Commercial Glass Partitions and Railings for New York City Buildings

Liberty Door Supply fabricates and installs commercial glass partitions and railings for office buildings, retail spaces, lobbies, and mixed-use properties across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Whether you need a full floor of frameless office fronts or a structural glass railing along an interior staircase, we handle the measure, fabrication, and install under one contract.

What types of glass partition and railing systems do we install?

We work with framed, semi-frameless, and fully frameless glass partition systems. Each approach suits a different budget, aesthetic, and acoustic requirement.

• Framed aluminum partitions: Built with standard or custom aluminum storefront framing profiles, typically 1-3/4 inch or 2 inch face dimensions. We use systems from Kawneer and EFCO, finished in standard or custom powder-coat colors. These are the most cost-effective option and integrate cleanly with existing curtain wall or storefront framing in the same building.
• Semi-frameless systems: A top and bottom aluminum channel holds tempered or laminated glass lites with minimal visible metal between panels. Popular in law offices, medical suites, and co-working spaces throughout Midtown Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
• Frameless glass walls: Point-fixed or silicone-set systems using thick tempered or laminated glass, floor-to-ceiling, with minimal hardware. We source glass from Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and Viracon for projects requiring specific performance specs, including acoustic-rated laminated glass for noise-sensitive environments.
• Structural glass railings: Base-shoe channel railings using 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch tempered glass panels. We install CRL (CR Laurence) Satin Anodized and Oil-Rubbed Bronze base shoe systems for interior mezzanines, open staircases, and elevated platforms in commercial and retail spaces.
• Cable and aluminum post railings: For rooftop decks, exterior terraces, and loading areas where glass is not the right fit, we fabricate and install aluminum post-and-cable railing systems that meet NYC DOB and IBC guardrail height requirements.

All tempered and laminated glass we use carries SGCC certification. Railing glass panels are specified to meet the applicable IBC and NYC Building Code loads for their location and height above grade.

How does the NYC Building Code affect glass partition and railing design?

NYC has specific requirements that affect glass selection, railing heights, and fire ratings. Getting these wrong results in failed inspections and expensive rework.

Railing height: Interior guardrails in commercial occupancies must meet a minimum of 42 inches in most commercial applications under the NYC Building Code, consistent with IBC Chapter 10. We design railing systems to meet that requirement from the start, not as an afterthought.

Tempered vs. laminated glass: Locations within 18 inches of a walking surface, within a railing assembly, or adjacent to a door swing typically require safety glazing. We specify the correct glazing type for each location based on CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 and NYC Building Code Section 2406.

Fire-rated partitions: Some tenant separation or corridor walls require fire-rated glazing. We install Pilkington Pyrostop and SAFTI FIRST SuperLite II-XL fire-rated glass assemblies in rated frames where the DOB filing or lease plan calls for a 20-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute assembly. These assemblies are listed and labeled and meet NYC Fire Code requirements.

ADA clearances: When a glass partition includes a door, that door must meet ADA clear-width and hardware requirements. We install LCN 4040XP and Norton 1600 Series door closers and Rockwood pull hardware on partition doors to keep the opening code-compliant.

Why do New York City property managers and GCs use Liberty Door Supply for this work?

We fabricate in-house. That means we are not waiting on a third-party shop to cut and finish your aluminum frames. Our team measures, cuts, welds, and finishes the framing, then our installation crew sets it. That single point of responsibility cuts down on finger-pointing when something does not fit.

We are familiar with the access and logistics realities of commercial work in New York City. Tight elevator lobbies in Midtown office towers, freight elevator restrictions in Queens industrial conversions, co-op board rules in Brooklyn mixed-use buildings. We have worked in all of it and we plan accordingly.

We also carry the liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage that property managers and general contractors require before a vendor steps on site. We can provide certificates of insurance to match your project's requirements.

Our work covers all five boroughs. We do not limit our schedule to one part of the city. A Staten Island ferry terminal renovation gets the same crew and the same fabrication standards as a Bronx medical office buildout or a Soho retail flagship.

To discuss your glass partition or railing project, call Liberty Door Supply at (347) 928-7349. We are ready to review your floor plan, walk the space, and provide a written scope and lead time.

Frequently asked questions

Do glass partitions require a NYC DOB permit?

Most interior glass partition installations in commercial occupancies require a DOB filing, especially when they affect egress, fire ratings, or structural loads. Liberty Door Supply works alongside your architect or expediter to ensure the installation meets all applicable NYC Building Code requirements.

Can you match existing aluminum framing on a renovation project?

Yes. We fabricate aluminum framing to match existing profiles and finishes, including anodized, painted, and powder-coated systems. Bring us a section of the existing frame or a shop drawing and we will match it as closely as possible.

How long does a typical glass partition installation take?

A single-office glass partition with a door can usually be fabricated and installed within one to two weeks from approval of shop drawings. Larger open-plan systems or multi-floor projects take longer and are scheduled in phases to minimize disruption to your tenants.