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Choosing a glass balustrade is exciting. But when you start looking at systems, the number of options quickly becomes confusing.

Spigot systems. Post and handrail systems. Frameless. Semi-frameless. Structural glass. The terminology alone can put people off.

We want to cut through all of that. In this guide, we compare two of the most popular glass balustrade systems in the UK: spigot and post & handrail. We look at how each one works, where it performs best, what it costs, and which type of project it suits.

By the end, you will have a clear picture of which system belongs in your space.

What Is a Spigot Glass Balustrade?

A spigot glass balustrade is a system where glass panels are supported by small, floor-mounted metal clamps called spigots. These spigots grip the base of each glass panel and hold it upright without the need for visible posts running alongside the glass.

Spigot systems use clamps positioned at the base to hold glass panels in place. This frameless approach offers a seamless view, as fixings are less perceivable compared to post systems where vertical posts are visible. The base clamps come in rounded or squared profiles and usually feature a stainless steel finish, either brushed or polished.

The result is a clean, floating glass look. The spigots sit close to the floor and remain largely hidden when you view the balustrade straight on. This makes it a popular choice for modern homes where the goal is maximum visual openness.

Spigot systems are suitable for several applications, including cordoning off swimming pools, walkways, decking, low patio areas, and balconies where compliant with building regulations. Where needed, handrails can be added and fixed to the side of the glass panels or fitted as cap rails on top for a more discreet look.

What Is a Post & Handrail Glass Balustrade?

A post and handrail glass balustrade uses vertical metal posts to support the glass panels and a continuous horizontal handrail running along the top. The posts are typically made from stainless steel or aluminium and are spaced evenly along the run.

Post and handrail glass balustrades offer the same modern appearance as post-only systems, with the added reassurance of a continuous handrail. They are commonly used on balconies, raised decks, and staircases, providing a strong and practical glass balustrade solution that remains visually appealing. Stainless steel posts and handrails keep maintenance requirements low. 

The glass panels sit between the posts using side clamps or are set into a channel within the posts. The handrail runs across the top, tying the system together structurally and providing a graspable edge for users.

This system is the more traditional of the two. It has been a staple of UK balustrade design for residential and commercial projects for many years. It is also the system most architects and building inspectors are familiar with.

How They Look: Side by Side

Aesthetics are often the first deciding factor for homeowners. Here is how these two systems compare visually.

A spigot system suits spaces where you want the glass itself to be the feature. Think open-plan garden terraces, poolside areas, and modern extensions where nothing should compete with the view.

A post and handrail system suits spaces where you want a slightly more structured finish. It looks purposeful and well-defined, which works well on raised decking, balconies with regular use, and staircases where a continuous graspable rail matters.

Glass Thickness and Structural Requirements

The type of system you choose directly affects what glass you need. And glass thickness affects your cost.

Stainless steel post systems are usually more affordable than frameless channel or spigot systems, as they typically use thinner glass. For stainless steel posts, 10mm toughened glass is standard. For frameless glass and glass spigots used externally with more than a 600mm fall and no handrail, 21.5mm toughened laminate glass is required. 

This is a significant difference. A spigot system without a handrail needs much thicker laminated glass because the glass itself carries the structural load. A post and handrail system transfers that load through the posts and rail, so thinner toughened glass is sufficient.

For spigot systems designed to comply with UK building regulations and BS 6180:2011, glass thickness is selected based on the application: 17.5mm laminated toughened is suitable for residential use, while 21.5mm laminated toughened is recommended for public or commercial spaces where the load requirement is 1.5 kN per metre. 

In short: spigot systems need thicker, more expensive glass. Post and handrail systems use thinner glass but add the cost of the posts and handrail components.

Do You Need a Handrail on Either System?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it depends on where your balustrade is installed.

Prior to the 2011 revision of BS 6180, a handrail was always mandatory. However, Section 8.5.2 was revised in 2011 to provide exceptions under certain conditions. The code now states that where a barrier protects a difference in level greater than 600mm, a handrail should always be used unless a laminated toughened glass construction is used that will remain in situ if a panel fails. 

So for a spigot system using laminated glass, a handrail can be omitted in certain non-staircase locations. This gives you the full uninterrupted glass panel look.

For a post and handrail system, the handrail is a structural component. Removing it changes the system entirely. On staircases specifically, a continuous handrail is legally required regardless of the glass system you choose.

On staircases, a handrail is required on at least one side. Handrails must provide a comfortable, secure grip and comply with ergonomic standards outlined in Approved Document K. Circular designs should have a 40 to 50mm diameter, and non-circular designs must have a perimeter of 100 to 160mm with smooth, continuous surfaces. 

Where Each System Works Best

Both systems are versatile, but each has locations where it performs better.

Spigot glass balustrades work best for:

Level or near-level surfaces like patios, terraces, and pool surrounds. The floor-mounting method works well on flat ground. Straight runs on decking or garden boundaries also suit this system well.

Post and handrail glass balustrades work best for:

Staircases, raised balconies, and locations with frequent foot traffic. Anywhere a gripable rail adds genuine safety value. Also suited to commercial premises and holiday lets where structural rigidity and ease of inspection matter.

Post-only glass balustrade systems are commonly used on patios, decking areas, and garden boundaries where open views and straightforward installation are key priorities. Maintenance is minimal, making this type a popular choice for residential projects.

If your project involves corners, angles, or changes in height, the post and handrail system is generally easier to configure. Spigot systems are better suited to straight, level runs and can require additional engineering input for complex layouts.

Cost Comparison

Price is always part of the decision. Here is a realistic cost guide for UK installations in 2025.

Framed glass balustrades that include metal posts and handrails cost between £200 and £250 per linear metre. Frameless systems, which use toughened glass panels fixed to the floor or wall via base channels or spigots, cost £300 to £350 per linear metre. 

As a rough guide for a 5-metre patio balustrade, expect to pay £1,000 to £1,250 for a post and handrail system and £1,500 to £1,750 for a spigot system with laminated glass. These figures exclude installation labour.

Glass balustrades, once installed, can increase property value by 5 to 10%. They also offer very low long-term maintenance costs compared to timber or painted metal alternatives. 

Installation: Which Is Easier to Fit?

For confident DIYers, both systems are achievable. But they differ in how forgiving they are during the process.

Post and handrail systems are generally considered more DIY-friendly. The posts are bolted to the substrate, the glass clamps onto the posts, and the handrail slots across the top. The components are relatively easy to align and adjust. We carry post and handrail glass systems in our balustrade range that are designed with straightforward DIY installation in mind.

Spigot systems require more precision. The spigots must be positioned accurately because the glass panels sit directly in them. If a spigot is out of position by even a few millimetres, it affects the alignment of the whole panel run. On uneven or textured surfaces, levelling the spigots correctly takes extra care.

The maximum glass span for a typical spigot system is 1,500mm between spigots. The system can be manufactured to different heights and used in designs with angles other than 90 degrees, using adjustable handrail connectors. For heights over 8 metres, moving to a handrail solution is advisable even when no handrail was originally specified. 

For curved runs, complex corners, or anything other than a straight level run, we recommend professional installation for either system.

Compliance: Do Both Meet UK Building Regulations?

Yes, both systems can be fully compliant with UK building regulations when correctly specified and installed.

Both toughened and toughened laminated glass, set in a base channel or on spigots, can deliver a compliant system when glass thickness and interlayers are matched to the load category. Stainless steel post systems with rails and wire infill options provide durability with a contemporary look in marine grade 316 stainless steel, suitable for outdoor and coastal sites. 

The key compliance points for any glass balustrade system are:

A minimum height of 900mm for indoor stairs and landings, and 1,100mm for external balconies and elevated decking. A 100mm sphere must not pass through any gap in the infill. The system must withstand a horizontal load of 0.36 kN per metre for domestic residential use.

If you are choosing a spigot system without a handrail for an external location with a drop over 600mm, you must use laminated glass that stays in place if a panel cracks. Standard toughened glass shatters and is not compliant in that scenario without a handrail.

For further detail on which loads apply to your specific project type, <u>the UK government's Approved Document K is freely available at the Planning Portal website at planningportal.co.uk.</u>

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We see the same errors come up repeatedly in balustrade projects. Here are the ones that cause the most problems with glass systems:

Using toughened glass in a spigot system without a handrail. If the drop exceeds 600mm and there is no handrail, you must use laminated glass. Toughened glass alone is not sufficient.

Incorrect spigot spacing. Too few spigots means the glass panels carry excessive load in the middle of the span. Always follow the manufacturer's spacing data for the glass thickness you are using.

Not checking the substrate. Both systems rely on a solid fixing point. Spigots bolted into soft timber decking without appropriate fixings will not meet load requirements. Check that your surface can take the fixing load before you order.

Ignoring the grade of stainless steel. Grade 304 stainless steel is suitable for internal balustrades. For external use, grade 316 offers greater corrosion resistance. For areas near swimming pools or the coast, mirror-polished grade 316 stainless steel protects against chlorine and saltwater damage. 

Ordering the wrong glass. Always confirm with your supplier whether your application requires toughened, laminated toughened, or a specific thickness. Getting this wrong means the system either fails compliance or has to be replaced entirely.

Quick Decision Guide

Not sure which system is right for your project? Use this quick reference:

Pro Tips Before You Buy

Get a structural substrate check before ordering. Both systems need a solid fixing point. If your decking or concrete base is not confirmed as adequate, do this first.

Order a sample post or spigot finish before committing to a full order. Brushed and polished stainless steel look very different in different light conditions.

Always ask your supplier for BS 6180 test certificates. These confirm the system has been independently tested to the required load standard, not just designed to look compliant.

If you are unsure which system suits your space, our team at The Outdoor Look is happy to help. You can view our glass balustrade range here or get in touch for a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a spigot and a post and handrail glass balustrade? 

A spigot system uses small floor-mounted clamps at the base of each glass panel to hold them upright, with no visible vertical posts alongside the glass. A post and handrail system uses vertical metal posts spaced along the run with a continuous handrail across the top. Spigot systems give a more minimal, floating glass appearance. Post and handrail systems provide a more defined structural look and are generally more straightforward to install on stairs and complex layouts.

Can a spigot glass balustrade be installed without a handrail in the UK? 

Yes, under certain conditions. According to BS 6180:2011 Section 8.5.2, a handrail can be omitted on a non-staircase glass balustrade if the glass used is laminated toughened glass that will remain in place if a panel fails. Standard toughened glass without a handrail is not compliant where the drop exceeds 600mm. On staircases, a continuous handrail is always required regardless of the glass system used.

Which glass balustrade system is cheaper to install? 

Post and handrail systems are generally less expensive per linear metre because they use thinner toughened glass, typically 10mm, compared to the 17.5mm to 21.5mm laminated glass required for spigot systems. Post and handrail systems typically cost between £200 and £250 per metre for supply. Spigot systems start from around £207 per metre and can reach £350 per metre for fully structural no-handrail configurations. Installation complexity affects final cost in both cases.

Is a spigot glass balustrade suitable for a staircase? 

Spigot systems can be used on staircases, but they are less commonly chosen for this application. Stairs involve changes in height and angle that require adjustable components and precise spigot placement. A post and handrail system is generally more practical for staircases because it accommodates the raking line of the stair more easily and provides the continuous graspable handrail that UK building regulations require on any staircase with two or more risers.