Replace your stair spindles with glass: how we can help

Replacing your stair spindles and banisters with glass is a fantastic way to give your staircase a new lease of life. Here is how Glass & Mirror Solutions can make it happen:

Stair spindles, balustrades, banister – what’s the difference?

First things first, let’s get the terminology right!

While it can be confusing, a good rule of thumb to remember is that balustrade refers to the whole railing system. It is what is fixed to staircases, balconies, mezzanines and garden decking and is made up of components: handrail, footrail and banisters/spindles.

As part of a balustrade railing system, banisters and spindles are broadly the same thing, as they both supporting the handrail. However, banisters usually rest on a footing such as a step, floor or deck, whereas spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the newel posts.

Whether you wish to replace the whole balustrade with glass or just your stair spindle or banister, this will depend entirely on the state of your existing staircase, the look you wish to achieve and your budget.

Why use glass for staircases?  

Replacing a balustrade system with glass offers numerous practical and aesthetic benefits:  

Light and space

Glass panels will let light flow throughout your staircase, making the space not only appear brighter but larger too.

What’s more, whereas old-fashioned spindles obstructed the view from your staircase, glass panels will open the space.

Versatility

Whilst replacing wooden spindles and banisters with glass is intrinsically modern, your new staircase doesn’t have to be.

For example, glass spindles can be combined with a wooden base and handrail for a more traditional look.

By choosing a made to measure glass provider like Glass & Mirror Solutions, you can create different styles to suit your home.

Safety

If you have children or vulnerable adults in your household then a glass balustrade can help prevent accidents from occurring on your staircase.

Not only do the glass panels stop anyone walking too close to unsafe edges, but, unlike wooden balustrades with horizontal bar, a glass balustrade has no footholds for potential climbers!

Replacing your stair spindles with glass: what’s involved

If you choose to replace your spindles or banisters, glass panels will be used as the vertical infill between the base rail and handrail. They will be secured in place in one of two ways:

Handrails and glass clamps

This method requires support posts at every glass panel joint that are recessed into the glass or which screw into place with specific glass spindle brackets.

This is a flexible solution as it means the panels can be removed if you wish to change the look of your stairs again further down the line.

Grooved base and handrails

For this method, the glass panels are inserted into a grooved base and handrails using specialised glass inserts, with no additional support required.

This is a permanent fixing, as the panels cannot be removed without causing damage to the glass.

Choosing the right glass panels to replace your stair spindles

While traditional stair spindles and banisters were often quite utilitarian, their glass replacements are intended to be a focal point of your home.

As such, glass panels from Glass & Mirror Solutions offer style, beauty and design flexibility whilst meeting the highest safety standards. 

They are constructed in either toughened or toughened laminated glass and are available in a range of styles, including painted and tinted glass.

We also offer a range of options when it comes to fittings for the glass panels: brackets and clamps are available in a choice of metal finishes, such as bronze, gold or silver.

Visit our online store to browse our range of glass balustrade fixings.

Get an instant quote for replacement balustrade glass

Our online glass calculator can give you an instant quote for your glass panels.

Simply select the shape, size and any cutouts you require, then choose from a range of thicknesses and finishes, including toughened, tinted and mirrored glass.

Talk to the experts

If you are planning to replace your stair spindles with a glass balustrade, or make any kind of changes to your staircase, it worth discussing your ideas with experienced glass suppliers like Glass & Mirror Solutions.

We have been designing, supplying and installing glass products in Durham and across the North East of England for over 25 years, so you can be confident that we have the skills, knowledge and experience to get it right.

We can design replacement glass spindles and banisters specifically for your home and make sure they fit your existing staircase perfectly.

What’s more, we will work with you to create a bespoke balustrade design than complements the style of your home, at the best price.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your ideas or go to our online design gallery for inspiration.