Blog

Why Choose Glass Balustrades Over Other Balustrade Types?

Balustrades are a safety requirement when it comes to staircases, balconies and landings but there’s no reason why they have to be an eyesore. Glass balustrades are becoming an increasingly popular option that offers a number of advantages over other types of balustrading. In the list below, we have explored several of the main benefits that glass provides:

• Aesthetic Appeal
  The biggest benefit is the balustrade’s ability to complement homes of any style. Glass is unobtrusive, which means that it won’t detract from the design of your stairwell or balcony, or the décor of your home as a whole. Other balustrading is comprised of vertical or horizontal bars that can cast unappealing shadows across the space.
   
• Cleaning
  Although cleaning glass might seem like a daunting task, wiping it down is far easier than cleaning alternative materials. Cleaning timber, wrought iron, stainless steel or wire balusters when they start to show signs of dirt and fingerprints can be a real hassle, whereas glass simply requires a little bit of water and a streak-free cloth.
   
• Ample Sunlight
  Glass balustrades operate similarly to windows in that they allow ample sunlight to pass through and penetrate the space beyond. This is particularly beneficial if your stairwell or balcony doesn’t butt up against any windows, as this can make the space quite dark when a solid barrier is used. Glass can help the space to feel brighter.
   
• Clear
  We have already touched on the fact that panes of glass are clear, which ensures that your views will not be obstructed. From helping you to keep an eye on young children as they traverse the staircase to helping the various spaces of your home to feel more connected, these balustrades will be a real asset to the overall feel of your home.
   
• Highly Durable
  Glass is actually more durable than you might think. It is usually toughened, which means that the panes have undergone treatment to ensure that they can withstand quite a bit of pressure. This makes them highly resistant to shattering from everyday knocks and bumps. Glass is also resistant to termites and rust.
   
• Secure
  The whole purpose of a balustrade is to protect your family and friends against falls as they traverse up and down the stairs or walk along the landing. Glass provides a very secure barrier that cannot be easily broken through. Plus, there are fewer gaps between panes (unlike with other types) so there is less temptation of getting limbs stuck.
   
• Design Options
  Believe it or not, glass balustrades actually have several design options to ensure that you get the look and feel you desire. Whether you prefer a completely frameless look or you don’t mind the look of a frame, your needs can be met. Other options could include mini post and infill, both of which have their own unique look.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why you should choose glass balustrades over other balustrading types. If you have any questions about which balustrading will best complement your staircase design and/or the style of your home, contact the team at Gowling Stairs. We work with all balustrading materials and can steer you in the right direction.