Low iron glass is ultra clear in comparison to the standard glass option, which has a lightly greenish-blue hue to the glass. The lower levels of iron in the glass panel is what diminishes the greenish-blue hue. Low iron glass tends to let more natural light in by a small percentage when compared to standard glass. Standard glass has a slightly greenish blue coloring to it because of the iron level left behind by the manufacturer. The greenish blue hue to the glass aids in reducing the clarity of the glass, adding privacy to your stair treads. The color of the standard glass is not obtrusive to your design and is typically noticed when attention is given to the edge of the tread. Regardless of which glass makeup is best for your project, both glass panel types are completely safe, designed to withstand heavy traffic, and have the same high performance levels.
Options for transparency and translucency are available to meet any project design. Glass stairs can be an exciting feature to give the illusion of "walking on air." However, depending on the location of the stairs and the traffic flow, you may want to increase translucency. Translucent glass stair treads still allow an immense amount of light through, but do not show a distinct image of what is on the other side of the glass. In addition to the added privacy of translucent glass, you can also add privacy to a transparent glass stair tread by incorporating a sandblasted finish. Whether transparent or translucent, glass stair treads keep the light moving in any space.
The framework of this glass system is designed to accommodate any project opening. Architectural framework can also be customized to match any custom shape desired in your project. GBA has experience in incorporating spiral framed staircases with our GlassWalk™ glass stair treads application.
The GlassWalk™ Stair Tread is a pre-engineered system designed to meet your projects specifications and shipped in a kit with all necessary building materials. GBA realize that each project has different needs, which is why we can design project specific drawings to ensure your glass staircase is capable of handling the desired load. These drawings and specifications are also constructed to ensure that installation is as seamless as possible.
Custom cut glass stair treads combined with a glass paver landing to create unique views and transmission of natural light in this residential application.
GBA is the perfect partner in any project with a unique design, ranging from structural glass floors to custom staircases. Custom staircases are making a huge splash in home design, whether it be in a home remodel or new build. Custom glass staircases are available upon request, and GBA's design team is eager to work with you to create a safe glass staircase application. Add LED lighting to the glass stair treads to make them seamlessly float all the way up. LED lit stairs are a safe, eco-friendly and versatile solution to elevate any traditional or dark staircase. Lighting can be included into the aluminum framework of this engineered system for a seamless lighting design.
In addition to lighting your glass staircase, using colors or designs within the glass interlayers is another way to further customize your glass treads. We can print company logos or even etch them into the glass treads or landing panels to add an eye-catching design element to your glass stair panels.
Ready to take your staircase to the next level and illuminate your space with natural light? Look no further than GBA's GlassWalk™ Stair Treads, a light penetrating glass flooring system. Our pre-engineered system includes a structural 3-ply glass stair tread that is over 1" thick. These glass stair panels can span 56" wide with only 2-sided support. Thanks to a new design, mounting screws are hidden behind the glass stair risers to insure clean installation. Our glass stairs are available for glass stair risers and glass stair landing panels to complete your floating stair tread design.
Much like our structural glass floor system, our glass treads come in a variety of translucent or transparent glass pattern options. Traction frits make glass stair treads an ideal walking surface in any application. Ceramic frits are baked onto the walking surface of the glass stair tread for slip resistance. The treads are set into specially designed support brackets that are made of aluminum with a satin finish. Once installed, the bracket seems to "vanish" and will not obstruct your stairs, creating a floating glass staircase.
With many design options for your glass staircase, you can create breathtaking stairs that are curved, S-shaped, straight, and more. This design allows you to create clean lines and beautiful naturally lit spaces that you never thought were possible. To add even more light to your design, combine glass stair treads with any of our structural walking surfaces to create a glass bridge or walkway. Combining glass stair treads with a structural glass walkway creates a sophisticated, high-end glass design at cost-effective pricing no other manufacturer can beat. Plus, glass stair treads are specially designed to withstand heavy foot traffic to ensure safety and longevity.
Staircases can be incredibly difficult to install correctly, and even more difficult when using a non-traditional building material. GBA is a certified installer of GlassWalk™ Stair Treads and has installed hundreds across the United States. However, if you have a contractor to install them for you, we will provide specifications and drawings designed for your project. GBA will send all necessary building materials precut, specific to your project, to you in an easy installation kit. Similar to our structural glass floor system installation, it is important to have all the structural components including the support brackets, glass stair units, and/or a vertical glass riser, depending on design. A vertical riser would not be included if the design intent was to have floating stairs. If your staircase already has landings, we can still incorporate glass stair treads to existing framing for a unique combination look and feel.
When installing a glass staircase, be sure to first prepare your surfaces. Everything should be clean and dry of any oil, grease, old coverings, adhesives, or any other foreign substance. If the surrounding area requires any painting or refinishing, we recommend that it is done prior to the installation of the treads. It may be easier for your design to retouch any painting in the staircase area after the glass stair panels and landings have been installed. For a more detailed installation guide, contact our design team at (877) 280-7700.
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In certain applications, GBA can produce high load structural glass floors that can handle the weight of cars, trucks, or any other vehicle.
Glass stairs require minimal upkeep and can effortlessly be kept spotless with the help of glass cleaner or a gentle, non-abrasive soap and cloth.
GBA Architectural Products + Services installs glass paver vault lights, stairways, structural glass floors and bridges, glass stair treads, deck glass, and even walkable skylights. GBA is also an installer of glass block applications ranging from glass block pavers to glass block systems engineered for security and detention centers, hurricane resistance, fire resistance, blast resistance, and even tornado resistance.
Check out the website of GBA Architectural Products + Services for new ideas regarding the installation of durable glass components in your new construction or remodel project. GBA is a proud partner of many prestigious historic renovation projects, too. With our large supply of glass block and structural glass products, we take pride in being able to match or create a glass block to resemble the original design intent. We are constantly completing new, unique glass design projects and adding them to our Project Inspiration page to inspire any architect, contractor, home-owner, designers, or engineer.
To discuss the possibility and advantages of incorporating GBA Structural Glass flooring or glass stair treads into your new construction or remodel, contact one of the three numbers listed below or contact us to fill out our form.
Midwest: 877-280-7700
East Coast: 212-255-5787
West Coast:213-634-7050
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The price of a glass floor will vary per project due to the size and scope of work. GBA offers free estimates for your project as well as Furnish & Install quotes. To learn more about pricing of glass stairs, reach out to one of our reps today!
