How to Measure for a Glass Railing (Without Costly Mistakes)

Toughened glass cannot be cut or drilled after tempering. A measurement error means a whole new panel. Here is how to get it right the first time.

Before you measure

• Finish the floor first — measure from the final finished level, not the slab
• Decide the mounting method (core-drill or base-plate) — it changes panel height
• Confirm your required railing height

Step 1: Measure the run

Measure the total length at three points — start, middle and end. Walls and slabs are rarely perfectly straight. Use the smallest measurement for planning.

Step 2: Plan panel splits

Divide the run into panels of a manageable size. Very large panels are heavy, expensive and hard to handle on site. Leave a consistent gap between panels and at each end — your fabricator will specify the exact gap.

Step 3: Work out panel height

Panel height = required railing height − the amount of glass gripped inside the spigot. Every spigot model differs, so get this figure from the spigot spec before ordering glass.

Step 4: Mark spigot positions

Space spigots evenly per the design, keeping them a set distance from each panel edge (never right at the corner). Check for rebar or services before core-drilling.

Step 5: Check level and plumb

Confirm the floor is level along the run. A sloping floor means either stepped panels or a visible taper — better to discover this before ordering.

The five costly mistakes

1. Measuring before flooring is laid
2. Measuring at only one point
3. Forgetting the glass depth inside the spigot
4. Ignoring panel gaps
5. Ordering glass before confirming spigot specs

Send us your measurements and we will confirm hardware and glass sizing before anything is cut.