Glass vs Stainless Steel Railing: Which Material Offers the Best Value

Railings serve a primary function of ensuring safety. However, while their functionality remains paramount, they can also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of a design, making a lasting impression. Two distinct railing options, namely glass and stainless steel railing, offer distinctive design aesthetics without sacrificing safety.

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The cost of a project can vary depending on factors such as the project's scale, customization options, and materials utilized. Which material option provides the most value for your budget?

Modern Glass Railings

Glass railings provide a contemporary visual appeal, allowing for improved visibility compared to alternative infill options. When combined with aluminum, glass railings deliver an unparalleled combination of modern safety and style.

Glass Railing Pros

Glass railings are a stunning addition to contemporary spaces that not only enhance visibility but also elevate the overall design. Additionally, glass railings offer the added benefit of customization to meet specific design needs. An excellent example of this is the SB-ISD railings design near Houston, TX, which features glass infills in three distinct shades of red to infuse a sense of excitement and movement in the space.

Moreover, the tempered glass utilized in glass railings is exceptionally robust and provides increased coverage in areas where traditional railings pose a risk to children or pets. Glass is also incredibly durable and can withstand both indoor and outdoor environments

Glass Railing Cons

It is worth noting that glass is susceptible to displaying fingerprints, and due to the larger surface area of glass railings, additional cleaning may be necessary to maintain a smudge-free appearance. Moreover, in outdoor settings, glass railings may pose an unseen hazard to birds and other wildlife. Additionally, it is important to consider that glass may be more expensive compared to other materials due to its premium appeal.

Modern Stainless Steel Railings

Stainless steel railings provide a low-maintenance solution that adds a sleek and contemporary touch to a range of settings, including stairways, walkways, balconies, and decks.

Stainless Steel Railing Pros

Stainless steel railings are renowned for their exceptional durability and require minimal maintenance, primarily periodic cleaning, which can be accomplished swiftly by running a cloth with a mild cleaner along the length of the railing. The infill options for stainless steel railings are diverse, ranging from picket panel systems that emulate traditional balustrades, perforated metal, wire mesh, and cables, and it can be incorporated with wood or used as a freestanding system. All these choices allow for a high degree of customization to create an ideal railing design.

Stainless Steel Railing Cons

Although stainless steel is a low-maintenance material, it is worth noting that it can accumulate fingerprints, necessitating regular cleaning to retain its luster and shine. For projects near the ocean, it is recommended to use marine-grade stainless steel, due to their higher corrosion resistance properties.

Glass and Stainless Steel Railing Design Ideas

The choice between glass or stainless steel railings ultimately depends on individual design preferences and budget constraints, as both options offer limitless design possibilities.

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!

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.

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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.

The company is the world’s best triple glazed glass supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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