Interior & Exterior Staircase Glass Railings
Glass railing systems for interior and exterior staircases. Code-compliant handrails with frameless glass panels that create open, light-filled stairways in residential and commercial settings.
Key Benefits
Open Sightlines
Glass staircase railings open up vertical circulation spaces, allowing light to flow between floors and creating a sense of spaciousness.
Code-Compliant Handrails
Integrated top caps provide graspable handrails meeting IBC requirements (34"-38" height, 1.25"-2" circular cross-section) at stair applications.
Design Statement
Glass staircases are focal architectural features that define the character of lobbies, atriums, and residential entries.
Durable Performance
Tempered glass panels resist impacts, scratches, and wear from daily traffic, maintaining their clarity for decades without refinishing.
Recommended Systems
Boundless Railing
Base-mounted frameless glass railings with U-channel system for seamless, post-free views
Framed Railing
Post-supported glass railings with maximum structural rigidity and wind load resistance
Specifications
| Handrail Height | 34"-38" measured from stair nosing (IBC) |
| Guard Height | 42" at open sides above grade |
| Glass Type | 1/2" tempered safety glass |
| Top Rail | Required graspable profile per IBC 1014 |
Design Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do glass staircase railings require a handrail?
Yes. The IBC requires a graspable handrail (34"-38" height from stair nosing, 1.25"-2" circular cross-section) on all stairs. A properly profiled top cap serves as both the guard rail and the required handrail. The glass panel alone does not meet handrail graspability requirements.
Can glass railings follow curved staircases?
Yes. Glass panels can be fabricated in custom shapes to follow curved stair geometries. The top rail is bent or segmented to match the curve. Custom curved glass panels are more expensive than straight panels and require precise field measurements.
Related Applications
Technical Resources
Learn about the glass technology behind these systems: