Glass

A glass balustrade features glass stair parts such as panels that provide the vertical infill between the base rail and the handrail and acts as an alternative to spindles. This allows light to circulate freely, opens up the space, and can highlight wooden stairs to make them stand out. The glass balustrade has become exceedingly popular in recent years, particularly in modern designs and elegant interior design which can add an aesthetic element to any home.

Glass panels are made from tempered glass, which is typically 8mm to 10mm thick. The toughening process involves subjecting the glass to high heat, around 700 degrees Celsius, which is known as quenching. This creates a strong layer on both sides of the glass, locking in tensions in the core of the glass. As a result of this, glass becomes four times as strong, providing maximum reliability.

Glass can be a strong combination with any type of wooden handrail, with differing effects depending on the lightness of the wood. Light finishes give more of a Scandinavian feel that can brighten up a staircase. Recommended finishes for this are white oak, hemlock, pine, or even a white-primed finish. Dark finishes will provide a striking contrast, offsetting traditional textures with a modern edge. Recommended dark finishes include walnut, and dark hardwood timber. For more information, read our full guide on matching glass stair parts with wooden handrails.

Because adding glass stairs to your property provides a more modern, stylish look, it can increase the value of your home. This is the ultimate way to bring your staircase up to speed with modern trends, and increase demand for your property.

Glass stairs will collect dirt and grime in the same way that any other staircase would, however it will be much more visible. The main offenders are fingerprints and dust, which are easy to clean away. Simply wipe your glass stairs down with glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth any time they start to look dirty.