When planning terrace glazing, a question inevitably arises: should you choose framed or frameless glass? And what does “frameless” actually mean — does the glass just stand there with nothing holding it?
In reality, there are three main types of terrace glazing on the market, each with its own logic, advantages, and limitations. In this article, we compare them side by side so you can make the right choice for your project.
Three types of terrace glazing
Terrace glazing falls into three main categories:
- Framed sliding systems — glass panels in aluminium frames that slide on rails
- Frameless sliding systems — tempered glass panels with no visible frame, sliding on rails
- Frameless folding glass — tempered glass panels that fold compactly alongside each other
Malmerk Klaasium manufactures all three types, which means the choice depends on your needs rather than on supplier limitations. None of them is “the cheap one” or “the premium one” — all three are top quality in their class. Malmerk profiles are not thin or flimsy: they are substantial and strong, easy to grip and slide. From the outside they look just as slender as competitors’ profiles, yet they contain more aluminium — making them stronger and more durable, while remaining visually elegant.
Framed sliding systems
Framed terrace glazing is the most common solution. The glass panels are mounted in aluminium frames and slide along upper and lower rails.
Advantages
- Best thermal insulation. The frame creates a tighter seal and noticeably reduces draughts. If you use the terrace in late autumn and early spring, this matters
- Greater tolerance. Framed systems tolerate structural movement of up to ±7 mm. This means fewer headaches if the terrace shifts slightly
- Somewhat lower price. Framed systems are typically the most affordable of the three options
- Durable in everyday use. The frame protects the glass edges and the mechanism is straightforward
Limitations
- The frames are visually visible — for some people, this disrupts the cleanliness of the view
- Opening is not as flexible — the panels slide behind each other, but the entire wall cannot be fully opened
Frameless sliding systems
With frameless sliding systems, the glass panels are attached to upper and lower rails without a visible frame. The glass is tempered and thicker than in framed systems.
Advantages
- Clean visual. There is no bulky frame between the glass and the surroundings — the view is more open
- A good compromise. Better aesthetics than a framed system, simpler mechanism than folding glass
- Easy to maintain. The glass panels can be cleaned easily and the mechanism is reliable
Limitations
- Thermal insulation is poorer than with a framed system — there is an air gap between the glass panels
- Tolerance is lower than with a framed system
- The panels slide behind each other, so the entire opening does not open
Frameless folding glass
The folding solution is the most striking of all terrace glazing options. The glass panels are connected to each other by hinges and fold compactly alongside each other when opened — opening up to 90% of the entire aperture.
Advantages
- Maximum opening. The entire wall opens — in summer it feels as though there is no wall at all. This is the biggest difference from the other types
- Cleanest visual. Frameless glass delivers the most open, airy view — the visible profile area is minimal, yet the profile itself remains substantial and strong
- Flexible use. You can open it partially or fully, depending on the weather and your needs
Limitations
- The strictest tolerance. Folding glass requires ±2 mm precision from the structure. That is very tight — the structure must be flawless
- Price depends on aperture height. Up to ~2000 mm aperture height, folding glass is similarly priced to a framed solution; above that height, somewhat more expensive. The mechanism is more complex and installation demands greater precision
- Limited thermal insulation. As with all frameless systems, there is some air gap between the glass panels
Comparison table
| Property | Framed sliding | Frameless sliding | Frameless folding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable | Somewhat higher | Depends on height* |
| Thermal insulation | Best | Moderate | Moderate |
| Aesthetics | Classic | Clean | Minimal |
| Max opening | ~50% | ~50% | ~90% |
| Tolerance | ±7 mm | ±5 mm | ±2 mm |
| Structural requirement | Lenient | Moderate | Strictest |
*Frameless folding glass is similarly priced to a framed solution up to ~2000 mm aperture height, and only somewhat more expensive above that. Frameless sliding glass is generally somewhat more expensive than a framed solution. So “frameless = more expensive” does not always hold true.
What to consider when making your choice
If your priority is thermal insulation and budget — a framed sliding system is the most practical choice. Especially in the Estonian climate, where draughts are the main comfort factor.
If your priority is a clean visual without compromises — frameless folding glass is unquestionably the most striking option. But be prepared to invest in both the glazing and the structural quality.
If you are looking for a middle ground — frameless sliding glass gives a cleaner visual than a framed system but does not demand the strictness of folding glass.
Why the structure matters more than the type of glass
In reality, the most important question is not which type of glass to choose — but whether the structure can support and hold that glass. Especially with folding glass, where a ±2 mm tolerance means the foundation must not move even a single millimetre more.
That is why it is important for the structural builder and the glazing installer to collaborate from the very beginning. Ideally, this is one and the same company.
Klaaskoda offers all three solutions
Since we install Malmerk Klaasium systems, we can offer all three types of terrace glazing. And because we also handle the structure — from foundation to roof — we can ensure that the glass and the base are a perfect match.
Not sure which solution is best for your terrace? Contact us — we will visit, assess the situation, and recommend the best option.
ATKA Klaaskoda — full-service glass solutions from foundation to glass. Official Malmerk Klaasium dealer in Pärnumaa, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa.
