Glass staircases can be a real statement piece and often add value to a property. Whether you’re considering installing one in your home or a commercial premises, they have the potential to bring new life into your space.
If you’re reading this piece, you’re probably already considering that a glass staircase could be a good fit for your project. Toughened glass is a strong, safe, aesthetically pleasing material that lets natural light flow unhindered. It also compliments many other materials such as timber and stainless steel and is perfect for drawing attention to beautiful or unusual staircase structures.
However, price must always be a consideration when deciding on a new build or renovation. In this post, we’ll be breaking down the costs involved in buying and installing a new glass staircase.
Cost 1 – Removing or adapting an existing staircase
This isn’t a concern when building new properties, but many who are looking for a new staircase will need to consider their plans for their old one.
This may be a minimal expense if you’re adding glass balustrades to an existing handrail and steps construction. If you’re experienced in working with wood, you may even be able to remove the extraneous spindles yourself.
On the other hand, if you’re intending to remove the existing handrail and base rail, or indeed the entire structure, it may be wise to budget for help from a local carpenter or tradesman. They often cost between £20 and £30 an hour. You may also need to consider if you’ll need to hire a skip.
Cost 2 – New timber or metal elements
If you’re buying and installing an entirely new staircase, this can cost you anything from £700 for a small, straight, softwood staircase to £50,000 for a long, bespoke spiral staircase. The value varies widely depending on the material you choose for your stair parts (softwood is less expensive than hardwood, for instance) and the size and shape of your chosen staircase.
If you’d like to freshen up the look of your timber steps without investing new ones, you could alternatively explore cladding your existing stairs in new treads and risers. This can give the effect of a new oak staircase for only a small fraction of the price.
Buying new base-rails or handrails for your project can also be very affordable. Handrails costing between approximately £5 and £25 per foot.
When purchasing these, consider how you’d like your glass to be fitted. It’s possible to permanently install glass panels straight into a grooved handrail and base rail. Another option is to buy a solid or ungrooved handrail and use clamps to secure the glass in place.
Cost 3 – Glass Panels
Then, there’s the cost of the frameless glass balustrades themselves. If you want the effect of glass which lasts the entire length of your staircase, you will need glass sheets which have been uniquely cut to fit your staircase. Often, a professional will need to visit your property in order to take accurate measurements, including for balustrades you may need for the landing above. In the UK, the average cost for these glass railings is £370 per foot. Curved balustrades will cost significantly more.
At Bespoke Frameless Glass, our custom-made Glass Staircases start at £190 per linear meter. Download our price guide here to learn more.
Some companies alternatively provide DIY kits with several thinner panes of glass which can be spaced out down your staircase. This option can cost less. On the other hand, the effect of these kits is often less consistent, and the spaces between the glass can create safety hazards when installed inaccurately, particularly when children are likely to use the staircase.
Cost 4 – Fittings
Some companies may include any fittings in their quote for the balustrades. Others will price these separately.
By fittings, we generally refer to glass clamps, if you have chosen this style of staircase. These can come in a variety of shapes, styles, and finishes to choose from.
If you have chosen an embedded glass balustrade system, additional fittings are generally unnecessary. However, there may be a small charge for the silicon needed to safely secure the glass.
Cost 5 – Installation
The final major cost is the installation. At Bespoke Frameless Glass, our team offer professional installations as well as the glass balustrade panels and fittings. “Supply Only” glass suppliers do not provide this service.
In this case, you will need to hire another professional to perform the installation for you. Prices for installations vary according to the time needed for the job, its complexity, and how accessible your staircase is.
Hiring a general builder for the task will usually cost at least £250 per day.
Extra Costs
In many cases, the above costs will be all that’s necessary to transform a staircase with glass banisters. However, in the minority of cases, other expenses may be involved. This is particularly true if your project is an entirely new staircase. Examples include:
– The fee for an architect or designer if installing a new staircase (upwards of £200)
– Hiring a fitter to add carpet or laminate to the steps if required (from £100 per day)
– Painting or wood-staining the staircase if needed (upwards of £10)
– The cost for the local building authority to visit a new staircase and confirm it meets building regulations (£200)
Contact Bespoke Frameless Glass for a stunning, cost-effective solution
Bespoke Frameless Glass are a team of glass balustrade experts working with domestic and commercial clients in London, Bristol, Oxford, and across the Southwest. We sell and install unique glass projects, made to perfectly fit with your space and goals.
Take a look at our price guide or have a preliminary chat with our team today to find out what we can bring to your timber and glass staircase project.