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Semi frameless glass balustrade

Glass balustrades and pool fencing

Glass balustrades and pool fencing create safe boundaries without blocking the view. Whether it’s a deck, balcony, staircase, landing, windbreak, or pool area, glass gives a clean, architectural finish while keeping the space open and connected.

We design and install custom balustrades and pool fencing to suit your structure, layout, and the look you want across Rotorua, the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and surrounding regions.

Master Glazier
Family owned
Bay of Plenty based

Why choose glass for balustrades & pool fencing?

Glass balustrades are widely used in modern homes and architectural projects for their ability to combine safety with visual openness.

Key benefits

  • Uninterrupted views of outdoor spaces

  • Clean, architectural appearance

  • Durable, weather-resistant materials

  • Low visual impact compared to traditional fencing

  • Increased sense of space and light

They are particularly effective in areas where maintaining the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces is important.

Frameless glass balustrade around a pool
Glass balustrade on a second floor in a house

Where we install balustrades and glass fencing

Glass is a great fit anywhere you need a safety barrier without losing openness.

  • Decks and balconies

  • Staircases (internal and external)

  • Landings and mezzanines

  • Elevated walkways

  • Windbreaks and privacy screens

  • Pool fencing

Balustrade styles

We can design the look to suit your space and budget, including:

Not sure what style fits your space?
Send us a photo and we’ll recommend the best system.

Options

Glass and finish options

Clear, tinted, frosted, and decorative glass options, with a range of hardware finishes so it can blend in or become a feature.

Glass specification and compliance

Balustrades and pool fencing typically use 10–12mm toughened safety glass. Some frameless designs may require upgraded thickness or laminated glass (such as 13.52mm SentryGlas®) depending on compliance.

Mounting systems

Top/face mount channel systems, mini posts, full height posts, and standoff discs. We’ll recommend the right system for your structure and the look you want.

Handrails

Handrails aren’t always required. Some frameless looks can be achieved by upgrading glass spec, which may increase cost. If needed, we offer top caps, post-mounted options, and custom timber handrails in a range of finishes.

EnduroShield (optional)

EnduroShield helps reduce water spotting and mineral build-up, making outdoor and pool glass easier to clean.

What we’ll help you decide

Compliance, mounting system, handrails, and panel layout, so your balustrade looks clean and meets requirements.

Residential frameless glass balustrade up staircase

Our process

Balustrades and pool fencing FAQs

What is a glass balustrade?

A glass balustrade is a structural safety barrier made from toughened safety glass, commonly used for:

  • Decks

  • Balconies

  • Staircases

  • Wind breaks

  • Swimming Pools

  • Internal Mezzanines

  • Elevated walkways

It provides protection while maintaining a light, open, and contemporary appearance.

What is glass pool fencing?

Glass pool fencing is a compliant safety barrier designed to enclose pool areas while preserving visibility and openness.

It allows for clear sightlines across the pool area, improving both supervision and overall design flow.

What type of glass is used for balustrades and pool fencing?

Glass balustrades and pool fencing are typically made using 10–12mm toughened safety glass, designed to provide strength, durability, and safety in outdoor environments.

For fully frameless balustrades where a handrail is not desired, the glass specification may be upgraded. In some cases, this includes using thicker or laminated options such as 13.52mm SentryGlas®, depending on compliance requirements.

In addition to clear glass, we also offer a range of finishes including:

  • Tinted glass

  • Obscure or frosted glass

  • Decorative glass options

Balustrades can also be installed using a variety of hardware systems to suit the design and structure of your space, including:

  • Top mount or face mount channel systems

  • Mini post systems

  • Full height posts in a range of styles

  • Standoff disc systems

These hardware options are available in a range of anodised and powder-coated finishes, allowing the balustrade to either blend in or become a feature of the space.

Do I need a handrail on my glass balustrade?

Not always.

Many clients prefer a fully frameless balustrade without a handrail, and in many cases this can be achieved by upgrading the glass specification and thickness to meet compliance requirements.

This approach does come at a higher cost, as higher-spec glass is required to maintain structural performance.

Where a handrail is required, there are still minimal and well-integrated options available that maintain a clean architectural look.

Is glass fencing safe?

Yes. All glass used is toughened safety glass manufactured to meet New Zealand standards, providing both strength and reliability in structural applications.

Do you service areas outside Rotorua?

Yes. We provide services throughout Rotorua, the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and surrounding regions.

More questions? See all Balustrade and Pool Fencing FAQs

Frameless glass balustrade around a pool

Why choose The Glass Guys?

Choosing the right balustrade team is just as important as choosing the style. We combine practical advice, precise measuring, and professional installation to deliver a result that is compliant, safe, and visually sharp.

Jenn & Garry from The Glass Guys accepting an award

Custom designed for your site

We design to suit your structure and layout, not a standard off-the-shelf system.

Compliance-led advice

We’ll guide you through height, handrail requirements, and the best glass specification for your design.

Options that suit the look you want

Clear, tinted, or frosted glass with multiple mounting systems and finish options.

Outdoor-ready finishes

We can apply EnduroShield to help reduce water spotting and keep cleaning simple.

Local team, reliable service

We’re Bay of Plenty based and service Rotorua, Waikato, and surrounding regions.

Ready to open up the view without compromising safety?

Send us photos of the area, rough measurements (if you have them), and a note on the look you’re after. We’ll recommend the best system and provide a clear quote.

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