Brass-Clamped Glass Balustrade for a Beverly Hills Entry
About This Project
Most glass railings are specified in stainless or black. This Beverly Hills entry called for brass, and specifically for unlacquered brass — the kind that darkens and develops a patina with handling rather than staying uniformly bright.
That is a maintenance conversation before it is a design one, and we had it up front. Lacquered brass looks identical on day one and stays that way, but when the lacquer eventually fails it does so in patches and the only fix is stripping the whole run. Unlacquered brass changes from the first week and never needs refinishing. The homeowners wanted the patina, so unlacquered was correct — but that decision is much more expensive to reverse than to make.
What the Homeowner Needed
A formal glass balustrade in warm metal rather than stainless, developing character over time.
Challenges on Site
The entry balustrade turns through two obtuse angles rather than a simple straight run. Brass clamps are cast in fixed orientations, so the panel layout had to be set out so every clamp landed square to its panel, which drove the panel widths rather than the other way round.
How We Solved It
Unlacquered brass clamps and top rail over tempered panels, with panel widths set out from the clamp geometry so every fixing sits square.
Project Highlights
- ✓ Unlacquered brass, chosen for patina
- ✓ Panel layout driven by clamp geometry
- ✓ Two-angle turn in the run
Common Questions
Should I choose lacquered or unlacquered brass?
Unlacquered brass patinas continuously and never needs refinishing. Lacquered brass stays bright until the lacquer fails, usually in patches, and the only proper repair is stripping and re-lacquering the entire run. Choose unlacquered if you like the aged look — it is far cheaper over time.
Project Overview
Glass and unlacquered brass in a formal entry, specified to develop a patina rather than stay showroom-bright.
Materials & Details
- Tempered Glass Panels
- Unlacquered Brass Clamps
- Brass Top Rail
It already looks better than the day it went in, which was the whole idea.
Related Services
Get a Same-Day Estimate
Ready to remodel your staircase? Describe your dimensions, and Our team will call you directly.