A Comprehensive Guide to Fitting a Framed Glass Balustrade

Whether you want to add a beautiful element of safety to your balcony, terrace, or office mezzanine, a framed glass balustrade is an excellent choice.

Not only are they sleek and robust, but they uplift the atmosphere of any building by maximising the amount of natural light in the space. This results in an open and airy home or office, or a lovely view of your garden.

And of course, our framed glass balustrades are fully tested to comply with UK Regulations (BS 6180:2011), so you have peace of mind knowing you are installing a fully compliant and safe balustrade system. So, if you want to install a glass balustrade, trust WPS as we guide you through the installation process for our balustrade kits

With our products, DIY installation has never been easier! We complete all the fabrication in our UK-based workshop, ensuring the parts on site are ready for quick assembly, saving you time and giving you the best possible visual results.

Let’s Get Started - Gather Tools and Materials

Before we dive into it, make sure you have all the following materials:

  • Your Balustrade kit, baluster posts, rails, fittings, glass panels
  • 3D CAD drawing (we supply this!) 
  • Wrench or socket tool
  • Power drill 
  • Structural adhesive and cleaner (we supply this!)
  • Rubber mallet
  • Hex key
  • Safety gear (goggles, gloves, hard boots)
  • Spirit level
  • Appropriate fixing bolts or screws 

Step 1: Dry Fit the Balustrade Kit

  • Secure the handrail brackets to the predrilled handrail with the supplied M8 socket bolts.
  • Then, insert the handrail brackets into the baluster posts (do not glue yet!) 
  • Fit the elbows to create your balustrade frame – again, do not glue yet. 
  • At this stage, please ensure the balustrade matches your supplied 3D drawing, and check that the glass clamps on the posts are aligned.

Step 2: Mark Out the Floor

  • You should now have a dry balustrade frame which will allow you to mark out the exact baluster post positions on your substrate. 
  • Once you are happy with the positioning of your balustrade, use the post base plates as a guide to mark out the fixing holes into your substrate (4 holes per plate) 
  • Once all holes are marked out, you can partially disassemble the balustrade framework and leave it to one side while you drill the fixing holes in the ground. 

Step 3: Installing the Posts to Different Substrates

You can now drill the floor/substrate; the exact method will depend on the material you are fixing to. For installations into concrete, the recommended method would be as below: 

  • Drill out the holes as per your marked out holes (from previous step) – The system was tested with 100mm deep M10 fixings into a concrete base.
  • Clear out the dust/debris in the holes (use a drill hole blower)
  • Then fill the holes with resin (such as Fischer Hybrid Mortar resin)
  • After this, thread M10 stainless steel rod/studs into the holes – These will set in around 40 mins, depending on the weather.
  • You will now have 4 rods protruding from the ground for each baluster post.

We’ve included an easy-to-follow video below – this shows the principle of the resin fixed anchors.

It’s also possible to use expansion anchors if mounting to concrete, but the resin fixed rod/stud method (as above) is recommended.

  • Timber: For timber or decking, you will need to use coach screws. You must ensure the substrate is solid and strong enough to hold the weight of the balustrade before beginning. Please note that the sturdiness of the balustrade will depend on the sturdiness of the timber!
  • Steel: When attaching a balustrade to steel, the steel would normally be drilled and tapped, and the baluster posts would be secured with M10 s/s Bolts.

Step 4: Fit the Posts and Assemble the Framework

  • You can now place each baluster post over the studs and secure with M10 stainless steel nuts and washers. * Or, screw down the posts if mounting to timber.
  • Check the Baluster posts are Plumb with a spirit level– Shims or washers can be used under the base plates for slight level adjustment.

  • Assemble the frame as you did in Step 1 (including elbows/wall connectors)– Check the posts are in the correct position (check against drawing!) and that the glass clamps are aligned.
  • Double check the frame against the supplied drawing before applying the adhesive.

Step 5: Bond the Framework

You are now ready to bond the framework using the supplied adhesive. Please wear gloves for this process.

  • Clean each fitting and the posts/rails with the supplied stainless-steel cleaner.
  • Apply a thin line of adhesive to the interior surface of the tubes and the outside surface of the fitting.
  • Bring together with a twisting motion to spread adhesive easily.
  • Remove any excess adhesive with a clean dry cloth. Wait 72 hours until adhesive has fully hardened.

The end caps may need to be tapped into place with a Rubber Mallet.

For wall connectors, apply adhesive to the interior of the connector and the corresponding end of the handrail where it will meet the wall connector.


Then, place the wall connector against the wall and align it with the end of the handrail.

Step 6: Fitting the Glass Panels

Nearly there!– You are now ready to fit your glass panels. You will need to split the glass panels apart, leaving the back section in place on the baluster posts.

The clamps may also need to be rotated slightly on the posts to ensure the glass fits properly and is aligned. Note: 2 people are needed for fitting the glass panels.

Start by positioning the glass panels onto the exposed (back) of the glass clamps - You can use a block of wood or a sturdy material to rest the glass panel on while you are making sure the alignment is correct.

Place the glass panel against the exposed glass clamps. Once you’re happy with the alignment, fix the front of the glass clamp back in position, ensuring that the safety pin is used (if there are holes in the glass)

Secure the clamps closed using a hex key, hand tight– Check that all of the four clamps are secure and the glass is level. Repeat this process for all of the glass panels.

Finally, give the framework a clean with the supplied cleaner. Clean the glass with any glass cleaning product, or the more traditional method of clean water and white vinegar.

You have now completed the installation!

Upgrade Your Space with a Balustrade from WPS Handrails

If you are looking to add style and safety to a residential or commercial property, then you’re in luck. 

At WPS Handrails, we specialise in high-quality glass balustrade systems, helping customers bring their visions to life. If you are not feeling so confident with a DIY installation, we offer professional fittings across the UK so you can sit back and relax while we do the rest.

Get in touch today for a quote and speak to a member of our team to find the best balustrade for your property. We can also offer you expert advice for fitting your own balustrade system.

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