Is your home or office staircase still using bulky wood or outdated metal bars? While there's nothing wrong with a classic design, upgrading to a glass balustrade can give your space a fresh, modern look. Not only does it enhance the style, but it also improves the overall quality of your staircase.
At Mourne Craft, we know that selecting the right supplier for your glass staircase is important. That’s why it's crucial to work with a team that uses high-quality materials and has the skill and experience to install them flawlessly.
In this article, we’ll explore how glass balustrades can elevate your space, the key benefits they offer, and what to look for when choosing the right provider.
Glass may seem delicate, but when used for railings, it’s anything but fragile. Modern glass railings are made from toughened (tempered) or laminated glass, designed to withstand heavy impacts and pressure. Toughened glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled, making it up to five times stronger than regular glass. Laminated glass, which consists of multiple layers of glass with an interlayer in between, offers additional strength and impact resistance.
This means that glass railings can easily handle everyday wear and tear, maintaining their structural integrity over time. Unlike traditional wood or metal railings, which can dent, warp, or rust, glass railings stay intact and visually appealing without needing constant maintenance or repairs.
According to UK Building Regulations, glass used in stairs and balustrades must meet strict safety standards, including BS EN 12150 for toughened glass and BS EN 14449 for laminated glass. These standards ensure the glass is suitable for structural use in homes and workplaces.
Wooden Railings: While classic and stylish, wooden railings can be susceptible to a range of durability issues. Over time, wood can warp, crack, or splinter due to moisture, temperature changes, and general wear. These issues are compounded by the need for regular maintenance, such as sanding, refinishing, or treating the wood to prevent damage from rot or pests. Glass, on the other hand, is impervious to these common issues, offering a far more durable and low-maintenance alternative.
Metal Railings: While metal railings (such as steel, wrought iron, or aluminum) are known for their strength, they can also face durability challenges. For example, steel and iron railings are prone to rusting, especially in damp or outdoor environments. Even high-quality metal railings may require periodic repainting or rust removal to maintain their appearance and safety. Glass railings, however, are resistant to rust and corrosion. The tempered glass used in railings can withstand the elements, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor installations without constant upkeep.
Concrete or Stone Railings: While concrete and stone railings offer excellent durability, they have challenges. These materials can be heavy and difficult to install, and they can suffer from cracking or chipping over time, especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions. Glass railings provide a lighter, more flexible option without sacrificing strength. They can stand up to the elements without cracking, and their transparent nature ensures they won’t obstruct views or create a bulky visual obstruction in your space.
One key advantage of glass railings over traditional materials is the minimal maintenance they require. While wood railings need regular refinishing and metal railings need to be repainted to prevent rust, glass railings are virtually maintenance-free. The only upkeep required is occasional cleaning to remove dust and fingerprints, which can be done with a simple glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
Glass also resists staining, mildew, and grime buildup. This means that even in high-traffic areas or places exposed to the elements, your glass railings will continue to look pristine without the constant worry of damage. They’re built to last, and their transparent nature ensures they won’t fade or discolor over time like some metals or wood finishes.
Glass railings are particularly well-suited for outdoor use because they are highly weather-resistant. Unlike wood or metal, which can degrade over time due to exposure to rain, snow, or harsh sunlight, glass remains unaffected by weather conditions. Tempered glass, in particular, is designed to withstand extreme temperature changes and resist cracking under pressure.
Additionally, glass railings are impact-resistant. While no material is indestructible, tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces if it breaks, reducing the risk of injury. Laminated glass, on the other hand, will remain intact even if damaged, offering an extra layer of safety and durability.
When you invest in glass railings, you’re investing in a product that can stand the test of time. Glass doesn’t age or deteriorate like wood or metal does. It won’t rust, rot, or become structurally compromised over the years. Instead, it retains its strength and clarity, even after decades of use. Glass railings are a great long-term solution, saving you money on repairs and replacements.
While wood and metal railings may need to be replaced or refurbished every 10 to 20 years, glass railings can last a lifetime with minimal intervention. This longevity makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to future-proof their home or office space.
Not all glass staircases are created equal. When you invest in a premium stairs glass balustrade, you're not just paying for the look—you're investing in craftsmanship, safety, and long-lasting performance. So, what separates high-end glass staircases from the average?
Here are the key characteristics you should look for:
1. Toughened or Laminated Safety Glass
Premium staircases use toughened (tempered) or laminated safety glass that meets strict UK safety standards. These materials are designed to withstand high impact and thermal stress. If breakage occurs, toughened glass crumbles into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp shards, offering a much safer outcome.
