Practical guide · Updated 6 May 2026
Measuring and site survey explained.
Getting your measurements right before you order is the single most important thing you can do. This guide walks through how to measure accurately, what to check on site, and how to specify your glass correctly.
Abbie Lee
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6 min
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Guides
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When it comes to ordering custom glass and balustrade components, precision is everything. Measure after all surrounding components are installed, not from plans or estimates. This guide covers how to measure for each scenario, what to check on site, how to specify your glass, and what to expect on delivery.
— 01 Before you measure.
The most common and costly measuring mistake is measuring too early. Always install all surrounding components first — posts, channels, fixings, and any structural elements — before taking final measurements for glass or cut components. Measuring from architectural drawings or estimates leads to gaps, misaligned panels, and replacement orders.
You will need:
- a tape measure,
- a spirit level,
- and a digital angle finder for staircases.
— 02 Measuring for stairs.
Stair balustrades require four key measurements, all recorded in millimetres.
— Quick reference
Measurement
What to measure
Height
From top of baserail to underside of handrail
Length
Horizontal distance along the run of the stair
Angle
The pitch of the stair, measured with a digital angle finder
Width
Clear width between newel posts or fixing points
Measure the stair angle using a digital angle finder placed against the baserail. If you do not have one, SWR can advise. Do not estimate the angle — even a small error affects how glass panels sit in the channel.
Fig 1 Staircase.
— 03 Measuring for landings and balconies.
Landing and balcony balustrades are typically straight runs and simpler to measure than staircases.
Measure the total length of each run from fixing point to fixing point. Measure the height from finished floor level to the underside of the handrail. Note any corners, returns, or changes in direction and record these separately.
If there are corners, confirm whether you need a polished radius or a dubbed corner on the glass. SWR can supply either — confirm your preference when submitting measurements.
— 04 Glass specifications.
To comply with building regulations, there must be no gap greater than 100mm between glass panels and any other materials.
Toughened or toughened and laminated?
Toughened glass is required when a balustrade has a handrail. Toughened and laminated glass is required when a balustrade does not have a handrail. If privacy glass is needed, confirm this at the point of ordering.
All glass supplied by SWR has polished edges as standard. Shaped panels require a drawing or template to be submitted before manufacturing.
Glass specification sheets are available for each system:
— 05 Submitting your measurements.
Once you have your measurements, submit them to SWR for quoting. Double-check everything before submitting — replacement glass orders take additional lead time and may incur additional delivery charges.
— Before you order
If you are unsure about any measurement, contact the team before ordering. It is always quicker to check first than to wait for a replacement.
— 06 Delivery and site requirements.
Glass delivery dates are based on the glazier’s lead time and delivery schedule for your location. SWR will confirm your delivery date when the order is placed.
Glass is delivered by lorry. The site must have people available to offload and move panels to the installation area. A forklift may be required for larger deliveries — confirm this at the point of order if relevant.
Any specialist equipment needed for offloading must be flagged at the point of order. Delivery restrictions such as access, dates, times, or vehicle size must also be confirmed in advance, as additional charges may apply if these are not declared.
Any defects must be reported to SWR within 24 hours of delivery and will require photo evidence to open an investigation.
Abbie Lee
Talk to a specialist
Not sure about your measurements?
Our team can talk you through the measuring process for any SWR system.
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