Glass balustrades
that open up your
space & light
Frameless, semi-frameless and framed glass balustrade systems for staircases, decks, mezzanines and pool fencing — custom-made and installed across Melbourne and Geelong by Best Stairs.
Light, space and luxury
in one solution
A frameless glass balustrade is one of the single most impactful upgrades you can make to a staircase or deck. Where a solid balustrade closes off a space, glass opens it up — flooding the area with light and creating a sense of space that transforms how a room feels.
At Best Stairs, we supply and install glass balustrade systems to suit every budget and application — from fully frameless premium systems through to semi-frameless and framed options. Every system uses toughened safety glass compliant with Australian standards.
Three systems —
every budget & style
We install three main glass balustrade systems. Each has different aesthetics, price points and ideal applications. Our team will help you choose the right one for your project.
Most popular
Frameless Glass
The premium choice — no posts, no frames, just pure uninterrupted glass fixed with low-profile base channels or standoff spigots. The cleanest, most luxurious look available.
Ideal for: Premium homes, contemporary staircases, decks, mezzanines and anywhere you want maximum light and a luxury finish.
Great value
Semi-Frameless Glass
Glass panels fixed between slimline stainless steel or powder-coated posts. A cleaner look than fully framed, at a more accessible price point than fully frameless.
Ideal for: Mid-range renovations, decks, pool fencing and projects where budget is a consideration without compromising on appearance.
Most practical
Framed Glass
Traditional aluminium or steel frame channels top and bottom with glass infill panels. The most practical and cost-effective option with excellent durability.
Ideal for: Commercial buildings, pool fencing, rental properties and projects requiring maximum durability at the most practical price.
Choose your glass finish
All our balustrade glass is manufactured to Australian safety standards. Choose from these options to match your home's style and light requirements.
Clear Glass
Maximum transparency and light. The most popular choice for staircases and indoor balustrades. Slightly green tinge on edges with standard glass.
Best for: Staircases, mezzanines, indoor useLow-Iron Glass
Ultra-clear glass with no green tinge — the premium option. Noticeably cleaner and brighter than standard clear glass, especially on thicker panels.
Best for: Premium installations, frameless systemsGrey Tinted
Subtle grey tint adds privacy and reduces glare. Popular for outdoor decks and areas where direct sun exposure is a consideration.
Best for: Outdoor decks, sun-facing balustradesBronze Tinted
Warm bronze tone that complements timber and stone finishes beautifully. Adds a premium character to outdoor installations.
Best for: Timber stairs, outdoor entertaining areasFrosted / Sandblasted
Etched or sandblasted finish for partial or full privacy. Can be done as a full-panel frost or as a decorative band. Great for bathrooms and feature walls.
Best for: Privacy screens, decorative feature panelsLaminated Safety
Two glass layers bonded with an interlayer. If broken, the glass holds together rather than shattering — the safest option for overhead or high-impact areas.
Best for: Overhead glazing, pool fencing, commercial
Frameless Systems
Pure glass, pure luxury
A frameless glass balustrade is the pinnacle of contemporary staircase design. No posts. No channels visible above floor level. Just a continuous run of crystal-clear toughened glass that appears to float alongside your staircase.
Our frameless systems use either low-profile base channel fixed directly into the floor or slab, or individual stainless steel standoff spigots — both delivering a clean, minimal aesthetic.
- 12mm or 15mm toughened safety glass panels
- Stainless steel spigot or base channel fixing systems
- Continuous or segmented glass configurations
- Suits straight, curved and spiral staircase layouts
- Grade 316 marine-grade stainless — indoor & outdoor rated
- Top handrail included — timber, stainless or steel options
Semi-Frameless
Clean lines, smart value
A semi-frameless system delivers most of the visual impact of a fully frameless balustrade at a more accessible price point. Glass panels sit between slimline stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium posts, with the posts spaced far enough apart that the glass remains the dominant visual element.
This is our most popular system for mid-range renovations and new builds where clients want a contemporary look without the cost of a fully frameless installation.
- 10mm toughened safety glass panels
- Slimline posts at 900–1200mm centres
- Stainless steel or powder-coated finish on posts
- Round, square or flat post profiles available
- Suits indoor and outdoor applications
- Matching handrail system included
Glass balustrades for
every application
Our glass balustrade systems are suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications across Melbourne homes and commercial buildings.
Staircases
Indoor and outdoor stair balustrades — the most common application and where our work really shines
Mezzanines
Open-plan mezzanine floors where glass keeps sightlines open and light flowing between levels
Decks & Balconies
Outdoor balustrades that protect without blocking your view — ideal for elevated decks and balconies
Pool Fencing
Compliant frameless and semi-frameless pool fencing that doesn't compromise your pool area aesthetic
Commercial Spaces
Office fit-outs, retail showrooms, restaurants and commercial buildings requiring safety barriers
Void Edges
Double-height entry voids, atrium openings and internal voids where safety and style both matter
Built to Australian
safety standards
Every glass balustrade we install is designed and built to meet Australian building standards. Safety is never an afterthought — it's engineered in from the very first design decision.
