Railing Archives - DORTEC

Railing

Railing
SYSTEM

01. Glass SS Railing

This system uses stainless steel posts (mullions) as the primary structure, with glass panels acting as the infill.

Structure
SS Grade 304 (interior) or 316 (exterior) vertical posts are fixed to the floor. The glass is held between the posts using D-clips or glass clamps.
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Top Rail
Usually features a circular or rectangular SS top rail for a comfortable hand grip and added lateral stability.
Visual
It provides a framed look. It is more affordable than frameless systems because it uses thinner glass 9.52 mm to 11.52 mm, as the posts do the heavy lifting.

02. Non-Glass SS Railing

Ideal for industrial designs or areas where glass cleaning is a concern. These rely entirely on stainless steel components.

Horizontal Wire/Cable
High-tension SS cables run through the posts. It offers a "nautical" look and preserves the view without the maintenance of glass.
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Vertical Pickets
Traditional SS tubes (balusters) spaced no more than 100 mm apart (to meet safety codes and prevent children from climbing through).
Solid Rods
Similar to cables but uses rigid SS rods for a more robust, architectural feel.
Advantage
Maximum airflow and zero risk of glass breakage.

03. Spigot Type Railing

The spigot system is a “semi-frameless” solution. The glass is held at the bottom by heavy-duty stainless steel “feet” (spigots), leaving the top and sides of the glass completely open.

The Spigots
These are small, heavy-duty clamps (usually 150 mm to 200 mm tall) that are either bolted into the floor or "core-drilled" into the concrete.
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The Glass
Requires thicker, Toughened Laminated Glass 11.52 mm to 17.52 mm because the glass itself must act as the structural barrier.
Aesthetics
Offers a nearly invisible look at a lower cost than a continuous U-channel. It is very popular for swimming pool fences because it allows water to flow underneath the glass for easy cleaning.

04. Frameless Glass Railing

(often called “U-Channel” or “Shoe” railing) is a premium frameless glass railing system. Instead of using visible posts or clips, the glass is held at the base by a continuous aluminum track, creating a “floating” glass effect.

On-Floor (Surface Mounted) Channel

 

  • In this configuration, the aluminum shoe is bolted directly onto the finished floor surface.
  • Aesthetics:
    The aluminum profile remains visible as a solid band at the bottom of the glass. It is often covered with decorative cladding in brushed stainless steel, chrome, or powder-coated finishes.
  • Installation:
    This is the easiest version to install, especially in renovation projects where the floor slab is already complete.
  • Use Case:
    Ideal for balconies, terraces, and interior mezzanines where the look of a sleek metal base is desired.
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Concealed (Embedded) Channel
  • This is the “ultimate” minimalist design. The channel is recessed into the floor slab, making the glass appear to emerge directly from the ground.
  • Aesthetics: Only the glass is visible. There is no metal base or hardware to break the visual line, providing maximum transparency.
  • Installation: Requires advanced planning. A “pocket” or “trench” must be cast into the concrete slab during construction, or the floor must be built up around the channel.
  • Finishing: After the glass is set, the floor finish (tile, wood, or stone) is laid right up to the edge of the glass, hiding the channel entirely.
  • Use Case: High-end residential interiors, luxury hotels, and modern museum galleries.
Key Components
  • Aluminum Base
    Shoe The heavy-duty “U” shaped track that holds the glass.
  • Toughened Laminated Glass
    Usually, 11.52 mm to 25.52 mm thick. Sentry Lamination ensures that if the glass breaks, it stays upright.
  • Pressure Wedges/Gaskets
    Specialized plastic or rubber wedges that “lock” the glass into the channel and allow for alignment.
  • Cladding
    Decorative covers for surface-mounted channels.
  • Drainage Spacers
    For outdoor use, these allow water to pass under the channel so it doesn’t pool on the balcony.

05. SS Point Fixed Railing

(often called Standoff or Pin-Fixed railing) is a premium frameless glazing solution where the glass panels are secured to the side of a staircase, balcony, or floor slab using circular stainless steel bolts.

Unlike systems that sit on the floor, this system is side-mounted (fascia-fixed), meaning the glass hangs off the edge of the structure, maximizing the usable floor space.

How the System Works

The glass panels are pre-drilled with holes. Stainless steel “standoffs” (cylindrical spacers) are anchored into the structural side of the slab or staircase. The glass is then “sandwiched” between the standoff base and a decorative cap, with rubber gaskets in between to prevent metal-to-glass contact.

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Key Components
  • SS Standoff (Pin)
    The cylindrical hardware that creates a gap between the glass and the wall.
  • Threaded Rod/Anchor
    The heavy-duty bolt that goes deep into the concrete or steel structure.
  • Toughened Laminated Glass
    Usually 11.52 mm to 19.52 mm thick. It must be structural as there are no posts.
  • Gaskets & Bushings
    Plastic/rubber sleeves that protect the glass from the steel bolt inside the hole.
  • Cap
    The visible circular front of the standoff, usually brushed or polished finish.