Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a glass project often comes with questions.
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common things people ask about glass design, installation, safety and compliance.
What types of glass options can I choose for my project?
There are several glass options depending on performance and look, including toughened glass, toughened laminated glass for extra strength, and SentryGlas™ for fully frameless systems. We can advise what glass would work best for your space, and you can read up more on the glass types here.
How long will my glass installation take from design to completion?
The timeline varies based on project size and complexity, but we work with you to plan a realistic schedule. We’ll keep you informed throughout so you know when measure, fabrication and installation will occur.
Are your glass installations compliant with New Zealand building codes?
Yes. We ensure all glass and hardware meet New Zealand safety standards and building code requirements. Required producer statements and compliance documentation are provided as part of the process.
Will you coordinate with builders or designers on site?
Absolutely. Our team works alongside your architect, builder or project manager to make sure installation timing and site requirements are well planned and delivered smoothly.
How do I know if glass will meet pool safety rules?
Glass pool fencing must meet a minimum height, non-climbable zoning and have self-closing, self-latching gates for compliance. We design and install systems that align with those safety requirements.
What materials are used in Platinum HG frameless glass shower hardware?
Our frameless glass shower hardware is manufactured to the highest standards and features a premium combination of plated brass hinges, plated stainless steel handles, and anodised aluminium channels. Our colour matching across the different metals is exceptionally good, delivering a seamless, cohesive appearance that enhances any New Zealand bathroom installation. Most of our range is specifically designed and built for New Zealand conditions.
What is the best stainless steel for frameless glass balustrades in New Zealand?
We use a premium mix of marine-grade 316 and high-strength 2205 duplex stainless steel. These grades provide superior corrosion resistance and structural integrity, making them the preferred choice for external balustrades and pool fencing throughout New Zealand.
What type of hinges are used on frameless shower doors and how strong are they?
Our PH1 and PH2 series hinges are produced from high-quality plated brass and have been highly specified for New Zealand conditions. They are rated to support up to a 45 kg door using just two hinges. Available in a range of premium finishes including Polished Chrome, Satin Brass, Satin Nickel (one of our most sought-after colours), Gun Metal, Matt Black, and our newly added Brushed Bronze, they offer excellent corrosion protection in wet environments. When combined with the rest of the system, our colour matching across the different metals is exceptionally good.
Are the shower door handles made from stainless steel?
Yes. Our shower door handles are manufactured from plated stainless steel and are available in a full selection of premium finishes. They are precisely colour-matched to our plated brass hinges, ensuring the complete frameless glass shower door presents as a unified, high-end installation.
Why are aluminium channels used in frameless shower systems?
Our anodised aluminium channels are lightweight yet structurally robust and provide outstanding corrosion resistance when properly treated. We also offer custom powder coating to precisely match any colour the customer needs. They are ideal for bottom tracks, water deflectors and semi-frameless applications. Importantly, our colour matching across plated brass hinges, plated stainless steel handles and aluminium channels is exceptionally good for a flawless finished appearance.
What is the best stainless steel grade for external frameless glass balustrades in New Zealand?
For external frameless glass balustrades, we recommend our combination of 316 marine-grade and 2205 duplex stainless steel. These premium grades deliver exceptional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, ensuring long-term performance in coastal and pool environments across New Zealand.
What materials and clamp options are used in frameless glass balustrade systems?
We offer a full range of frameless glass balustrade systems that have been specifically designed and built for New Zealand conditions. We provide both aluminium clamps for lighter residential applications and high-grade stainless steel clamps, including 316 marine-grade and 2205 duplex stainless steel for high-load and exposed coastal environments. With a variety of different systems to choose from, we can supply the ideal solution for residential decks, pool fencing or commercial installations.
What are the advantages of the Platinum PHC Hydraulic Closers compared to traditional floor springs?
The PHC-100 and PHC-105 hydraulic patch closers are surface-mounted and require only four simple screw fixings into the floor. Unlike traditional floor springs, which demand a large cut-out and concrete box, PHC closers enable significantly faster installation with no mess, reduced site disruption and straightforward future maintenance.
Is plated brass or stainless steel better for internal frameless shower doors in New Zealand?
For the majority of residential bathrooms, our plated brass hinges paired with plated stainless steel handles provide the ideal combination of aesthetic appeal, durability and ease of cleaning. Our colour matching across the different metals is exceptionally good, resulting in a fully coordinated, premium finish that performs reliably in New Zealand’s humid conditions.
What materials are used in commercial frameless glass hardware?
Our commercial frameless glass hardware utilises a premium mix of aluminium channels and high-grade stainless steel components. This combination delivers the strength, durability and modern aesthetic required for high-traffic commercial environments such as offices, retail spaces and public buildings.
What materials are the commercial patch fittings made from?
Our commercial patch fittings are manufactured from high-quality aluminium with Stainless Steel 316 covers in satin or polished finishes. When paired with our aluminium and stainless steel channels, they create robust, long-lasting frameless glass door systems engineered for demanding commercial use.
Can aluminium hardware be used in coastal areas in New Zealand?
Yes. Our anodised or powder-coated aluminium channels and posts are well suited to coastal installations in both shower and commercial applications. We also have other products available in 316 and 2205 stainless steel if desired.
How do the plated finishes compare in quality to solid stainless steel?
Our plated brass and plated stainless steel shower hardware employs a thick, premium-grade plating process that ensures outstanding longevity and resistance to tarnishing. Many clients prefer the warmer tones these finishes provide, particularly given that our colour matching across the different metals is exceptionally good.
How long will the shower hardware last?
Owing to the very high-quality materials and thick plating processes we use, our shower hinges, handles and channels routinely deliver 15–25 years of reliable service with normal maintenance. The exceptional colour matching across the different metals also ensures the entire system continues to look new for many years.
Is 2205 duplex stainless steel better than 316 for balustrades?
2205 duplex stainless steel provides higher tensile strength and superior corrosion resistance compared with 316. We specify 2205 in high-stress clamps and fittings where maximum structural performance is required, particularly in exposed coastal locations.
Do the stainless steel handles rust in bathrooms?
No. Our plated stainless steel shower handles are specifically engineered for wet-area use and maintain their finish for many years when installed correctly. They also feature precise colour matching with our plated brass hinges for a consistent appearance.
Why should I choose Platinum Hardware for frameless glass hardware in New Zealand?
We supply only premium-quality materials: plated brass hinges, plated stainless steel handles and anodised aluminium channels with exceptionally good colour matching across the different metals, together with marine-grade 316 and 2205 stainless steel for balustrades and commercial systems. We specifically design and develop most of our hardware range for New Zealand conditions, buildings and climate.
We also carefully select a small number of unique overseas products that meet our high standards. We can powder coat our aluminium products to match any colour the customer needs. Our products are chosen for their durability, refined finishes and proven performance that installers and homeowners rely on.
How do I select the right material for my frameless glass project?
- For showers: plated brass hinges, plated stainless steel handles and aluminium channels with our exceptionally good colour matching across the different metals.
- For balustrades and pool fencing: our mix of aluminium 316 and 2205 stainless steel.
- For commercial doors: the aluminium and stainless steel hardware combination.
- For heavy-traffic doors: PHC hydraulic patch closers for fast, clean installation with no floor cut-out required.
CONTACT US
Phone: 09 622 2962
Email: info@platinumhg.co.nz
Address:
Unit 0, 35 Maurice Road
Penrose, Auckland
PO Box 12065, Penrose
Auckland 1642.