Stair railings primarily offer support. This makes them an essential part of both residential and commercial buildings, whether you’re looking for outdoor or indoor applications.
Glass railings are beautiful and modern, with smooth surfaces and clean lines. Their durability and strength make them a safe option and there are no spaces between panels to let pets or children fall through. They also offer an unobstructed view inside and out.
With so many reasons to choose glass, it’s no wonder so many homeowners go with this option. But how can you choose the right system? Here are some factors to take into account before picking glass railings for either interior or exterior applications.
How to Select the Best Glass Stair Railing System for Your Toronto Home
To get the perfect glass stair railings for your home, it’s important to carefully consider your options and take the following aspects into account.
1. Material For Glass Railing
While it depends on your requirements, you have the freedom to choose between these two materials for residential applications. You should choose polyvinyl butyral (PVB) laminate for interior glass in your residential property and tempered glass or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) for outdoor applications. The latter will offer a clearer lamination to allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty.
2. Type of Glass Installation
There are several ways to install glass stair railings. Typically, specialized rails and stairs categorize interior glass railings into three main categories:
- Standoff
- Dadoed
- Clamped
- Balusters Offer Ventilation
- Panels Provide Protection
In this system, the glass panels are secured using standoffs or round stainless-steel cylinders. The holes are pre-drilled into the glass and levelled in place. The standoffs are used to lock the individual panels vertically to the floor and stair system.
You may also opt for a frameless system that offers minimal visual hardware. However, this system requires a fastening method so it’s necessary to decide whether this is the most suitable method during the framing stage. This is vital as installers need to place sufficient backing to properly support the glass panels.
In this interior glass railing system, the panels are secured to the top railing and bottom show. There is a wooden framework present to support the panels that don’t require any external hardware or clips. This offers the cleanest visual appeal and creates a clean and streamlined appearance.
In this glass stair railing system, the panels are secured using glass clips that are attached either to the post, show, or railing itself. The system offers the option to either use steel or wooden posts.
Moreover, if you are looking to highlight the hardware, you could choose options on black or steel varieties, as there are quite a few posts required.
3. Panels vs. Balusters
While most homeowners may be under the impression that the glass used in staircase railings is available in panels, you may alternatively opt for balusters. They are interesting and unique alternatives to panels and suitable for outdoor applications.
But how can you determine which will be better for indoor applications? Here are two major factors to consider.
Apart from the chic and streamlined appearance of balusters, they also have gaps that let air pass through to ensure the space remains cool while offering an unobtrusive view of the scene. When used outdoors, they allow homeowners to remove sand, snow, leaves, and other debris more easily from their balconies than other options.
For properties located near bodies of water bodies or in the mountains, exposing homeowners to chilly winds and external elements like snow, a glass panel railing system is recommended.
Since there are single sheets used, you will have adequate transparency to enjoy the view while being protected from the elements. They can also trap heat on the deck or balcony, making it suitable for areas with cooler climates.
4. Glass Railing Installation
When choosing a glass stair railing system, you should go for ones that have pre-measured and pre-cut glass panels that can be easily attached to rails and posts. Additionally, options that come with pre-attached glass clamps will make the installation process quicker and easier. This can aid in keeping down labour costs and ensure that your project stays on budget.
5. Maintenance
This is another important factor to consider, as it’s usually easy to notice dirt, dust, fingerprints, and smudges with glass railings. This means any glass stair railing system generally requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to look clean and amazing for years to come. This is why it’s best to choose easy-to-clean materials. Furthermore, also make sure you invest in proper commercial products for day-to-day maintenance.
There are many glass stair railing systems and choosing the right one can make all the difference. However, your choice should work well with a variety of materials in terms of rails and posts while offering ease of installation and maintenance.
