5 Things to Know Before Buying shoe railing system

Are you looking for glass railing? Here are 5 things you need to know before you start your project.

By far, glass is the most popular choice for modern railing right now. It is a trending alternative to wooden handrails and spindles and we see why!

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Northglass.

Glass railing has stunning visual impact, adds openness, makes spaces feel bigger and facilitates light flow. It adds luxury and value to a home and when designed and installed correctly, is incredibly safe and functional.

Let’s walk through 5 things to consider when looking into glass railing for your home:

1.There are different types of glass railing systems.

There are a variety of ways to install glass railing. Look at the different systems and consider how these styles fit into the overall style and feel of your home.

Specialized Stair and Rail categorizes interior glass railing into 3 main categories: dadoed, standoff, and clamped.

Dadoed Glass Railing

Dadoed glass railing is a system where the glass railing panels are secured within the top railing and bottom shoe. Essentially the glass exists within a wooden framework. Because there is no need for clips or hardware this railing has the cleanest visual appeal.

Standoff Glass Railing

Standoff glass railing is a system where the glass panels are secured with standoffs (round stainless steel cylinders). The glass has holes pre-drilled, it is leveled in place, and the standoffs secure the panel to the vertical face of the stair and floor system. This can be a frameless railing system with a minimal amount of visual hardware. Note: due to the fastening method, a decision to use this system needs to be made at the framing stage as sufficient backing needs to be in place to support the glass.

Clamped Glass Railing

Clamped Glass Railing is a system where the glass panels are secured with glass clips mounted to posts or occasionally the railing or shoe. This system gives the option to use wood or steel posts and if you want to highlight your hardware (steel or black) this is possible because of the frequency of posts required. To some, this is a very appealing style.

2. Consider safety and local building codes

It is important to consider the local building code requirements in your area regarding the type of safety glass (tempered, laminated) required or allowed.

Specialized Stair and Rail offers tempered glass of the highest quality. Tempered glass is a kind of heat treated glass that increases surface strength and changes the break pattern. If tempered glass breaks it shatters into tiny cubes for safety reasons.

Laminated glass is 2 pieces of glass fused together with an inter layer. This provides strength to the glass and extra safety. In the event of breakage, one side of the glass will shatter while the other side remains in place.

3. Glass railing requires maintenance

Glass railing as a whole, has less overall long term maintenance than a wood product. But, depending on your lifestyle the day to day maintenance will need to be consider railing looks drastically better than dirty. A soft cloth, soap/vinegar and water is all you need, stay away from any abrasive scrubbers.

4. Consider budget and cost

Glass railing is generally on the higher end of railing pricing. Within the styles, dadoed glass railing is the most cost effective as it can be thinner (6mm vs 10 or 12mm), has less machining, no holes, less polishing and does not involve any pricey hardware. Often with stainless steel or other glass hardware you get what you pay for so note quality when making selections as money invested at this stage will significantly improve the style and function.

5. The experience of the company and installers is very important

Our railing is a made to order, measured specifically, custom designed and installed system. The exactness of design and installation is crucial for overall quality and style of the finished product. An improperly installed railing can not only be an eye sore but dangerous as well. Select a company that has experience and look to see examples of finished products.

Further, consider the quality of the hardware that is holding the glass in place. There is a vast variance in hardware quality that will affect the overall safety of your railing system. Specialized Stairs only offers Q-Railing. This company has a proven track record of supplying stylish and reliable products.

Now that you have considered these 5 things, how do you take the next step?

Knowing the full process will give you an understanding of the time and steps involved in your railing project.

Here is the process for ordering railing at Specialized Stair and Rail:

1. Inspiration! Take a look at the options available and style of railing you prefer. Here is our top 10 modern glass railing inspirations. Get on our website and click here to visit our gallery to see pictures of our work.

Call Specialized Stair and Rail to have one of our designers walk you through our online gallery and talk about your project

3: Come into the showroom to see physical samples of our railing. All our railing systems on display. Bring along the plans and pictures of your space and one of our stair designers will help you select products that suit your style, space, and budget.

4: We will come out to your site to get measurements.

5: Your design and quote will be put together.

6: After design approval and deposit we will start manufacturing your railing. Note the timing and installation process.

7: We will book a time for your installation.

8: Make your final payment upon completion.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website shoe railing system.

We would love to hear from you and help with your project!

