Glass Railing Fabrication Process: From Cutting to Fit

Starting With an Accurate Site Measurement

Every glass railing begins at the building, not in the workshop. A technician visits the site and measures the exact run of the balcony, terrace or staircase, including floor levels, wall material, slab edges and any existing tiles or thresholds that will affect the final height.

Measurements are taken at several points because floors are rarely perfectly level. We also note where the glass will meet walls, columns or corners, since these details decide how the panels are fixed.

• Length and height of each run
• Floor finish and its thickness
• Fixing surface: concrete, steel or tile
• Obstacles such as drains, pipes or door swings

Drawing and Written Specification

Once the measurements are in, we prepare a drawing that shows the layout, panel sizes, fixing points and the type of glass and handrail. A written specification accompanies the drawing and lists materials, finishes and the fixing method.

The client and, where relevant, the architect or engineer review the drawing before anything is produced. Changes are far cheaper at this stage than after the glass has been cut, so we treat this approval as a firm checkpoint.

Cutting and Edge Finishing the Glass

After approval, the glass is cut to the drawn dimensions. Cutting is done with care because even small errors can prevent a panel from sitting correctly in its channel or base shoe. Each panel is then edge-ground so the edges are smooth and safe to handle.

Holes for fixings, where the design requires them, are drilled carefully and checked against the drawing. Each panel is labelled with its position so that it can be matched to the correct place during installation.

Fabricating the Metal Supports and Fittings

While the glass is being prepared, the metal parts are made in our factory. These include base channels or shoes, posts or spigots, clamps, handrails and any brackets needed for the chosen fixing method. Steel and aluminium parts are cut, welded where needed and checked against the drawing.

Finishing is applied after fabrication. Depending on the project, this can include hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating, so the metal resists weather and keeps its appearance over time.

Dry Fitting and Quality Checks

Before the parts leave the workshop, we dry-fit the main components wherever practical. This means checking that the panels, channels, posts and handrail line up as they will on site, and that each piece matches its label and drawing.

Any gap, misalignment or finish defect is corrected at this point. It is much easier to fix a small issue in the workshop than to correct it on a finished balcony.

• Panel size and edge quality
• Alignment of posts and channels
• Hole positions and fixing hardware
• Finish condition before packing

Installation and Final Fit on Site

Installation starts with fixing the base channels or posts to the slab, wall or steps, checking level and alignment as the work progresses. The glass panels are then set in place, secured with the specified clamps or channels, and the handrail is fitted and tightened.

The finished railing is checked for stability, alignment and gaps. Compliance with the Israeli railing standard SI 1142 is considered in the design, and exact dimensional requirements are confirmed with the project engineer rather than assumed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the process take from measurement to installation?

The timeline depends on the project size, the glass type and the finish chosen. We confirm the schedule with you after the drawing is approved, once we know the exact scope.

Do I need to approve the drawing before production starts?

Yes. Approval of the drawing and written specification is required before we cut any glass, so that the final railing matches what you and your architect or engineer agreed to.

Can the railing be installed on an existing balcony?

In most cases yes, provided the slab or wall can take the fixings. We check the surface during the site measurement and recommend the fixing method that suits the existing structure.

What should I check if the installation does not look level?

Ask us to re-check the floor and the post alignment first, since uneven slabs are a common cause. Our team can return to the site to inspect and adjust the installation.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing glass dimensions or fixing points before a proper site measurement is taken is the most common error. Skipping drawing approval to save time often leads to costly changes after the glass is already cut.

Our recommendation

Measure the site at several points, not just once, and confirm floor finishes before ordering. Ask for a drawing that shows the fixing method, because the way the glass is held often matters as much as the glass itself.

Summary

A custom glass railing moves from careful measurement to an approved drawing, precise glass cutting, fabricated metal fittings, a dry-fit check and final installation. Accuracy at the start protects the fit at the end.

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