Extra focus on handrails: protection, stability and design freedom in one solution

Glass balustrades are appreciated for their transparency and modern look. Yet one element plays an important role in both safety, durability and aesthetics: the handrail. At SPARQ Balustrades, handrails are not seen as an optional detail, but as a functional as well as an architectural part of the system.

According to Jorrit Spijksma, New Business Developer at SPARQ, handrails offer several advantages at once:

“On the one hand, they protect the glass; on the other, they give the structure extra stability.”

In this article, we zoom in on the function, materials, design choices and technical background of handrails within glass balustrades.

Why a handrail on glass? Two important functions

1. Glass protection

Top edges of glass panels are sensitive to impact and weathering. Especially outdoors, moisture can remain on the top edge for long periods of time, causing film between glass layers to weather.

“By applying a handrail, you prevent moisture ingress and protect the top of the glass.”

This extends the lifespan and keeps the glass clear.

2. Additional stability

A handrail links several glass panels together. This creates a continuous line that distributes forces better.

“A handrail helps to increase the stability of the balustrade. As a result, you can often apply a slimmer glass package.”

The result:

  • less glass thickness required,
  • lower costs,
  • a stiffer overall construction.

When is a hand rail strongly recommended?

Although an all-glass balustrade can technically be constructed without a handrail, there are many situations where a handrail makes sense, sense or is economically attractive.

  • Outdoor applications
    Where water remains on the glass, a handrail prevents moisture from penetrating the film.
  • Projects with high loads (line load, wind)
    Due to the increased stability, a handrail can enable a leaner and more cost-efficient construction.
  • Design choices
    Instead, some architects choose a handrail to continue materials in the interior or exterior.

With or without handrail: the aesthetic trade-off

Balustrades without handrails are considered:

  • ultra-transparent,
  • minimalist,
  • luxury in terms of appearance.

Balustrades with handrail offer:

  • protection of glass,
  • additional stability,
  • a pleasant-feeling top edge (ergonomics).

SPARQ therefore developed a handrail that is barely visible:

“Our 12 mm handrails are so slim that you almost don't see them from the ground. They combine transparency with functionality.”

This keeps the architectural vision intact while exploiting structural advantages.

Stainless steel or aluminium? Properties, appearance and price

Aluminium handrails

  • lightweight
  • versatile in finishing (anodising, powder coating, colour options)
  • very suitable for clean, minimalist designs
  • price-attractive

Stainless steel handrails

  • premium look
  • robust and timeless
  • mainly used when stainless steel is used elsewhere in the design
  • Higher in price, especially for larger diameters

Spijksma nuances the difference:

“In terms of durability, stainless steel and aluminium are little different. The choice is mainly taste and design.”

Finishes and coatings

Depending on location and design, SPARQ offers several options:

Aluminium

  • Anodising (black, metallic look or various bronze tones)
  • Powder coating (RAL colours, matt or textured versions)
  • Pre-anodisation + coating (additional protection for coastal areas)

STAINLESS STEEL

  • Polished
  • Brushed
  • Possibly colour-coated, but that rarely makes sense given the cost of materials.

Weather resistance and corrosion protection

Higher requirements apply for outdoor applications. SPARQ recommends the right system for each location:

  • Inside: standard coating suffices
  • Outside: heavier two-layer powder coating system
  • Coastal areas: pre-anodisation + coating or stainless steel 316

This will keep the handrail beautiful and functional for years.

Minimalist design: barely visible but fully functional

SPARQ has deliberately geared its range towards slim, subtle profiles:

“Our U-profiles fit seamlessly with the glass and are visually barely noticeable.”

For architects, this means:

  • transparency remains in place,
  • design freedom is increased,
  • minimalist lines are continued throughout the project.

If a project requires more mass - for example, a wooden handrail or stainless steel tube - this is also possible. SPARQ has realised several customised solutions, even completely new extruded handrails for unique projects.

Mounting: glued, clamped or combined

Handrails are usually glued to the glass. This has three advantages:

  • tension-free mounting
  • seamless connection
  • minimum visibility of attachment

“A handrail is laid tension-free on the glass. This promotes cooperation between panels.”

For more robust profiles, an adhesive/clamp combination is sometimes used.

Customisation and delivery

There are two types of customer groups:

Project construction

  • SPARQ delivers tailor-made solutions
  • Handrails are produced to length
  • Corners and joints are made in advance
  • SPARQ often provides assembly

Trade customers / assembly companies

  • Handrails in trade lengths
  • Optional: cutting to size, coating
  • SPARQ supplies connectors, end pieces and rubbers

Safety and ergonomics

A handrail should be comfortable to hold. This is why SPARQ deliberately opts for rounded shapes.

“We see that sharp profiles are more common in the market, but we always opt for a pleasant radius.”

The combination of ergonomics and slim design ensures comfort without compromising aesthetics.

Integration with lighting: technically possible, but design-driven

LED in handrails is possible, but required:

  • cable guide,
  • space for transformers,
  • thicker profiles.

“LED lighting has been used for special projects, but it also involves mass. We then opt for systems designed for this.”

Service life, maintenance and circularity

Handrails last for decades. Maintenance consists of:

  • periodic cleaning
  • use of non-aggressive means
  • optional stainless steel cleaners

SPARQ takes a circular approach:

“Our products are fully demountable and constructed from materials that are easily reusable.”