Glass staircases (balustrading) is a safety barrier made up of a series of glass panels, often with supporting balusters or balustrades. Its sleek, transparent design makes it a popular choice for staircases with a more contemporary style.
At Stairway Joinery, we design, construct, and install bespoke timber staircases for properties across the South. When crafting a staircase for your home, we can integrate glass balustrading into its design for a gorgeously minimalist look. We can also convert the balustrading on your existing staircase into glass, should you prefer.
Whichever option you choose, the result will be a stunning focal point that enhances the beauty of your home for decades to come.
Don't wait to elevate your space, email us on [email protected] or call us on 01202 622826!
Adding glass to your staircase is the perfect way to open up your home. Invoking a sense of seamlessness, they create the illusion of extra space and allow more natural light to pass through.
The glass we install come with a variety of benefits, including:
Our glass staircases come in two main types, both of which feature polished and dubbed edges.
This type of glass sits between a string, landing capping, and handrail. The handrail is joined to newel posts at each end by a mortise and tenon joint, and therefore does not need to be structural.
The glass is toughened and can either be held into place with brackets or rebated into the handrail and capping.
This type of glass is unbraced, and is instead held in place by the newel posts and handrail. Bolts are fixed into the stair string and trimmers at landing level; these can be left on show or hidden behind a dummy or false string.
To abide by British Standards, this glass must be able to withstand more stringent side impact loads. This is why it is thicker than non-structural glass.
Transform your living space with a sleek and stylish glass staircase! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing staircase or replace it altogether, we’ll be there to create a breathtaking new centrepiece for your home.
Email us on [email protected] or call us on 01202 622826. We’re happy to discuss our staircase personalisation options in more detail, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Absolutely. The toughened glass we use is engineered to withstand significant impact, making it a robust choice for busy family homes. It has no gaps for small hands or paws to get caught in, and there are no spindles to climb. Both our framed and side-fixed options meet British Standards, so safety is never compromised.
Still unsure? Read our blog for more support on the safety.
Glass balustrading is one of the easier finishes to maintain. A wipe down with a soft cloth and a standard glass cleaner is all it takes to keep panels looking clear and bright. Fingerprints and smudges are the main culprit in busy households, but they lift easily. There is no painting, treating, or sanding required, unlike traditional timber balustrading.
Read our blog for a more detailed cleaning guide.
Yes. We regularly work on existing staircases and can convert traditional timber balustrading to glass without replacing the whole staircase. Our team carries out a site survey first to assess the structure and confirm what is needed. It is a straightforward way to modernise your home without the cost or disruption of a full staircase replacement.
A glass staircase will not make your hallway noticeably colder as glass panels do not affect your home's thermal performance in any meaningful way. As for acoustics, some customers notice a slight difference in sound compared to timber spindles, but it is rarely significant. The visual openness glass creates far outweighs any minor acoustic change for most homeowners.
Glass balustrading generally sits at a higher price point than standard timber spindles, reflecting the materials and engineering involved. The gap varies depending on the type of glass, the size of the staircase, and the complexity of the installation. That said, many customers find the long-term benefits, particularly the minimal maintenance, make it excellent value over time. Contact us for a quote tailored to your project.