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AS/NZS 2208 — Safety Glazing
All glass panels meet the Australian and New Zealand standard for safety glazing in buildings — mandatory for balustrade applications.
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BCA Part D2 — Barriers & Balustrades
All installations comply with the Building Code of Australia requirements for barrier heights, loading requirements and openings.
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NCC 2022 Compliant
Our systems comply with the current National Construction Code requirements — important for new builds and renovations requiring a building permit.
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Pool Fencing — AS 1926.1
Our pool fencing installations comply with the Australian Standard for Swimming Pool Safety — mandatory for all Victorian residential pools.
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Fully licensed & insured installers
All our glass installers are licensed tradespeople. We carry comprehensive public liability insurance on every balustrade installation.
Recent installations
From measure to
installed balustrade
Free consultation
We assess your space, discuss system options and help you choose the right glass and fixing method.
Measure & design
Precise site measurements, detailed panel layout drawings and a fixed-price quote.
Glass manufacture
Panels cut, toughened and finished to exact size in our Dandenong South facility.
Installation
Our licensed team installs your system with precision. Fixings, panels, handrail — all complete.
Handover
Full clean-down, compliance sign-off and care instructions provided at handover.
What does a glass balustrade
cost in Melbourne?
Prices vary depending on system type, glass specifications and site conditions. Here's a rough guide — get in touch for a precise fixed-price quote specific to your project.
- 6.38mm laminated glass panels
- Aluminium frame system
- Standard hardware
- Professional installation
- BCA compliant
- 10mm toughened safety glass
- Slimline stainless steel posts
- Stainless or powder-coat finish
- Handrail system included
- AS/NZS 2208 compliant
- 12mm toughened safety glass
- Grade 316 stainless spigots or channel
- Low-iron glass option available
- Premium handrail system
- AS/NZS 2208 compliant
* Indicative pricing only — final cost depends on site conditions, run length, glass type, access and additional features. All prices include supply and professional installation. Get a free fixed-price quote for your project.
Real results, real reviews
Great attention to detail with the work. Replaced the old stairs and installed the new ones. Changed the look of the whole house. Thanks guys.
Everyone was very professional and understood the product. They easily understood my thoughts on design and executed it too well. Personally recommend to everyone.
Very accommodating team, they work in a very personalised fashion. We had a great experience renovating our new home.
Glass balustrade FAQs
How thick should glass balustrade panels be?
For frameless systems we use 12mm toughened safety glass as standard, with 15mm available for longer unsupported spans. Semi-frameless systems use 10mm toughened glass. Framed systems typically use 6.38mm laminated glass. Thickness is also determined by the height of the balustrade and the span between fixings — our team will specify the correct thickness as part of the design process to ensure BCA compliance.
How do I clean and maintain a glass balustrade?
Glass balustrades are very low maintenance. For indoor balustrades, a regular wipe down with a damp cloth or glass cleaner is all that's needed. For outdoor systems, a monthly rinse with clean water and occasional glass cleaner will keep them looking perfect. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. The stainless steel components should be wiped with a damp cloth and dried — this prevents water spots and maintains the finish. We provide full care instructions at handover.
Can glass balustrades be installed outdoors?
Yes — glass balustrades are excellent outdoors. We use Grade 316 marine-grade stainless steel for all outdoor hardware, which is highly resistant to corrosion even in coastal environments. The toughened glass panels themselves are weather resistant and won't corrode, rust or rot. For coastal properties, we'd recommend Grade 316 hardware throughout and regular cleaning of hardware with fresh water to maintain longevity.
What height does a balustrade need to be in Victoria?
Under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), balustrades in residential buildings must be at least 1000mm high when adjacent to a floor more than 1m above the surface below. For stairs, the balustrade must be at least 865mm high measured from the nosing of the stair tread. Pool fencing has additional specific height and gap requirements under AS 1926.1. Our team ensures all installations meet current Victorian requirements as part of every project.
Can you replace an existing timber or steel balustrade with glass?
Absolutely — this is one of the most popular renovation upgrades we carry out. Replacing an old timber or steel balustrade with frameless glass completely transforms the feel of a staircase. We assess whether the existing structure can support the new system, remove the old balustrade carefully and install the new glass system. The difference is remarkable and the project typically takes just one to two days for a standard residential staircase.
How long does installation take?
A standard residential staircase balustrade installation typically takes one day. A full staircase plus mezzanine or deck might take two days. The timeline from confirmed order to installation is usually 3–5 weeks, which allows time for glass cutting, toughening and hardware fabrication. We'll give you a precise installation date at the time of ordering and keep you updated throughout the process.
Ready for a glass balustrade
that transforms your space?
Free, no-obligation quotes across Melbourne, Dandenong South and Geelong. Our team will visit your site and give you a fixed price.