2. Crystal-Clear Transparency
High-quality glass offers maximum clarity and minimal distortion. Premium staircases often use low-iron glass, eliminating the green tint in standard glass. The result? A cleaner, more refined look that enhances natural light and gives your space an airy feel.
3. Seamless Design
A hallmark of a premium stairs glass balustrade is a frameless or semi-frameless design. These systems use discrete floor channels or point fixings to support the glass, creating a “floating” appearance. The minimal hardware focuses on the glass itself and your overall interior aesthetic.
4. High-Quality Fixtures and Fittings
Top-tier staircases use corrosion-resistant fixings like marine-grade stainless steel or anodised aluminium. These materials hold up beautifully over time, especially in environments exposed to moisture or temperature changes.
➡️ For guidance on the performance and durability of construction materials, check out Approved Document A: Structure.
5. Custom Engineering
Premium systems are never one-size-fits-all. Every panel is cut and measured to fit your unique staircase design. Engineers consider structural load, stair angle, building use, and aesthetics to create a perfect fit. This ensures the system is beautiful and strong and code-compliant.
6. Enhanced Safety Features
Look for rounded or polished glass edges, anti-slip handrails, and child-safe spacing between panels. A good provider will always prioritise compliance with UK Building Regulations, ensuring that your staircase meets height, spacing, and load-bearing standards.
7. Design Enhancements
Premium doesn’t mean plain. You can personalise your staircase with options like:
8. Long-Term Durability and Warranty
High-end stairs glass balustrade systems often include manufacturer warranties and long-term performance guarantees. This is a sign that both the materials and installation meet rigorous quality standards.
Upgrading your staircase with a glass railing is an investment in style and safety, so it's essential to partner with a supplier and installer who knows what they're doing. Not all professionals are created equal, and cutting corners here can lead to costly mistakes, non-compliance with UK building regulations, or safety risks.
Follow these steps to make sure you choose the right team for the job:
1. Check for Certification and Compliance
Always ensure the company adheres to UK Building Regulations, especially Approved Document K, which governs safety for stairs and balustrades.
Ask if they:
If they’re a member of FENSA, Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), or Constructionline, that’s a strong sign of professionalism and regulatory compliance.
2. Review Past Work and Ask for a Portfolio
A reputable supplier should be able to show:
Look for design variety, quality of finish, and how well the balustrade blends with the space. You want to know they’ve handled both simple and complex projects.
3. Ask About Glass Quality and Customisation
Don’t settle for vague terms like “toughened glass.” Ask for specifics:
Premium suppliers will give you clear answers and material samples if requested.
4. Ensure They Handle Both Supply and Installation
Some companies only sell the glass, leaving you to find a separate installer. This can create issues if anything goes wrong. Choose a provider who handles the entire process—from design consultation to final installation.
This ensures:
5. Check Their Insurance and Guarantees
Make sure the installer carries:
Bonus: Ask about manufacturer guarantees on the glass panels and fittings.
6. Compare Quotes – But Don’t Just Go Cheap
Going with the lowest price is tempting—but a suspiciously low quote often signals shortcuts, poor materials, or hidden fees. Get at least 3 quotes, and compare:
Choose the best value, not just the lowest cost.
7. Read Reviews and Reputation Online
Search Google, Trustpilot, or Checkatrade for honest reviews. Look for:
Tip: Be wary of companies with zero online presence or only generic stock photos.
8. Ask About Planning Permission and Regulations
You won’t need planning permission for internal glass balustrades in most domestic cases. But a knowledgeable supplier will still walk you through any regulatory steps, especially for:
Check if your project requires additional permissions via the UK Planning Portal.
Your staircase doesn’t have to be a means to get from one floor to another—it can be a design feature that defines your entire home or building. A stair glass offers the perfect balance of elegance, safety, and durability. Whether renovating a classic home or adding a contemporary edge to a commercial space, glass is a future-proof choice that delivers both style and substance.
With the right supplier, high-quality materials, and a professional installation team, you can transform your staircase into a striking centrepiece that enhances light, opens up your space, and adds real value to your property.
Ready to take the next step? When it comes to glass balustrades, cutting corners isn’t an option—because your home deserves nothing less.
At Mourne Craft, we’re committed to delivering the highest quality materials and exceptional service—because that’s exactly what you deserve. Explore our full range of services, from sleek internal staircases to durable external glass balustrades. Whatever your vision, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more!
We can advise on your individual project ensuring you have the right grade of steel and the correct thickness of glass in your project to ensure safety and to meet building regulations.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your individual project, so please feel free to give us a call on
+ 44 28 417 63664 or contact us via our simple enquiry form.
