How Much Do Glass Balustrades Cost?
Find Out Glass Balustrade & Panel Costs Per Meter
Calculating the cost of glass balustrades can help you make the right choice for your project’s budget. Glass balustrades are usually priced per meter. As well as the cost of the glass panels themselves, there are various other costs you will also need to consider.
Our guide to glass balustrade pricing will give you a clearer idea of the costs involved when preparing for your project.
Glass Balustrade Costs Overview
Glass Panels and Posts
The glass balustrades materials themselves can cost from around £150 – £250 per meter, including all the fixtures and fittings.
Installation
The size and complexity of your balustrade design will impact the installation costs. This can cost from around £250-£600.
You may be able to save costs by installing the glass balustrade yourself.
Other Costs To Consider
Delivery Fees
Glass balustrade delivery costs can vary considerably from £50-£200. If you’re in a remote location or have access challenges, this may increase the price.
Before ordering, check whether the balustrade supplier you’ve chosen delivers nationwide. Some suppliers only deliver locally or may charge more for non-local deliveries.
Most balustrade deliveries are ‘kerbside only’, meaning the courier will unload the pallet at the front of your property. Some suppliers may offer a premium delivery service with assisted delivery for an additional charge.
Maintenance & Repair
One of the advantages of glass balustrades is that they require minimum care and maintenance.
If your glass complies with British Standards, it should be safe and last for years to come. But it might be worthwhile to consider the costs of any repairs or replacement parts and whether your home insurance would cover accidental damage.
Planning Permission
Ground level balustrade systems for residential properties often fall under permitted development. However, you may need planning permission for glass balustrades for larger installations, roof terraces or if your property is a listed building.
If your glass balustrades do need planning permission, the application fees will be around £400.
What Affects the Costs for Glass Balustrades?
Type of Balustrade System
Generally, the more complex the balustrade design, the more costly the balustrades are. Simple aluminium or stainless steel posts and glass systems are usually the least costly. The most costly will often be frameless glass balustrades, which are almost entirely glass with minimal supports.
Mirror polished finish stainless steel is recommended for installations in coastal areas, especially within 10 miles of the coast.
Glass Panel Thickness
Glass balustrades come in a range of different thicknesses, ranging from 8mm to 26mm, and thicker glass will usually push up the price.
Choosing the right glass thickness will depend on your balustrade design and project. For instance, frameless glass balustrades need thicker glass as the glass has to offer more structural support than glass and post systems. Commercial properties also normally need to use thicker glass to comply with Building Regulations.
Glass Types
Toughened vs Laminated
Regular balustrade glass uses toughened safety glass. This is around 5x stronger than standard glass and is suitable for most post-supported glass balustrade systems.
Laminated glass is even stronger and consists of two panels of toughened glass sandwiched together by an interlayer. In the event of a breakage, this ensures the glass fragments stay in place.
Laminated glass balustrade panels cost more than toughened ones, but are usually needed for safety reasons for frameless balustrade systems and commercial installations.
Frosted, Tinted or Coloured Glass
Glass balustrades come with clear glass as standard. Many people choose to have more privacy with their glass panels by picking frosted, tinted or coloured glass. This extra option will add to the cost, but is often the best way to provide privacy – either indoors or outdoors – while still allowing light to filter through.
Installation Costs For Glass Balustrade Systems
Professional Installation
Professional installation costs will depend on who you choose to install your glass balustrades.
A general builder charges from £250-£300 per day and you’re looking at similar costs for a garden landscaper. A 2-person specialist glass or balustrade fitting team will cost around £500-600, but may have more glass installation expertise.
These are per day charges, and your glass balustrade installation may take more than one day.
DIY Installation
You can choose to install your glass balustrade system yourself to save on installation costs. Keep in mind that you may still need to buy tools, so factor in those costs.
