handrail is a structure that protrudes from the glass or is over it, offering support to those holding on. A top rail keeps glass panels connected together.
The mounting surface is an extremely important factor. Glass railings can be mounted on a variety of surfaces. Experts will be able to advise you on the best foundation. This could be concrete, or engineered wood, for example.
Types of Glass Railing Designs for the Balcony
Here are some styles of glass railing design for balcony for you to choose from. The best design will be one that suits your balcony space, provides adequate safety, and, of course, looks wonderful.
1. Etched Glass
Those who feel that plain glass is boring can choose from a variety of etched glass patterns. These designs can be floral, geometrical or any other type that suits your decor.
2. Aluminium Protection
You can also choose to fortify the glass railing with aluminium on the top and sides for a streamlined look.
3. Sliding Glass Doors
If the size and shape of the balcony permit, you can think of full-length glass sliding doors to create an interior full of light and charm.
4. Stainless Steel Accents
Any type of modern glass railing design for balcony can be made to look more contemporary with touches of stainless steel.
5. Semi-circular and Curved Edges
Tempered glass can be created in various profiles and shapes. One attractive option is to go in for a semi-circular design or a design with curved edges.
6. Black Glass
A distinctive and bold approach is to choose black glass. It will make your balcony truly memorable. This also provides some privacy, should you need it.
7. Frosted or Tinted
Black apart, you can also choose frosted or tinted glass to add a distinctive look to a modern glass railing design for balcony.
8. Frameless
For a sheer and stunning view, you can check out a frameless glass design for balcony. In such cases, the railing will have to be specially designed for your space without compromising on safety.
What to Look Out for When Installing Glass Railings
When it comes to glass railings, the first step is always to make sure of the strength of the glass. Tempered or laminated glass is the preferred option. These are several times stronger than normal glass. The actual installation of the glass railing is best left to experts who will follow professional standards.
Another important factor to keep in mind before installation is: how close should the railing be to the balcony edge? It is best to take the advice of building regulators when considering this.
As we have pointed out earlier, the mode of mounting is also crucial. The foundation, handrails and top rails of the glass railing should be firmly affixed. The material for the rails should be more than adequate to hold the glass. The balcony foundation should be thoroughly inspected to ensure it can hold the weight.
Naturally, the glass panels of the completed balcony should all be at exactly the same level, for a smooth and uninterrupted surface. They should be free of imperfections and blemishes. After checking all of the above, you can sit back and admire the beauty of your balcony glass design.
Some Tips on Balcony Glass Railing Maintenance
Glass railings do require maintenance, but of a different kind than other types of railings. With metal, wood and other substances, you need to regularly check for signs of corrosion and other sorts of wear and tear. With glass railings, you do not have to worry about these aspects.
As a material, glass is weather-proof and durable. This means that they are suitable for all sorts of locations and conditions. However, to keep them looking at their best, you will need to clean them daily. That way, they will always be spotless and appealing.
Soap and water are best for this sort of routine cleaning. You can use sponge mops with long handles for this purpose. A word of caution: at all times, make sure that you do not lean over too far over the railing to clean the exterior surface.
A solution of vinegar and water will suffice to remove other sorts of debris such as bird droppings. Ideally, these substances should be removed as soon as possible, otherwise it can take more time to get rid of them completely. If you have aluminium or other types of railings along with glass, these should be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Summing Up: Points to Consider
To sum up, modern glass railing designs for balcony are a great way to make sure exterior space is appealing. Glass creations with handrails add a modern touch to any home.
Depending on your preference and type of décor, there are several inventive designs to choose from. Some of these are railings with etched glass, frosted glass or even dark-coloured glass.
Other styles range from semi-circular railings to railings with metal inserts. Balconies with stunning views can be made more attractive with frameless railings.
Whatever the space, care should be taken to leave the selection of glass and actual installation to experts with a proven track record. They will advise you on the right strength of tempered glass.
They will also inspect your balcony to check the right foundation for the glass railings. Do keep in mind that you should also check with civic and building personnel about any rules that you need to adhere to.
Glass railings require relatively little maintenance. Daily cleaning with soap and water should be sufficient in most cases.
All of this means that a glass railing design for balcony is modern, sleek and a terrific way to create a sense of space. You don’t have to compromise on safety or the view. It could transform your balcony into the most cherished place in the house.
A glass railing design for balcony is one way in which to make your balcony space much more appealing. At HomeLane, we can offer you many more pieces of advice on ways to make your balcony a sought-after space.
For example, here’s a guide to the best furniture choices for your balcony — featuring pieces that are durable, functional, space-saving, and decorative. Or, you could simply take a look at these 17 fresh balcony design trends for 2022.
FAQs
Which glass is good for the balcony?
The most popular choice is tempered glass. This is a type of glass that is treated so that it is far tougher and shatter-proof than ordinary glass. The same glass is often used for other applications such as car windows or table tops.
Another type of glass that is chosen for balconies is called laminated glass. Laminated glass has a vinyl layer within it. This makes it tougher. It also makes the material more likely to stay in one place if it is damaged.
There are different types of laminated glass available, depending on the number of layers and their composition. These offer various grades of flexibility and even UV protection.
What type of glass is best to use as railings?
As we have pointed out in the answer above, there are various types of glass available for railings. You need not worry about safety, as the glass is treated in various ways to make it far stronger than regular glass. Two such types are tempered glass and laminated glass.
As to which type is best for railings, the answer to that depends on the nature of the balcony, the design and the foundation. Tempered glass can be more suitable for smaller spaces and laminate glass for larger areas. Many people use laminated glass for frameless designs, whereas panels of tempered glass can be held together by aluminium or steel supports.
What is the standard size of the glass railing?
There are various building and municipal codes that lay down the height, length, and thicknesses of glass railings. These should never be ignored.
Glass thickness can be between 12 mm and 22 mm, on average. For residences, in some US states, the height of the railings is about 36 inches. On the other hand, if the balcony is at a greater height, it may be higher. At all times, safety is paramount. There can also be handrails and other supports in front of the glass railing.
