Glass Balustrade Clamps - A Buyers Guide

Aug 20 2022
A picture of a stainless steel glass clamp, clear glass panel and solid oak handrail.

The innovations in Glass Balustrade Clamps has made glass more widely accessible and easy to install.

Glass stair balustrade seems to be trending in popularity with our customers this year in a variety of different commercial and domestic settings. While there are multitude of different materials that can be used to design a striking and functional staircase, glass has many benefits. Glass panels not only create the illusion of more space, but are strong, durable and easy to clean making them ideal for modern interiors.

To ensure the utmost safety and to keep the balustrade in place, we recommend quality glass balustrade clamps made from stainless steel metal. You might've seen throughout the Internet an alternative method which involves drilling holes directly into the glass. This can weaken the structure and make the glass more susceptible to shattering. We recommend using a glass clamp where possible.

Innovations in clamp manufacturing has made glass balustrade more widely accessible and easy to install. The clamps can safely and securely hold the glass panels into place, preventing them from sliding or wobbling. All the clamps that we stock on our website come with rubbers and a security pin, something which is typically offered as an additional cost by other suppliers.

This article looks at the glass clamps that we stock on our website, their uses and their advantages.

1 - Why Use Glass Balustrade Clamps?

Unlike wood or metal spindles that can be fixed directly into the handrail and base rail, affixing glass to a balustrade or railing system is a little more difficult. In 9 out of 10 cases, glass clamps are necessary in connecting glass panels to a handrail and base rail without damage. Even if you carefully and expertly drilled holes into the glass, this would still weaken the overall structure and make the glass more susceptible to shattering. Tempered glass is very robust and strong, and to keep it that way, using glass clamps is a must.

2 - Are There Different Clamp Styles?

Most of the clamps that we’ve seen on the market and stock have a similar design both mechanically and aesthetically; an L-shaped bracket that can be screwed into the handrail and base rail, and a double-sided rubberised clamp that holds the glass panel in place. The edges of the L-shaped bracket can be square, rectangular or rounded in style, and the brackets we stock here at Blueprint can hold both 8mm or 10mm thick glass panels.

3 - What Are the Advantages of Glass Balustrade Clamps?

There are many advantages of using glass balustrade and glass clamps, including:

  • Glass creates the illusion of more space. Clear glass panels are especially effective in making an area appear bigger than it really is; something that can't be achieved by using wood or metal spindles.
  • Glass balustrade can make a living area looking bright and airy.
  • Tempered glass and metal glass clamps (when used together) are extremely tough and durable. There is a misconception by some that glass is easy to break; this is a myth. It takes extreme structural pressure to break tempered glass; the material itself and how it is manufactured makes it just as strong as steel.
  • Glass panels are easy to maintain and keep clean. Using glass cleaning products in conjunction with a lint-free cloth is all you’ll need to keep your glass looking brand new and shiny.
  • Glass balustrade perfectly compliments other materials and is ideal for modern interior design in 2022.

4 - How Many Glass Clamps Do I Need?

The amount that you will require will depend on the range of glass balustrade that you are installing, glass thickness, the specific project and the location you are working on. We recommend referring to the manufacturers fitting instructions for more detailed product information.

5 - The Glass Balustrade Clamps That We Stock

We stock a variety of different clamps (in stainless steel chrome or brushed nickel) depending on the type of glass balustrade you want to install. Whether it is a specific range of glass stair, or bespoke glass panels, we stock quality glass balustrade clamps for all scenarios.

5a - Contemporary Clarity Glass

The Clarity Glass Clamp offers incredibly stylish finishing touches when teamed with Clarity Glass Panels. Available in Chrome or Brushed Nickel finishes, and in packs of 2 and 8.

The metal fixings enable parts to be easily connected for simple construction and several different newel posts are available that can further enhance this already striking and contemporary look.

The Clarity Glass Balustrade shines as the perfect centrepiece to a room, as well as being able to blend into the background to allow other materials or elements to take centre stage. Boasting polished edges, curved glass and simple brackets, this very popular glass balustrade range is blessed with a versatility that ensures these stair parts add extra sparkle to any home.

Clarity Glass Balustrade cast shadows and hold reflections as individual as you are – see and be seen with every step you take.

5b - Blueprint Joinery Glass Clamps

Again, these clamps are designed to fit a flat surface such as a handrail, base rail or stair newel post. Choose between Chrome and Brushed Nickel metal finishes, and whether you want the clamps to hold 8mm or 10mm glass panels. This range comes in packs of 2. These glass clamps are perfect for bespoke, custom-made glass.

For more specific information or help regarding our glass clamp products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our expert sales team on (01691) 671020 for further assistance

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