Post & Handrail Glass Balustrade System — Black

Description

Our black post and handrail glass balustrade system pairs 42.4mm round stainless steel posts with a continuous handrail and 10mm toughened glass panels — the classic glass balustrade configuration for decking, balconies, patios and raised terraces. Because the posts and handrail carry the structural load, this system uses thinner glass than a spigot or channel installation, which keeps the cost per metre down without giving up the open glass look.

The handrail sits in rail saddles that slot into the top of each post, creating a clean junction with no visible brackets on the rail line. Glass panels are held between posts by glass clamps, which come pre-fitted: end posts arrive with two clamps attached, and mid and corner posts with four. For gardens where the ground steps up or down, blank posts (supplied without clamps) let you position clamps to keep the glass lines level across the change — ask the team and we'll help plan the layout.

The black finish is 304 stainless steel with a protective powder coating — the coating is what gives it its outdoor weather resistance and its contemporary matt-black look. Prefer bare brushed steel? The system is also available in satin, which uses uncoated 316 marine-grade stainless steel.

Glass is 10mm toughened, cut to order for your exact panel sizes. Custom-size panes take around 3–4 weeks, stocked panes 3–10 days, and glass deliveries are scheduled with you in advance so offloading is safe. Posts fix down through base plates with covers to conceal the fixings — base plate bolts are supplied separately, because the correct fixing depends on your substrate. Maximum post spacing is 1150mm, and the finished system stands 1100mm to the top of the handrail — the guarding height building regulations require for external balconies and raised decking.

The system is designed in line with BS 6180:2011. Not sure whether posts and a handrail or a minimal-hardware look suits your space better? Our guide to spigot vs post & handrail glass balustrades compares the two — or if you want the glass with posts but without a continuous top rail, see our semi-frameless glass balustrade system. Individual posts, clamps and handrail parts are available in our post system collection. For a quote on your layout, send us your measurements through the quote form.

Specifications

What’s Included

Installation Guide

Useful Documents

FAQs

• Can the black and satin systems be mixed together?

  It is possible, but for a consistent appearance we recommend choosing one finish. Customers usually select black for a striking, modern statement and satin for a classic stainless look.

• Is glass returnable if the size is wrong?

  No. Glass is custom cut and non-returnable once manufactured. CAD drawings are always provided for approval before cutting.

• What is the difference between this system and the Semi Frameless system?

  Both systems use the same 978mm posts and 900mm glass panels from our Semi Frameless range, but they’re finished differently. The Post Handrail System use saddle fittings on top of the posts to support a stainless-steel tube, creating a continuous, easy-to-grip handrail (ideal for stairs and high-traffic areas). TheSemi Frameless option is topped with post caps for a glass-led look without a tube. For materials, satin components are 316 stainless steel, while black components are 304 stainless steel. Both configurations are designed to meetUK Building Regulations.

• Is the Post Handrail System compliant with UK Building Regulations?

  Absolutely. The combination of 978 mm posts, 900 mm high glass panels, and the saddle-mounted handrail tube ensures the system meets the height (1100mm) and load requirements of UK Building Regulations for domestic and most commercial applications.

• Can the post system be used on stairs?

  Yes, the Post Handrail System is ideal for stair installations. We recommend using the Handrail Saddle Bracket with Adjustable Spigot, which allows the tube to be aligned at the correct angle to follow the slope of your stairs. This ensures a safe, smooth, and continuous handrail run.

• How does the saddle bracket secure the tube?

  Each saddle bracket is engineered to hold the 42.4 mm stainless steel tube firmly in place. Once the tube is cut to size and positioned on the saddles, it is fixed with screws for a secure installation. The result is a robust handrail that looks seamless and provides reliable support.

• How do I clean and maintain the satin finish?

  The satin stainless steel finish is low maintenance. We recommend periodic cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft cloth to remove dirt and contaminants. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.

• How easy is the system to install?

