
Floating Staircase Glass Balustrade in London
We supplied and installed a single spine steel staircase, powder coated black with solid oak treads. The balustrade is side-fixed glass, mounted directly into each tread for a clean, finish.
The client wanted a modern look and a safe barrier that does not block light. The glass runs up the pitch with no posts, so you see the oak and steel properly.
Get pricing for a floating staircase glass balustrade
Send a photo of your stair opening and the key sizes. We will advise the right setup and return a clear quote.
Why Choose a single spine staircase?
A steel staircase with a glass balustrade keeps the space bright. It gives you the safety barrier you need without boxing the stair in.
On this job, the staircase is the feature, the black spine gives a strong line and the oak works to soften it. Glass keeps both visible where traditional timber spindles or posts would have broken that up.
Side fixing with bosses also keeps the walking line clear. The glass sits close to the treads, and the fixing points stay neat and consistent up the flight.
A single spine staircase with a frameless glass banister is also easy to clean and live with, as there is only a need to wipe one surface. You do not fight spindles, corners, or paint touch-ups.

Side fixing into the treads keeps the glass tight to the stair and avoids bulky channels.

Boss fixings give a clean look and make cleaning simple. They also keep the glass aligned to the tread edge.
What the Job Involved
We start with photos and basic information so we can understand the space and the stair layout. For feature staircases, that early context matters. It tells us how the stair sits in the room, how the landing works, and where the balustrade needs to run.
Once the project moves forward, we carry out a site survey. All measurements are taken on site, including floor-to-floor height, width, and fixing points. This removes guesswork and allows the design to be set out properly before anything is made.
We then produce drawings showing the staircase structure, tread positions, and the glass line. Fixing locations are planned so the balustrade runs cleanly and consistently, which is especially important with untreated oak treads where accuracy at the edge matters.
Steelwork and timber are then finished to match the agreed look. The steel on this job was powder coated black. The treads were solid oak and finished to suit the interior. We do not lock you into one look. If you want a different steel colour, a different timber tone, or a different glass finish, we can price it.
Installation is carried out in sequence, starting with the structure, followed by the treads and then the glass. Each section is aligned as it goes in, and the final run is checked for straightness and feel. We install staircases nationwide, and if there are any questions around structure or fixing, we can assist.


Materials used
This job used a simple spec aimed at clean lines and low upkeep. We keep exact glass thickness and fixing sizes off the blog.
- Single spine steel staircase frame, powder coated
- Solid oak timber treads and landing pieces
- Side-fixed glass balustrade panels with boss fixings
If you want a floating staircase or glass banister balustrade but your layout is different, we can adapt it. That might mean a different landing return, a different glass finish for privacy, or a handrail option if your Building Control officer prefers it.
Building Regs and Safety
Stair guarding is about safety first. Height, gaps, and load performance all matter. We design each staircase and balustrade around the stair use and the fixing structure.
We work to BS6180 for barriers in and about buildings. We also reference Approved Document K guidance for stairs and guarding. If your project includes external levels, your local authority may also look at planning rules and guarding requirements as part of the wider build.
Useful links:
- Approved Document K (England)
- Planning Portal: decking planning rules
- LABC guidance: structural glass and balustrade design
If you are unsure what applies to your home, ask Building Control or your architect. We will also tell you what we need at quote stage so you can move the job on without guesswork.
Getting a Quote
If you want a floating staircase or glass balustrade like this, start with photos and rough sizes. You do not need perfect measurements on day one.
Send:
- Photos from the bottom and the top of the stairwell
- Floor-to-floor height (if you have it)
- Your postcode and a note on access (parking, stairs, tight turns)
Use our quote form here: Get a quote
Once we have your photos, we will come back with clear options.
Related Work
If you are planning a similar build, these pages help:
Send us your photos and sizes. We’ll come back with clear options – no jargon, no pressure.






















