The core difference between nets and invisible grills
Balcony safety nets use a woven HDPE mesh anchored at multiple points around a balcony opening, while invisible grills use individually tensioned stainless steel wires spaced roughly 4 inches apart, anchored top and bottom with a turnbuckle system.
Both are designed to prevent falls, but they solve the problem with fundamentally different structures: a continuous woven barrier versus spaced tension wires, which affects appearance, pet-safety, and pricing differently.
Side-by-side comparison
Nets are generally 20-30% less expensive per opening than invisible grills, given the lower material cost of woven HDPE mesh compared to SS304 wire and turnbuckle hardware. Nets also stop small pets and objects better, since the mesh gaps are far smaller than the 4-inch wire spacing on invisible grills.
Invisible grills, however, are visually near-transparent even up close, while a net's mesh pattern, though unobtrusive, is still visible if you look directly at it. For floor-to-ceiling glass balconies or premium facade designs, invisible grills tend to look more integrated with the architecture.
Which homes suit which option
Homes with young children or pets should generally choose netting, since the tighter mesh gap offers better protection against small bodies squeezing through compared to 4-inch wire spacing. Homes prioritising an unobstructed view, particularly with glass balustrades or minimal facade design, often prefer invisible grills.
Rental properties often lean toward netting with clamp-based fitting, since it's typically easier to install and remove without permanent structural changes compared to a fully anchored wire system.
Can you combine both on the same property?
Yes, many homes use invisible grills on larger glass balconies or windows where appearance matters most, and netting on balconies used by children or pets where the tighter mesh is more important than facade appearance. We assess this per-opening during your free inspection rather than applying one solution to the whole property.
Need this done at your property?
Free inspection and written quote, usually scheduled within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, nets or invisible grills?+
Nets are generally 20-30% less expensive per opening due to lower material cost, though pricing varies by span and mesh grade.
Is invisible grill as pet-safe as netting?+
Not quite — the 4-inch wire spacing on invisible grills doesn't stop small pets from squeezing through as effectively as a tight mesh net.
Can I mix both solutions on the same property?+
Yes, this is common; we assess each balcony or window individually and recommend the best fit rather than one blanket solution.