When it comes to home design, stair railings have a surprisingly big impact! Picking a stair railing will add to the style of your house while keeping your family safe. While wooden railing is traditional and iron railing creates a statement, glass railing will give your house a modern vibe. If the last option sounds like your dream, here are a few things you need to know before installing a glass railing.
Style Matters
When picking your glass railing, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. There are a few different installation options that will change the overall impact. A dadoed glass railing is attached to shoes at the top and bottom of the frame, giving your railing the cleanest look. A standoff glass railing is the next cleanest option. The glass has precut holes and is secured with hardware in the steps. Lastly, clamped glass railing is secured with special clamping. While the hardware is more apparent, some prefer this because it allows them a way to accent the hardwood of the steps.
Practicality
It’s crucial to make sure a glass railing is right for your lifestyle. First, you have to check building codes. Some codes are very specific about what kind of glass you can use. Laminated glass is made of two pieces of glass fused together. This not only increases glass strength but also ensures that if one side breaks, the other remains intact. Tempered glass is heat treated and designed to break into tiny cubes rather than shards to ensure safety.
If the codes are no issue, you also need to make sure you’re ready for maintenance. While glass railings require less long-term maintenance, cleaning might prove to be a headache. Typically, a homemade cleaning solution of soap and vinegar wiped off with a soft cloth will keep your glass looking brand new, but kids and pets might mean frequent cleanings.
Choosing a Glass Railing
If you decide a glass railing is right for your house, we would love to be there for the next step! At St. Louis Glass Company, we can help you find the right style and provide you with a quote so you can get the staircase of your dreams. Call us today to find out more.