One of the most common applications for bespoke glass is on staircases, but it is also one of the areas where getting the specification wrong can have serious consequences. Whether you’re replacing old wooden spindles or installing a completely frameless system, the glass must be safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.
The Short Answer
Staircase glass specification depends on whether the glass is acting as the barrier itself or if there is a structural handrail taking the load. 8mm or 10mm toughened glass is often fine for infill panels, but frameless systems usually require toughened laminated glass. The exact requirement depends on the fixing method, height, and UK Building Regulations.
The Difference Between Infill Panels and Structural Glass
The specification is largely the same for side panels, full-height under-stair infills, or landing panels — what matters most is whether there is a handrail taking the load.
When 8mm or 10mm Toughened Glass Is Usually Fine (Infill Panels)
If the glass is installed in base rails or between newel posts with clamps and there is a timber or steel handrail above it, then 8mm or 10mm toughened glass is normally sufficient. In this case the glass acts only as an infill panel, not the primary structural barrier.
When You Must Use Toughened Laminated Glass
If the glass is side-fixed (bolted) to the stringer with no handrail, the glass itself becomes the barrier. In these frameless systems, toughened laminated glass (typically 13.5mm or 17.5mm) is usually required.
Getting this wrong can create a serious fall hazard. If the glass breaks, there is no longer a barrier. Even if less severe, the installation may fail building control inspection.
Note: Stair treads or walk-on glass require a completely different specification — nearly always a triple toughened laminate such as 33.04mm.
Minimum Height Requirements
- Domestic stairs and landings (inside homes): Minimum 900mm high
- Balconies, roof terraces, and external platforms: Minimum 1100mm high
- Commercial or public buildings: Usually 1100mm (always confirm with specific design criteria)
These measurements are taken from the finished floor level to the top of the handrail or guard.
Load-Bearing and Strength Standards
All balustrades must comply with BS 6180:2011 – Barriers in and about buildings. They need to withstand both static loads (people leaning) and dynamic impact forces.
- Domestic installations: minimum 0.36 kN/m
- Public / high-traffic areas: up to 3.0 kN/m depending on expected crowd loading
Gaps and Openings (Approved Document K)
No opening in the balustrade should allow a 100mm sphere to pass through (roughly the size of a small child’s head). This applies to both vertical and horizontal designs and is a very common point of failure during building control inspections.
If You Want Help With the Specification
We check every staircase glass order before cutting.
Fast turnaround times keep your project on schedule.
Clear delivery windows make installation planning easier.
Unsure whether your staircase needs toughened glass or toughened laminated glass? Send us your drawings, measurements, or fixing details and we’ll sense-check the specification for you before anything is produced. This simple step often saves far more time and money than correcting the wrong spec later.
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Questions You Might Still Have
Q: Can I use standard glass for a staircase?
A: No. Standard annealed glass is never suitable for staircases or balustrades because of the high risk of dangerous breakage on impact. It must be toughened or toughened laminated.
Q: What thickness do I need for a frameless glass balustrade?
A: If there is no handrail and the glass is side-fixed, you will usually need toughened laminated glass — commonly 13.5mm, 17.5mm or thicker, depending on span and load requirements.
Q: Do I need a handrail on my glass staircase?
A: If using single-pane toughened glass (e.g. 10mm), yes. For a completely frameless look without a handrail, you must use toughened laminated glass so that if one layer breaks, the other continues to act as a barrier.
Last updated: May 21, 2026 | GlassShopOnline – UK Suppliers of Bespoke Toughened & Laminated Glass