Do you want to add glass handrails to your home or business but aren’t sure where to start? Today we’re filling you in on everything you need to know.

If you are going for a modern aesthetic or a contemporary vibe, glass railings are a great way to achieve this look. Installing glass railings throughout your space is a great way to add striking visual impact, add the feeling of a larger space and overall openness, and allow light to flow.

This stunning addition is luxurious and can add value to your home, and when professionally designed and installed correctly, it is functional and safe. But before you pull the design trigger on adding glass railings to your property, it is important to thoroughly understand and consider various aspects of installing them.

Continue reading to learn more.

5 Things You Need to Know About Glass Handrails

Here’s what you need to know:

• There Are Different Kinds of Glass Handrail Systems

Did you know that there are several ways to install glass railings? Before selecting one, it’s wise to think about how each of these styles could fit into the overall design and aesthetic of your property. Here are a few different systems:

Standoff Glass Railings — Standoff railings feature stainless steel cylinders, also called standoffs, that are secured to the glass panels. The glass has pre-drilled holes and is leveled in place. 

The standoffs are what secure the panels to the vertical face of the floor or stairs. Property owners can opt for a frameless look or a standoff railing system that has more visual hardware. This decision regarding the fastening method needs to be made during the framing stage since sufficient backing needs to support the glass.

Clamped Glass Handrail Systems — The glass in a clamped glass railing system is secured with metal clips mounted to posts or the railing or shoe. This system allows property owners to choose wooden frames and posts or those made from steel. 

Dadoed Glass Handrails — Dadoed glass railing systems feature a glass panel secured within a top railing and bottom shoe. In other words, the glass is built into a wooden frame. This style of railing is the cleanest in terms of visual appeal since there is no need for hardware or clips.

• Make Sure to Understand and Follow Local Building and Safety Codes Thoroughly

Before making any decisions or putting any money down, it is crucial to completely understand and follow the building and safety code requirements in your area surrounding the type of safety glass (laminated, tempered, etc.) required or allowed.

Finding the right glass for your glass handrails is essential. Tempered glass is a heat-treated glass that changes the break pattern and increases surface strength. If tempered glass breaks (which is really hard to do), it will shatter into tiny cubes — rather than shards — for obvious safety reasons.

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is fabricated from two or more panes of glass fused together by a layer of plastic. These layers provide the glass with additional strength and safety. If the laminated glass does break, which is not easily done, one pane will shatter while the other remains intact.

• Glass Handrails Require Regular Care and Maintenance 

Overall, glass railings do not require as much long-term care or maintenance as those made from wood. However, that said, it is important to note that most property owners’ day-to-day maintenance lifestyle changes. It is safe to say that most people would agree that a glass railing looks drastically better when it’s sparkly clean than when it’s dirty. 

Thankfully, getting your glass railing system looking great and crystal clear won’t require too much extra work. Use a clean, soft cloth, a store-bought or homemade cleaning solution, and a little bit of elbow grease. Avoid using abrasive products or scrubbers.

• Consider Your Budget and the Project Cost 

Glass railings give your space a high-end look and feel. With that, it is important to understand that glass handrail systems are typically a larger investment than other types of railings. Keep in mind that there are more cost-effective options within the world of glass railings, such as dodged glass railings.

Styles that require stainless steel and other types of hardware are typically more expensive. Remember, you get what you pay for, so make sure to take note of the hardware’s quality when making your selections.

• Not All Glass Companies and Installers Provide the Same Quality of Work

It is no secret that glass railings are an exciting investment and beautiful addition to your home or business. However, before you sign any contracts, make sure to do your homework about who you hire — not all glass companies and installers are created equally.

Not only does an improperly manufactured and installed railing look bad, but it is also a huge safety hazard and liability risk. Taking the time to find a trusted, experienced, and insured glass company that provides quality work and has a proven track record might be the most important thing you do when making choices surrounding your glass railing system.

Want Glass Handrails in Your Home? Contact New Concepts Glass Design Today!

Swap out your wooden railings and spindles for a more modern alternative: glass handrails. 

Whether you want to add glass railings throughout your Northern Utah property or have another customer glass project in mind, the glass professionals at New Concepts Glass Design can help. 

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, our team can help your glass dreams and visions come to life. If you want to add glass cabinet doors, upgrade your shower or tub to glass doors, install a glass wine cellar, or have a different idea in mind, our pros can handle the job!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of one way mirror. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.