A glass balustrade is a safety barrier made of toughened or laminated safety glass, used on decks, stairs and balconies to stop falls while keeping the view open. Glass Group designs and installs glass balustrades for homes and commercial projects, and glass pool fencing for homes, across Wellington and Kāpiti, Taranaki and Central Otago.
| Style | What it is | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Frameless | Glass panels held at the base by a channel or by spigots (small posts), with no top rail | The most open view |
| Semi-frameless | Glass panels held by slim posts or a top rail | Clean, with a little more structure |
| Framed | Glass set within a full frame of posts and rails | The most visible framing |
We offer a range of systems and finishes to suit your project, and our team can talk you through the options.
Balustrades are safety barriers, so the Building Code sets clear rules. For homes, the key points are:
Where you could fall 1 metre or more, for example from a deck.
Deck and balcony barriers must be at least 1 metre high, and stair barriers at least 900mm.
Openings must not let a 100mm sphere pass through.
Since 1 June 2016, glass barriers with no interlinking rail must use laminated toughened or laminated heat-strengthened safety glass, so the glass stays in place if it breaks. This is now set out in MBIE's Building Product Specifications, which reference NZS 4223.3:2016.
Where the glass isn't laminated, an interlinking rail must hold the barrier in place if a pane breaks.
Our in-house design team takes care of the details, and we handle the council requirements, so you don't have to run around town.
Glass pool fencing provides a clean, open appearance while creating a clear barrier around your pool area. The clear panels also make it easy to keep an eye on children in the pool.
Pool barriers in New Zealand must meet Building Code clause F9. Under council guidance for pools built in 2017 or later:
The barrier must be at least 1.2 metres high, with no gaps over 100mm.
Gates must open away from the pool and self-close and self-latch.
A latch reached from outside the barrier must be at least 1.5 metres above the ground.
You need a building consent before installing a pool barrier.
Residential pools must be inspected every 3 years.
We handle the council requirements as part of your project.
Every project is different, so we quote each one individually. Quotes are free.
Warranty depends on the glass. Toughened glass carries a 10-year warranty; laminated, toughened laminated and heat-strengthened glass carry 5 years.See the full table on our Technical Resources page.
Share your location, plans and the glazing options you're considering.
Our team considers your requirements, assesses the site and recommends a practical solution.
Where required, our in-house team brings the technical details together before providing your quote.
Our experienced team completes the installation with care, keeping you informed throughout the project.
Glass balustrades with no interlinking rail must use laminated toughened or laminated heat-strengthened safety glass, so the glass stays in place if it breaks. This has applied since 1 June 2016 and is now set out in MBIE’s Building Product Specifications, which reference NZS 4223.3:2016. Where the glass isn’t laminated, an interlinking rail must hold the barrier in place if a pane breaks.
For homes, a barrier is needed where you could fall 1 metre or more. Deck and balcony barriers must be at least 1 metre high, and stair barriers at least 900mm. Openings must not let a 100mm sphere pass through.
Every project is different, so we quote each one individually. Quotes are free.
Pool barriers must meet Building Code clause F9. For pools built in 2017 or later, the barrier must be at least 1.2 metres high with no gaps over 100mm, and gates must open away from the pool and self-close and self-latch. You need a building consent before installing a pool barrier, and residential pools must be inspected every 3 years.
Yes. MBIE says you must get a building consent before installing a pool barrier, even for a temporary pool. We handle the council requirements as part of your project.
Yes, when it’s designed and installed to meet clause F9, with gates that self-close and self-latch. The clear panels also make it easy to watch children in the pool.
Glass shows water spots and pool splashes, so it needs a regular wipe with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid scourers, which can scratch the glass.
Glass Group has local teams in Wellington and Kāpiti, Taranaki and Central Otago.
