Post & Glass Balustrade Installation Guide
This step-by-step post and glass balustrade installation guide explains how to prepare the base, position and fix posts, measure for glass, install glass panels and fit the handrail for a safe, professional finish.
What This Guide Covers
- Post positioning: setting out end, corner and middle posts
- Fixing: drilling and securing posts correctly
- Glass fitting: measuring, gasket fitting and clamp installation
- Handrail fitting: aligning and fixing the top rail
- Finishing: final checks and clean down
Step 1: Ground Preparation
Start by preparing the substrate correctly so the post and glass balustrade system can be fixed securely and aligned accurately.
- Mark a centre line 75mm in from the edge of the substrate.
- This creates a consistent fixing point for the balustrade posts.
- Install all end posts and corner posts first.
- Align the centre of each post on the marked centre line.
Step 2: Mark Out End and Corner Posts
Once the post positions are confirmed, mark the fixing points accurately before drilling.
- Use the base plates as a template.
- Mark out the fixing holes on the ground.
- Each plate will usually have three or four fixing holes.
- After marking, partially disassemble the posts if required.
Step 3: Drilling and Fixing the Posts
Correct drilling and levelling are essential for a safe and visually straight glass balustrade installation.
- Drill the holes to suit the fixings you are using.
- Reposition the disassembled post over the drilled holes.
- Lift the cover plate and insert the fixings.
- Check each post is level in all directions before tightening fully.
Step 4: Middle Post Positioning
After installing the end and corner posts, the remaining middle posts can be positioned to suit the glass panel layout.
- Measure the distance between post centres.
- Divide the measurement by the number of glass panels required in that section.
- Mark the middle post centres and fix them in place.
Step 5: Measuring for Glass
Accurate glass measurement is essential for correct panel fit and clamp spacing.
- Measure from post to post above the baseplate.
- Take measurements from the inside bottom edge of each post.
- Apply the required deductions for clamps and clearances.
Step 6: Installing the Glass Panels
Fit the clamps carefully and protect the glass during handling to avoid damage.
- Remove the face plates from each clamp.
- Insert the rubber gaskets into the back and face of each clamp.
- Place a wooden spacer beneath the glass panel.
- Position the glass between the clamps.
- Refit the clamp faces and tighten the screws evenly.
Step 7: Handrail Installation
Once the posts and glass are secure, the handrail can be aligned and fixed into place.
- Fit the correct saddle to the top of each post.
- Position the handrail along the saddles and check the alignment.
- Mark the drill hole positions along the length of the rail.
- Drill 5mm holes at each marked point.
- Insert the supplied self-tapping screws and secure the handrail.
Step 8: Final Clean Down
A proper clean down improves the final finish and helps protect the stainless steel and glass surfaces.
- Clean all stainless steel components using a suitable cleaner.
- Clean the glass panels with an appropriate glass cleaner.
- Remove all drilling swarf, dust and glass handling debris.
Related Technical Support
For more help planning your balustrade project, see our related support guides below.
Balustrade Building Regulations
Glass Thickness Guide for Balustrades
How to Measure for a Glass Balustrade
Back to Technical Support
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