Semi-frameless glass pool fencing across the Gold Coast.

Semi-frameless glass uses powder-coated aluminium posts at 1.0-1.2m centres with 10mm toughened glass panels slotted between. The post is structural; the glass is infill. The aesthetic sits between frameless (no visible structure) and aluminium tube (all structure visible).

Where it shines vs frameless.

• Cost: 30-50% cheaper than frameless. $260-$340/lin m vs $380-$520.
• Robustness: Posts absorb impacts that would chip frameless glass.
• Easier replacement: Damaged glass panel = remove single 1.2m panel, slot in replacement. Frameless = remove + rebed spigots.
• Family-friendly: Forgiving in kids/pets/sports-balls environments.

Where frameless wins.

• Premium view-preserving install: the posts in semi-frameless are visible and break the canal-view line.
• Architectural-finish projects: frameless reads as a single material; semi-frameless reads as “aluminium + glass.”

Post + hardware specification.

• Post material: 50×50mm or 60×60mm extruded aluminium.
• Powder coat: Dulux Duralloy (marine-grade) or Interpon D2525 in standard colours (black, satin black, white). 15-20 year UV + salt resistance.
• Glass: 10mm toughened, heat-soak treated. Polished edges.
• Glass-to-post fixing: 316 stainless clamp or rubber grommet seal. Glass is replaceable without dismantling the post.
• Post-to-ground fixing: 80mm M10 stainless anchor into 100mm concrete pad. Like frameless, must penetrate paver into structural substrate.

Colour choices.

Black (most popular Gold Coast 2026) blends with the glass shadow line. Charcoal / dark grey is the next most common. White is dated-looking on modern builds but still works on traditional beachside cottages. Custom colours add ~10-20% to cost.

Typical Gold Coast semi-frameless project.

24m pool surround + 1 gate, black aluminium posts at 1.2m centres, 10mm clear glass, salt-zone hardware: ~$6,500–$9,000 installed. Same project in frameless glass: ~$10K–$13K. Same project in aluminium tube: ~$3.5K–$5.5K.