The Art of Glass Staircases

 

When to use Glass in Staircases

Though the  use of glass in staircases has been around for some time it has been in recent years that new technogies have been introduced to make glass a truely exciting choice of material for domestic and commercial staircases. Fixing methods, strengthening techniques even lighting, including LED lighting, has inspired some incredible and very modern staircase designs. But when should glass be used? What type of applications are suitable for glass staircases. Regarding the staircase itself there are three main ways that glass can be utilised to produce dramatic staircase designs.

 

1. Glass Staircase Treads

2. Glass Staircase Balustrades

3. Glass Staircase supports (glass wall)

Glass Staircase Treads

Double or tripple laminate toughened glass can be employed to create treads that can be cut into practically any shape. In some cases this could be strong enough to be completely frameless. Our engineers will advise where some kind of additional support will be required. Standard green glass is often used but also clear (crystal) glass or coloured glass can give an additional design focus.

Glass Staircase Balustrades

Double laminate toughened glass is usually used on glass balustrades for staircases. These can be attached directlt to the staircase and be completely frameless. Another popular style that is also more cost effective is to use steel or wodden newels and handrails and then to use glass for infill panels. Curved Glass balustrades are also possible but involve a long manufacturing process which does make them very expensive.

 

Glass Staircase Supports

In some circumstances the staircase can be entirely supported by a glass wall. This glass is of course structural as well as being decorative. The use of glass in this way creates a magic carpet effect of floating treads which can themselves be made of glass.

Glass Treads LED

Use of LED systems in glass treads greates a glowing staircase with the additional benefit of clearly lighting the nosings of each tread. This is clear in normal light but particularly effective in low light.