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Glass Staircase – The Paradigm Of Form And Function
By zarafshan qayyum
Glass adds a fascinating design element in any interior setting, especially for those who adore the value of minimalism. It is a material that exudes class, sophistication, and delicacy. On top of elegance, glass also offers adaptability and strength. That’s why its utility is not just limited to windows and doors now. In fact it is considered a perfect design element for a variety of applications. You can acquire the apex of design and functionality with glass.
Glass stairs are a display of the ideal form and function. It creates a seamless fusion of design and viability. Over the course of the past few years, glass staircases have become incredibly trendy. They have evolved as a fascinating replacement to the traditional wood and concrete staircases. Glass stairs contemporize the homes by bringing a certain refinement to the architectural aesthetics of the interior space. Let’s explore the wonders of clear staircases.
Table of Contents
Types Of Glass Used in Glass Staircase
There have been a lot of advances in glass manufacturing technology. But glass is still associated with fragility, sometimes. It is a fact that glass was once a delicate decor element that was only suitable for decor purposes. But it has evolved a lot with time. Modern glass can not only be used in heavy-duty applications but it can also be used for bullet proofing purposes. This shows the wide utility spectrum of glass. Glass staircase is another marvel that channels the strength and visual appeal of glass in the interior. Here are the types of glass used in glass stairwells.
Tempered Glass – A Simply Sturdy Glass Option
Tempered glass is toughened through a super heating process. It can endure hard impacts without breaking. It is easily available and a safe choice for glass stairs. Cracked tempered glass is even safer than the standard glass. On an impact hard enough to break it, tempered glass shatters into harmless pieces of glass. Tempered glass is mostly used in glass railings. However, it can also effectively serve as the glass stairs. The recommended thickness of tempered glass for the glass staircase is 20mm or 0.8 inch.
Laminated Glass – Ensure Safety
Laminated glass is made with the intent to hold the glass panels together even after cracking or breaking. This structure is achieved by fusing two or more panels of glass together with an adhesive interlayer. This glass type stays intact under extremely high strain. So it can safely be used in glass staircases.
Frosted Glass – to bring aesthetic value
Frosted or opaque glass falls under the ornate category of glass. A layer of frosting is applied on the glass sheets to blur the clear surface. Sandblasting or acid etching techniques can also be used for this purpose. Frosting is done on tempered or laminated glass for glass stairs. The clarity of glass sheets is replaced with an exquisite blur that adds a wow factor to the overall aesthetics.
Glass Staircase Designs
That time has long gone when glass products were only available in one or two boring and repetitive designs. Now there are many different designs, styles, and textures of glass available in the market. You can pick your preferred glass type for the glass stairway as well. Here are some aesthetic variants of staircase designs for reference.
Framed Glass Staircase
The glass railing can be framed with aluminum or steel rods and bolts to support the glass panels. The steel cables or bolts are exquisitely fixed at the edges of the glass railing to create a proper support system. This type of staircase comes under the category of framed glass stair. Framed staircases add a subtle and strong look to the interior while also ensuring maximum support.
Frameless Glass Staircase
In this design, everything from the stairs to the handrails is made of glass. The setup has an all-glass look. It lacks any framing material. The steel bolts or cables are not there to break the view. You can cherish the all-glass aesthetics with frameless glass stairs. They add a very posh and modern feel to any interior space.
Wooden Stairs With Glass Railing
Wooden stairs with glass railing is a brilliant blend of architecture and style. The layout of wooden steps combined with the refined elegance of glass railing setup the perfect staircase design for a contemporary interior. This design is also perfect for those who get intimidated by the thought of clear stairs. You can channel the excellence of glass stairs through this design.
Pros and Cons of Glass Stairs
The Pros List Of Installing Glass Stairs
Glass stairs are a top choice in modern interiors to embody the aesthetic excellence of minimalism. Although it is highly valued for contemporary flair, glass stairs have some pros and cons. Let’s discuss them to broaden our insights on glass stairs.
Minimalist Yet Classy
Glass stairway features a minimal design and doesn’t go heavy on eyes. They do not overpower the interior setting and creed a feeling of openness.
Damage Resistant
Glass stairs are better than wooden and other stair materials because you don’t have to deal with the common issues of termites, rot and rust. Unlike other materials, the appearance of glass does not dull or degrade with time.
Low Maintenance
They are easier to maintain. You don’t need any expensive gear to clean the stairs. A clean piece of cloth and soap water solution does wonders in restoring the glass panels to perfection.
Illuminating
Unlike traditional staircases, glass stairs allow the light to flow through them and illuminate the interior space. The easy flow of light elevates the aesthetics of the house even more.
Durable
Glass staircases are not prone to the typical issues of rot and rust. So they serve for a longer span than the regular staircases. You don’t have to worry about replacing them after a certain period of time.
The Cons List Of Installing Glass Stairs
There are some concerns that must be brought up to the user’s attention to help make the right decision. Here are some downsides that you should be aware of.
Breakable
You cannot rely on the regular glass for glass stairs. They can break and cause injuries on impact. Properly tempered or laminated glass must only be used in glass stairs for ensuring suitable strength value.
Heavy Load And Impacts
Special care must be taken to avoid spills. Because they can cause the staircase to get slippery and result in some injuries. Similarly you should be very careful with heavy goods and sudden blows on the staircase.
Expensive
Wooden and concrete stairs cost much less than the glass stairwell. The installation process is somewhat complex. So the overall cost piles up to be a huge amount.
Estimated Cost Of Glass Staircase
The cost of glass stairwell stairs from $850 and ranges upto $2500. However, the cost highly depends on the project specifications. The type of glass, design of staircase, size of the staircase and labor cost add up to give an idea of the total cost. Different combinations of staircase material and glass railings also alter the total price range of the project.
Final Note!
Glass staircase reflects a unique and posh lifestyle. They sure cost big bucks. But your investment would reflect in the rise of the property value. Glass stairs are a rising design trend and it is only going to grow more. So if you want to stay ahead of the game, take the leap and make sure to integrate their excellence in your home.
