Case Study: Premium Toughened Glass Balustrade with Polished Stainless Steel Spigots
Few locations showcase Sydney’s spectacular coastline quite like Queenscliff on the Northern Beaches. With elevated homes designed to capture ocean breezes and panoramic views, homeowners are increasingly choosing modern glass balustrades that provide essential safety while preserving uninterrupted sightlines.
The owners of this beautifully renovated home in Queenscliff wanted to upgrade their timber entertaining deck with a premium glass balustrade that would complement the home’s contemporary design while providing strength, durability and compliance with Australian Standards.
To bring their vision to life, they partnered with Five Star Glass to supply and install a custom glass balustrade system featuring 12mm toughened safety glass manufactured by Starphire Glass, secured with Polaris polished stainless steel surface mount spigots bolted directly into the timber decking.
The completed installation transformed the outdoor entertaining area into a modern, safe and elegant space that maximises the home’s stunning outlook.
The homeowners wanted a balustrade system that would improve safety around the elevated timber deck without obstructing their views across the surrounding Northern Beaches landscape.
Their key objectives included:
Because the home is located close to the ocean, the hardware needed to withstand exposure to salt air, moisture and harsh weather conditions while maintaining its appearance for many years.

Following an on-site measure and consultation, Five Star Glass manufactured custom glass panels specifically for the dimensions of the timber deck.
Each panel was produced by Starphire Glass using 12mm toughened safety glass manufactured to Australian Standards.
The thicker glass provides exceptional structural performance while delivering crystal-clear visibility across the outdoor living area.
Benefits of the custom glass included:
Every panel was individually measured and fabricated to ensure consistent spacing, clean lines and a flawless finished appearance.
To support the glass panels, Five Star Glass installed Polaris polished stainless steel surface mount spigots.
Unlike core-drilled installations used on concrete, this project required the spigots to be securely bolted directly into the timber decking using heavy-duty structural fixings.
This installation method provides exceptional strength while maintaining the clean, contemporary appearance that modern homeowners seek.
The polished stainless steel finish offers several important advantages, including:
The Polaris spigots securely hold each glass panel while allowing the transparency of the glass to remain the focal point of the installation.
Once the custom glass panels arrived, the experienced installation team at Five Star Glass carefully prepared the timber deck before installing the balustrade system.
The installation process included:
Careful attention to detail throughout the installation ensured every component aligned perfectly while providing maximum structural performance.
Homes on Sydney’s Northern Beaches require building materials capable of withstanding challenging environmental conditions.
The combination of Starphire Glass and Polaris polished stainless steel hardware creates a balustrade system ideally suited to coastal living.
The corrosion-resistant stainless steel spigots provide reliable long-term performance, while the toughened safety glass continues to deliver crystal-clear views with very little maintenance.
The completed installation also allows natural light to flow freely across the deck, creating an open and spacious outdoor entertaining area.
The completed glass balustrade has dramatically enhanced both the appearance and functionality of the timber deck.
Rather than creating a visual barrier, the clear glass panels provide uninterrupted views while delivering the safety required for an elevated outdoor entertaining space.
The polished stainless steel spigots complement the timber decking beautifully, adding a sophisticated architectural finish that blends seamlessly with the home’s modern design.
The homeowners were delighted with the final result, particularly appreciating:
The project demonstrates how thoughtfully designed glass balustrades can significantly enhance outdoor living spaces while adding lasting value to a home.
Five Star Glass specialises in supplying and installing premium glass balustrades, pool fencing, shower screens and custom architectural glass solutions throughout Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Every installation is individually measured and custom manufactured using premium Australian-made materials to ensure exceptional quality, safety and longevity.
Whether installed onto concrete, tiled surfaces or timber decking, Five Star Glass combines expert craftsmanship with premium hardware to deliver elegant glass balustrade systems that are built to withstand Australia’s demanding coastal conditions while enhancing the beauty and value of every property.
Project Details