Decking Balustrades: Timber vs Composite Installations with Toughened and Laminated Glass

Adding glass decking balustrades is one of the best ways to combine safety, style, and practicality for your outdoor space. At Premier Glass Balustrades, we recently completed two fantastic installations — one on a timber deck and the other on a composite deck. Both used 316-grade stainless steel posts, but each project had a slightly different design and glass specification.These examples show how decking balustrades can be tailored to suit your home, while also highlighting the important differences between toughened glass and laminated glass.

---

Timber Decking Balustrade with Handrail & 10mm Toughened Glass

For the timber decking project, we installed a classic post-and-rail balustrade system. This included:- 316 stainless steel posts for corrosion resistance.- A continuous stainless steel handrail for added rigidity.- 10mm toughened glass panels, providing strength and transparency.

Why toughened glass works well here:- Up to five times stronger than standard glass.- Designed to shatter into small blunt fragments, reducing injury risk.- Cost-effective and reliable for residential use.

This system is perfect for homeowners who want a sleek but sturdy balustrade that complements traditional timber decking while keeping the space safe for family and guests.

Composite Decking Balustrade with 11.5mm Toughened & Laminated Glass (No Handrail)

The second installation was built onto modern composite decking, where the client preferred a frameless, uninterrupted look. To achieve this, we removed the handrail and instead installed 11.5mm toughened and laminated glass panels.

Why laminated glass is safer than toughened glass alone

- Laminated glass is made from two layers of toughened glass bonded with a clear interlayer.- If the glass breaks, the interlayer holds everything in place instead of shattering completely.- This means the balustrade continues to act as a safety barrier even when damaged.- It also offers sound reduction, UV filtering, and extra durability.

In open decking spaces without a handrail, laminated glass provides maximum safety while maintaining a clean, minimalist appearance.

Stainless Steel Grade 316: Built for Outdoor Balustrades

Both projects used 316 marine-grade stainless steel posts, which are specifically designed to withstand British weather. This grade of steel provides:- Excellent resistance to rust and corrosion.- Long-lasting durability in rain, wind, and changing temperatures.- A polished, modern finish that complements both timber and composite decking.

Choosing the Right Decking Balustrade

When planning a balustrade for your decking, consider:- Material: Timber decking offers warmth and tradition, while composite decking is low-maintenance and modern.- Glass type: Toughened glass is affordable and strong, but laminated glass adds an extra level of safety.- Handrail or frameless: A handrail provides extra support, while frameless glass maximises views. No matter your preference, decking balustrades can be customised to match your style, budget, and safety requirements.

At Premier Glass Balustrades, we have over 25 years of joinery and installation experience. Whether you’re upgrading timber decking, fitting a composite deck, or transforming a staircase, our glass balustrade systems provide elegance, safety, and long-lasting quality. Contact us today to discuss your decking balustrade project and get a free consultation.