Glass Balustrades vs. Traditional Railings: A Comparative Analysis

It’s easy to mistake balustrades for railings (and vice versa) — especially as both types of safety feature are essentially barriers intended to prevent falls.

However, the terms ‘balustrades’ and ‘railings’ ultimately refer to two separate, distinct things. While a balustrade usually comprises a handrail connecting a set of posts or pillars, a railing tends to be a single continuous structure. So, how do glass balustrades generally compare to traditional railings?

Design

On the aesthetic side, balustrades have often outclassed railings. It might not be hard for you to see why when you use our website to peruse designs of balustrades among the glass supplies our Auckland-based company offers.

In contrast, railings can come across as quite utilitarian, lacking the kind of cosmetic flair you would typically expect to see in a home. For this reason, you could struggle to find railings in a design that would look ‘just right’ in your own property.

Ease of Maintenance

In this area, railings draw ahead, as the simplicity of their design makes them easy to clean. Conversely, balustrades come in comparatively complex shapes, and so have a larger number of crevices where dirt and debris could easily accumulate.

Still, you could find that the cosmetic appeal brought by glass balustrades makes the extra effort required to maintain them more than worthwhile.

It’s also worth pointing out that some glass balustrades will call for a larger degree of maintenance than others. For example, you would have less to clean when you opt for a frameless glass balustrade.

Transparency

As a balustrade houses a series of posts or pillars (either of which would be known as ‘balusters’ in this context) all nicely spaced apart, you would remain able to clearly see much of what lies on the other side of the barrier. This can work out well if there is an excellent view you are eager to preserve.

Railings would likely block more of that view. Nonetheless, you could appreciate the privacy that railings would bring to a porch or deck. After all, you might live in a highly populated area where neighbours can too easily see such outdoor parts of your home.

It’s up to you whether you select a glass balustrade or traditional railings for your property. However, we can dispatch glass balustrades — and, for that matter, other glass supplies — to Auckland, Christchurch and various other Kiwi cities. Why not contact us for a free, no-obligation quote?