5 Things to Know Before Buying shoe railing system

Are you looking for glass railing? Here are 5 things you need to know before you start your project.

By far, glass is the most popular choice for modern railing right now. It is a trending alternative to wooden handrails and spindles and we see why!

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Glass railing has stunning visual impact, adds openness, makes spaces feel bigger and facilitates light flow. It adds luxury and value to a home and when designed and installed correctly, is incredibly safe and functional.

Let’s walk through 5 things to consider when looking into glass railing for your home:

1.There are different types of glass railing systems.

There are a variety of ways to install glass railing. Look at the different systems and consider how these styles fit into the overall style and feel of your home.

Specialized Stair and Rail categorizes interior glass railing into 3 main categories: dadoed, standoff, and clamped.

Dadoed Glass Railing

Dadoed glass railing is a system where the glass railing panels are secured within the top railing and bottom shoe. Essentially the glass exists within a wooden framework. Because there is no need for clips or hardware this railing has the cleanest visual appeal.

Standoff Glass Railing

Standoff glass railing is a system where the glass panels are secured with standoffs (round stainless steel cylinders). The glass has holes pre-drilled, it is leveled in place, and the standoffs secure the panel to the vertical face of the stair and floor system. This can be a frameless railing system with a minimal amount of visual hardware. Note: due to the fastening method, a decision to use this system needs to be made at the framing stage as sufficient backing needs to be in place to support the glass.

Clamped Glass Railing

Clamped Glass Railing is a system where the glass panels are secured with glass clips mounted to posts or occasionally the railing or shoe. This system gives the option to use wood or steel posts and if you want to highlight your hardware (steel or black) this is possible because of the frequency of posts required. To some, this is a very appealing style.

2. Consider safety and local building codes

It is important to consider the local building code requirements in your area regarding the type of safety glass (tempered, laminated) required or allowed.

Specialized Stair and Rail offers tempered glass of the highest quality. Tempered glass is a kind of heat treated glass that increases surface strength and changes the break pattern. If tempered glass breaks it shatters into tiny cubes for safety reasons.

Laminated glass is 2 pieces of glass fused together with an inter layer. This provides strength to the glass and extra safety. In the event of breakage, one side of the glass will shatter while the other side remains in place.

3. Glass railing requires maintenance

Glass railing as a whole, has less overall long term maintenance than a wood product. But, depending on your lifestyle the day to day maintenance will need to be consider railing looks drastically better than dirty. A soft cloth, soap/vinegar and water is all you need, stay away from any abrasive scrubbers.

4. Consider budget and cost

Glass railing is generally on the higher end of railing pricing. Within the styles, dadoed glass railing is the most cost effective as it can be thinner (6mm vs 10 or 12mm), has less machining, no holes, less polishing and does not involve any pricey hardware. Often with stainless steel or other glass hardware you get what you pay for so note quality when making selections as money invested at this stage will significantly improve the style and function.

5. The experience of the company and installers is very important

Our railing is a made to order, measured specifically, custom designed and installed system. The exactness of design and installation is crucial for overall quality and style of the finished product. An improperly installed railing can not only be an eye sore but dangerous as well. Select a company that has experience and look to see examples of finished products.

Further, consider the quality of the hardware that is holding the glass in place. There is a vast variance in hardware quality that will affect the overall safety of your railing system. Specialized Stairs only offers Q-Railing. This company has a proven track record of supplying stylish and reliable products.

Now that you have considered these 5 things, how do you take the next step?

Knowing the full process will give you an understanding of the time and steps involved in your railing project.

Here is the process for ordering railing at Specialized Stair and Rail:

1. Inspiration! Take a look at the options available and style of railing you prefer. Here is our top 10 modern glass railing inspirations. Get on our website and click here to visit our gallery to see pictures of our work.

Call Specialized Stair and Rail to have one of our designers walk you through our online gallery and talk about your project

3: Come into the showroom to see physical samples of our railing. All our railing systems on display. Bring along the plans and pictures of your space and one of our stair designers will help you select products that suit your style, space, and budget.

4: We will come out to your site to get measurements.

5: Your design and quote will be put together.

6: After design approval and deposit we will start manufacturing your railing. Note the timing and installation process.

For more information, please visit shoe railing system.

7: We will book a time for your installation.

8: Make your final payment upon completion.

We would love to hear from you and help with your project!

Are you looking for the best glass stair railings in Toronto?

Glass railings are widely used in staircases, decks, walkways, and pools. Their sleek, streamlined, and sophisticated looks add beauty to any space, from industrial chic interiors to modernist homes.

But it is essential to look at all their aspects to buy the right ones.

Here we discuss some of the most commonly asked questions about glass railing systems so that you can find the ones that look and function best for your space.

Common Glass Stair Railing Questions & Answers

Are you planning to refurbish your home by installing glass stair railings? Here we answer some of the questions most frequently asked by clients so you have a clear idea before you start your project.

1. Why Should I Consider a Glass Railing?

Glass is a trendy alternative to wooden handrails and is by far the most popular choice for modern railings. It offers a clear view of your surroundings and makes your space feel bigger and more luxurious.

Their glass panels are supported by aluminum rail posts. We use tempered glass that is not prone to surface cracking when exposed to extreme temperatures. Even if the glass breaks, the pieces are blunt and mostly harmless.

Therefore, glass railings not only add value to a home but are incredibly safe and functional when designed and installed correctly. You can even add lighting and colour tints to match your decor.

2. How Do I Choose the Ideal Glass Railing?

To find the right railing, you need to consider the type of glass, its configuration, and its application. You can also take inspiration from current trends. Whether you are installing the railing in your home or office, you need to follow local safety codes.

There are mainly three types of glass used for glass railings:

• Annealed glass
• Heat-strengthened glass
• Tempered glass

3. What are the various mounting options?

There are three main types of mounts:

• Base Mount: Also known as the top or floor mount, this is the most common type of mount for glass railings. It is recommended that the flooring be ready before the railing system is installed to ensure a solid foundation.
• Side Mount: In this type of installation, the glass railing is mounted on the outside. That’s why it does not take up space from the volume of the area. It helps create an attractive look because only the glass is visible from the inside. Here, you can even use glass railings clamps or brackets to achieve a strong and stable installation.
• Integrated Mount: Unlike the base mount’s easy installation process, integrated mounting requires careful planning beforehand. It does, however, guarantee that the finished railing is very strong. Another advantage is that only the glass is visible. Integrated mounts are favoured by architects and interior/exterior designers.

4. What Are the Best Glass Railing Designs?

Each has unique features and noteworthy benefits. You can even customize certain options to match the look and style you want. Consider these popular design ideas.

• Dadoed Glass Railing: This amalgamation of traditional and modern styles adds a chic effect to any home. The glass railing panels are held in place by the top railing and bottom shoe. This railing style does not require any clips or hardware so has the cleanest visual appeal.
• Standoff Glass Railing: Standoff glass railings offer the most unique and minimalist look, making them perfect for homeowners who prefer a modern style. Here, the glass panels are secured by clamps attached to the staircase. They can be positioned inches off the ground or pinned flush to the staircase platform. This style is popularly used on balconies because it provides an unobstructed view.
• Clamped Glass Railing: This type is well-known for its bold, one-of-a-kind, and timeless appearance.In this railing system, the glass panels are secured with glass clips mounted to posts or, occasionally, the railing or shoe. The railing system can employ either steel or wooden posts.

5. How Do I Clean and Maintain Glass Railing Components?

Another advantage of glass railings is that they are easy to clean and maintain. Simply use a standard glass cleaner or vinegar with a clean rag or sponge to gently scrub them.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website one way mirror.