Congratulations on your decision to installing a DIY frameless glass balustrade! Opting for a DIY approach not only saves money but also results in a custom achievement tailored to your preferences. However, the success of your finished pool fence, both in terms of strength and aesthetics, hinges on thorough preparation and precise installation.
Marking and Planning for your DIY Frameless Glass Balustrade
Before diving into the installation process, careful planning is crucial, especially considering that toughened glass cannot be cut or altered. Physically mark your work area using a chalk line to create your desired layout. Draw your plan (not to scale) on the Fence Planner, noting measurements from point to point along your chalk line and incorporating gates and landscaping features.
Gaps and Ordering
Ideally, the gaps between panels should be spaced at 30mm. If you haven’t already ordered your materials, you can do so from the glass balustrade systems page.
Getting Ready
While Royal Glass has designed your balustrade kit for easy installation, treat the task seriously and maintain due care throughout. If you’re new to working with glass and DIY projects, we recommend reading through the entire guide before starting. Our experienced staff are available to answer any questions and provide guidance, ensuring a smooth installation process. In the rare event that you feel overwhelmed, we have backup teams of quality installers ready to assist!
Tools of the Trade
Gather the following tools before beginning the installation:
- Tape measure (with a licensed operator)
- Chalk line and pencil
- Power drill and drill bits
- Angle grinder or saw with a metal cutting blade
- Spirit level
- Allen keys
Drilling Holes
Marking Out
Start the installation process by marking out your plan onto the decked area. Replace your chalk line if it’s no longer visible and mark each edge of the glass panel with a soft pencil, ensuring equal gaps across each section. Also, mark gate and spigot placements according to your plan, double-checking all measurements for accuracy.
Drilling Holes
Accuracy is paramount when drilling holes, as any deviations may become apparent upon completion. Place your spigots precisely center on your pencil marks and use a string line to ensure they’re in a straight line. Mark the hole positions, pre-drill with a 3-5mm drill bit, and use a larger bit to avoid splitting the decking boards. Clear any timber shavings for a clean finish.
Installation
Placing Spigots
Tighten the end spigots of each section using screws or bolts and ensure they’re vertically straight by plumbing them with plastic packers. Use a string line as a guide to bolt and plumb the remaining spigots.
Erecting the Glass Panels
Prepare the spigots to ensure the glass can easily slide in, then carefully position each panel into the spigots. Tighten the grub screws for safety and ensure equal gaps between panels. Finally, tighten all grub screws securely.
Adjustments
If adjustments are needed, our spigots are designed for easy modification:
- Tighten the top grub screw to push the panel away from you
- Tighten the bottom grub screw to draw the panel towards you
- Loosen both screws to slide the panel back and forth
- Place a small packer in the seat of the spigot to raise the glass panel
Handrail
50x10 Flat Rail
Attach the flat rail using mini-spigots or handrail brackets through holes in the glass panels. Measure and cut the rail to size, attach the brackets ensuring they’re evenly spaced, and secure the rail in place with fittings and wall-brackets.
Round Q-Rail
For round Q-rail, measure and cut the rail to size, attach the fittings, and secure the rail on top of the rubber seal placed on the glass panels. Use water and detergent to position the rubber evenly before tightening all fittings and wall-brackets into place.
Finish
With meticulous planning and precise execution, your DIY glass balustrade installation will result in a stunning and functional addition to your space. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done! If you need expert advice, reach out to Royal Glass by sending an email at info@royalglass.co.nz or by calling 0800 769 254.
