‘I chose Balconette for their competitive price’

What do you do when you are lucky enough to have extensive uninterrupted views to the Snowdonia Mountains? Build your own ‘jetty’ viewpoint topped off with a clear glass Balconette balustrade, of course.

Retired Isle of Anglesey homeowner Peter Hope constructed his elevated relaxation area to make the most of scenery, and views of the sea three miles away. From erecting the 15 telegraph poles to installing the decking and Balconette balcony, he did everything himself with help from his wife Sian.

“It was a 2021 summer lockdown project to keep myself occupied. And it’s worked out well in the end. The whole idea of being elevated by two metres was so that we can see the sea.”

Glass balustrading was imperative to preserve the view. Having seen Balconette on Facebook initially, Peter checked out their website, saying: “I chose Balconette due to their competitive price and I originally chose the frameless system.”

However, he opted for Balconette’s Aerofoil System glass balustrade with the handrail in a Silver Anodised finish due to its lighter weight, cost-effectiveness and simplicity for self-installation, particularly given it was just the two of them. Measuring more than 13 metres in total, the balustrade is secured by end posts at both ends.

Peter explains: “Because of the reduced costs of the Aerofoil balustrade over the frameless system, we were able to do the whole front of the jetty. It’s worked out really well!”

Praising the ‘good technical support’ from Balconette, Peter says there were a few issues throughout the installation, which were rectified quickly. “For example, I was supplied the wrong angle on the corner, but after discussion with Balconette’s technical team, that was corrected. They sent the insert to provide the correct angle by first class post the same day, so I was able to continue.”

Due to the balustrade’s coastal location, he specified Balconette’s BalcoNano^® self-cleaning glass coating that protects the glass and keeps it cleaner by repelling mineral deposits and rainwater.

“So far, so good as we haven’t had to clean it yet,” adds Peter. “We get plenty of rain on Anglesey and maybe that is keeping it washed nicely. With a certain wind direction, we get sea salts that often go onto the glass.

“The balustrade is great, and the jetty creates a relaxing social area to enjoy the scenery.”