Considering a glass staircase? Here are some things you should know.
These days, more and more homeowners are incorporating glass into their staircase designs to help give their properties a new lease of life.
Regardless of your home’s particular décor style, a glass balustrade is sure to fit right in and will make any space feel much bigger and brighter.
Unfortunately, many people will decide against glass when designing their balustrade, usually because they’re concerned about safety.
We’ve designed and manufactured many glass staircases in our time here at Pear Stairs and we’re absolute experts in our field, so we know just how safe glass staircases can be.
In this post, we explore the safety benefits of glass staircases and why you should consider choosing one for your home.
Are glass staircases safe?
Absolutely!
Professionally manufactured, installed and legislation-compliant balustrades are incredibly secure.
Here at Pear Stairs, our glass staircases are manufactured with safety glass panels that are made from toughened, laminated glass – which is much stronger than ordinary, everyday glass.
For extra peace of mind, every glass panel used in our staircase designs is marked with something called a ‘Kitemark’.
The Kitemark is a symbol of quality that was first established in 1903, to help identify glazing solutions that were at the pinnacle of safety and reliability, and today, they remain one of the oldest product quality marks.
Safety is at the forefront of what we do, which is why all of our glass staircase parts at Pear Stairs are Kitemarked, meaning you can have full confidence that our products conform to all safety standards and regulatory requirements in the UK.
What are the safety benefits of a glass staircase?
In many cases, a glass staircase can be one of, if not, the safest option for your home. Here are just a few of the benefits:
They’re extremely durable and long-lasting
Glass is a highly robust material that doesn’t degrade over time.
Whereas other materials might rot or rust, glass will stand firm for the duration of its life, serving your home for years to come.
It’s also extremely resistant to any impact and won’t suffer any major structural damage.
They’re child and pet friendly
Whether you’re a parent or a pet owner, you’ll definitely be no stranger to the frequent slips and stumbles.
Wooden or metal railings create a big risk for eager little limbs, but glass balustrades are designed with gaps too small for them to fall through. Whilst this enhances safety, it doesn’t mean that any visual elements are compromised.
They’re transparent
We’re not just stating the obvious with this one.
While being an important visual feature, the transparency of the glass is also a potentially vital safety feature, as it allows for better visibility and judgement of height.
Pros and cons of glass staircases
We’ve walked you through the safety benefits of glass staircases, but what about the overall pros and cons?
Like everything, glass staircases do come with some disadvantages, but in our opinion, they don’t outweigh the benefits at all. Some of these benefits of glass staircases include:
- Better lighting – Having a glass staircase – or glass staircase parts – allows light to flow more freely through your hallway, making your space appear much bigger and brighter.
- Enhanced style – Glass staircase parts are a luxurious, modern addition to make to any home, and they enhance the overall look and appeal of your space.
- Versatility – Glass staircase panels work wonderfully with a range of different materials – including oak and stainless steel – so there are a range of different ways you can dress up your balustrade when you opt for glass panels.
Some of the cons to keep in mind are:
- Less warmth – depending on the materials you pair with your glass staircase parts, it may not provide the same feeling of warmth, as different types of timber might. The cooler tones of stainless steel handrails and other accessories can create an icy feel.
- More expensive – Glass panels are often more expensive to source and install than other stair parts, thanks to their bespoke nature.
The life expectancy of glass staircases
Being so strong and resilient to scuffs and scratches, glass staircases make an excellent choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting staircase.
You can expect your glass staircase to hold up for years, and with little maintenance required and no noticeable changes to its quality or appearance, you’ll be glad you opted for a glass staircase.
Does a glass staircase add value?
If you plan on selling your home in the future, a glass staircase can definitely increase the market value of your property.
But how?
Well, potential buyers often look for and are drawn to unique architectural features, and a glass staircase is just that. Its timeless appeal will help set your property apart from the rest.
How to clean glass staircases
One of the best things about glass staircases is how easy they are to clean.
Once a week, when you’re cleaning all the other glass furnishings in your home, use a soft microfibre cloth and warm soapy water to clear away any fingerprints and spots of dirt that have accumulated over the week.
Start at the top and work your way down, making sure to use a clean, damp sponge or cloth to clean away any soap residue left behind and another clean dry cloth to buff your glass balustrade gently dry.
For any tough stains, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle, spraying the solution to the area and letting it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean, dry microfibre cloth.
Choose Pear Stairs for all your glass staircase requirements
As a specialist designer and manufacturer of glass staircases, our devoted teams here at Pear Stairs are continuously working to provide the highest quality to our customers in the UK.
We strive for the shortest lead times, without ever compromising on quality, and you can be certain that our glass balustrades will serve you well for years to come.
If you have any queries, concerns or need some design inspiration for the perfect glass balustrade, be sure to give our experts a call on 01938 553 311 or email any of your questions to webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk.
