Glass railing stairs let light flow through the house and keep the staircase open, while still protecting the edge. TemperedGlass.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent glaziers and installers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not sell or install glass ourselves. There is no fee and no obligation, and you can compare quotes for stairs with a glass balustrade from more than one supplier.
Types of glass stair railing
The look depends on how the glass is held. Ask each installer which system they are quoting.
- Base channel: glass sits in a channel fixed along the edge, with no visible posts.
- Spigots or clamps: stainless steel fittings hold each panel along the stringer or slab.
- Side-fixed with standoffs: glass is bolted to the side of the stairs, which keeps the treads clear.
Most use 10 to 12 mm toughened or laminated toughened glass, often with a slim stainless steel or timber handrail.
Wooden and steel staircases
Glass works well with both. A wooden staircase with a glass railing gets a lighter, contemporary look. A steel staircase with a glass railing is usually fitted to plates or channels that are welded in at the workshop, so the glass fixings must be planned early.
Panels on a flight are cut at an angle, called raked or stepped panels. Because tempered glass cannot be cut or drilled after toughening, installers often make a template first. Allow for this extra step.
Safety and regulations
Stair edges are fall-risk areas, and glass here is a safety item. SANS 10400-N and SANS 10137 cover balustrade glass. Ask your glazier to confirm what the regulations require for your stairs, including the height and any handrail.
- Laminated toughened glass is often chosen, because a broken panel stays held on its interlayer.
- Look for the permanent safety mark on each pane.
- The staircase must be rigid enough to carry the fixings. Ask about this before you order.
What affects your quote
We never give prices here. Installers will usually look at:
- The number of flights, landings and panels.
- Glass thickness, laminated or single toughened.
- The fixing system and the handrail you choose.
- Whether the stairs are wood, steel or concrete.
- Whether a template visit is needed first, plus travel distance.
Photos and a rough sketch of the stairs help.
Comparing quotes for glass stair railings
The lowest figure is not always the best deal. When your quotes arrive, check:
- Glass: the type, thickness and finish allowed for, and that it carries the safety mark where it must.
- Hardware: the hinges, clamps, channels, spigots or frames included, and their finish and grade.
- Measuring and lead time: who measures, how long the toughened glass takes to arrive, and when it can be fitted.
- Guarantee and terms: any workmanship guarantee, deposit, payment stages, removal of old glass and how long the price holds.
What to include in your request
- Give the number of steps, flights and landings.
- Say whether the stairs are wood, steel or concrete.
- Mention if you want a handrail and what style.
- Attach photos, ideally from the top and the bottom.
- Say if the stairs are new, existing or still being built.
Frequently asked questions
Does TemperedGlass.co.za install glass stair railings?
Can I add a glass railing to existing stairs?
Is a handrail required with a glass railing?
Should stair glass be laminated?
Glass Stair Railings by province
- Glass Stair Railings Gauteng
- Glass Stair Railings Mpumalanga
- Glass Stair Railings North West
- Glass Stair Railings Limpopo
- Glass Stair Railings Northern Cape
- Glass Stair Railings Free State
- Glass Stair Railings KwaZulu-Natal
- Glass Stair Railings Eastern Cape
- Glass Stair Railings Western Cape
Glass Stair Railings by city and town
- Glass Stair Railings in Johannesburg
- Glass Stair Railings in Pretoria
- Glass Stair Railings in Centurion
- Glass Stair Railings in Midrand
- Glass Stair Railings in Sandton
- Glass Stair Railings in Randburg
- Glass Stair Railings in Roodepoort
- Glass Stair Railings in Krugersdorp
- Glass Stair Railings in Randfontein
- Glass Stair Railings in Germiston
- Glass Stair Railings in Boksburg
- Glass Stair Railings in Benoni
- Glass Stair Railings in Kempton Park
- Glass Stair Railings in Alberton
- Glass Stair Railings in Vanderbijlpark
- Glass Stair Railings in Vereeniging
- Glass Stair Railings in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Glass Stair Railings in Middelburg
- Glass Stair Railings in Secunda
- Glass Stair Railings in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Glass Stair Railings in Rustenburg
- Glass Stair Railings in Brits
- Glass Stair Railings in Klerksdorp
- Glass Stair Railings in Potchefstroom
- Glass Stair Railings in Polokwane
- Glass Stair Railings in Tzaneen
- Glass Stair Railings in Lephalale
- Glass Stair Railings in Kimberley
- Glass Stair Railings in Kathu
- Glass Stair Railings in Upington
- Glass Stair Railings in Bloemfontein
- Glass Stair Railings in Welkom
- Glass Stair Railings in Sasolburg
- Glass Stair Railings in Durban
- Glass Stair Railings in Pinetown
- Glass Stair Railings in Pietermaritzburg
- Glass Stair Railings in Richards Bay
- Glass Stair Railings in Newcastle
- Glass Stair Railings in Ladysmith
- Glass Stair Railings in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Glass Stair Railings in East London
- Glass Stair Railings in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Glass Stair Railings in Cape Town
- Glass Stair Railings in Bellville
- Glass Stair Railings in Paarl
- Glass Stair Railings in Stellenbosch
- Glass Stair Railings in George
- Glass Stair Railings in Worcester