  Installation is straightforward. Pre-drilled posts ensure accurate clamp positioning, and the system is designed for ease of assembly by competent DIYers or professional installers.

• Can the system be used in coastal or exposed areas?

  Yes. The Satin system is manufactured from 316 marine grade stainless steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion and ideal for use in exposed or coastal environments.

• Can laminated glass be used in this system?

  Yes. Laminated glass can be supplied if required, and in some installations (such as certain balconies or commercial projects) laminated glass is essential to meet regulations.

• Is the glass returnable if the size is incorrect?

  No. As each panel is cut to order, glass is non-returnable once manufactured. To avoid errors, CAD drawings are provided for your approval before cutting.

• How many posts do I need?

  Maximum post spacing is 1150mm, so divide your run length by 1150mm and round up to get your bays — then it's one more post than bays for a straight run. Use end posts at the ends (2 glass clamps attached), mid posts along the run (4 clamps) and corner posts where the run turns (4 clamps). Send your measurements through the quote form or call 01282 526428 and we'll work the layout out for you.

• What are blank posts for?

  Blank posts come with no glass clamps attached. They're used where your floor steps up or down: because you position the clamps yourself, you can keep the glass clamp lines level with the neighbouring panels rather than being fixed to the standard clamp heights. If your garden has a level change, mention it when you order and we'll help plan the post types you need.

• Is the steel 304 or 316?

  It depends on the finish. This black system is 304 stainless steel with a protective powder coating — the coating provides the outdoor corrosion resistance as well as the matt-black look. The satin version is uncoated 316 marine-grade stainless steel, where the steel itself provides the corrosion resistance. Both are designed for outdoor UK use.

• Why does this system use thinner glass than a spigot system?

  Because the posts and continuous handrail carry the structural load, the glass is an infill rather than the structure — so 10mm toughened glass is the specification. Spigot systems without a handrail put the load through the glass itself, which is why they need much thicker laminated panes. It's one of the reasons a post and handrail system usually costs less per metre.

• Are fixing bolts included?

  No. Posts fix down through their base plates, and the correct bolt depends on the substrate you're fixing into — concrete, steel and timber all need different fixings — so bolts are supplied separately. Contact the team and we'll point you to the right fixing for your surface.

• Can this system be used on stairs?

  The post and handrail configuration is the one generally recommended for stairs, because it provides the continuous graspable handrail that building regulations require on staircases. Stair and slope installations need the rail to follow the pitch, so send us your measurements and photos through the quote form and we'll confirm the parts your layout needs.

• What height is the balustrade?

  1100mm from the fixing surface to the top of the handrail — the 978mm posts plus the rail saddle and 42.4mm handrail. That matches the 1100mm guarding height building regulations require for external balconies and raised decking. Compliance for your specific project also depends on correct installation, so check requirements with your builder or building control for anything safety-critical.

• How long does delivery take?

  Glass is made to order: custom-size panes take around 3–4 weeks, stocked panes 3–10 days. Glass deliveries are scheduled with you in advance so offloading is safe. Delivery cost is calculated at checkout once you enter your postcode.

• Can I return it?

  Standard items: notify us by email within 28 days of delivery; items must be unused, in original packaging and in sellable condition, with return postage the customer's responsibility, and refunds processed within 5–14 working days after inspection. Custom-cut glass is made to order and non-returnable unless faulty.

• What's the difference between this and the Semi-Frameless system?

  They're built differently. This Post & Handrail system uses 978mm posts with saddles and a continuous 42.4mm stainless handrail tube on top, reaching an 1100mm finished height with 900mm glass panels — the easy-to-grip rail makes it the pick for stairs and high-traffic areas. The Semi-Frameless system uses 1100mm posts with the glass running level to the post tops — a glass-led look finished with post caps, no tube. In both, black components are 304 powder-coated stainless steel and satin components are 316 marine grade, and both are designed in line with BS 6180:2011.

Delivery & Returns

Compliance