Whether your individual style leans towards contemporary chic or timeless tradition, the fusion of oak and glass offers a refined finish. Designing an oak and glass staircase involves navigating through various options and considerations. From choosing between grooved or ungrooved handrails to selecting the perfect glass panel style, there is much to consider. In this article, our experts at Jackson Woodturners will provide you with the insight you need to embark on crafting the perfect oak and glass staircase for your home. So, what are the main factors to consider when designing an oak and glass staircase?
In our opinion, the various factors to consider when designing an oak and glass staircase include:
- Stair parts needed
- Fitting glass and oak stair parts
- Stair part costs
- Maintaining your staircase
We’ll also spotlight the many benefits of combining an oak and glass staircase as well as highlighting some top tips from an interior designer.
Keep reading to learn more about how to design the perfect oak and glass staircase.
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Stair parts needed to design an oak and wood staircase
Combining glass into an oak staircase design is a great way to create a statement and there are many parts available, which will allow you to create a modern or more traditional theme.
Glass panels
Glass panels can be used to provide the vertical infill between the handrail and base rail, instead of more traditional spindles. Our range includes panels with a variety of sizes, from 80mm up to 300mm, and it is also possible to choose from straight and curved edges. For a sleek finish, the large straight edge panels are a great option, or if you are looking to create a more detailed design, opt for the curved finishes.
In terms of panel thickness, typically panels will be between 8mm and 10mm thick. The thickness you require depends on the groove thickness within your handrail and base rail, or the thickness of the glass clamps.
You can shop our full range of glass panels here.
Handrails - grooved or ungrooved
When designing an oak and glass staircase, it is possible to choose a glass grooved or an ungrooved handrail. An ungrooved handrail is designed to be used with glass clamps, which will hold the glass panels in place. In contrast, a glass grooved handrail features a groove which allows the panels to be slotted straight into the infill.
Explore our full range of grooved and ungrooved handrails here.
Base rails
Before purchasing a base rail, you will need to consider the design of the glass panels and the handrail. If you do not want to use glass clamps, you will need to choose a base rail with a groove for the glass panels to slot into.
Shop our full range of base rails here.
Glass clamps
Glass clamps are the most popular option for combining glass panels within a wooden staircase design. These are used when a panel needs to be held between an ungrooved handrail and base rail, and there are a variety of design options available. For example, we offer brushed nickel clamps and chrome clamps, which are designed to hold panel thicknesses of 8mm or 10mm.
You can view our range of glass clamps here.
Fitting glass and oak stair parts
Although it can seem like a daunting task to fit a glass and oak staircase, the parts are designed to be simple to fit. The parts themselves are designed to provide both quality and simplicity during installation, with the glass panels, in particular, being very strong.
If you’re fitting the panels yourself, here is a list of instructions:
- The first thing you need to do is fit the base rail, which is needed to secure the glass.
- Next, you’ll need to fit the panel in place using either clamps or infill (The panel should be correctly held in place so that it is stable.)
- Finally, install the rest of the panels to ensure a straight staircase finish.
The panels will mark the height which your handrail will need to be, so mark this point on the newel post. The handrail should be slotted in place, or glass clamps will need to be fitted to the panels. It is worth noting that although Jackson Woodturner's handrails and base rails will come with infill, you will need to buy silicone separately.
*Although it is possible to fit a staircase yourself, if you are not confident, it is advisable to hire a professional. There are professional installers who will be able to provide a quick, high-quality installation. This is a safer option than attempting to do it yourself.
Oak and glass stair parts costs
The exact price of your staircase will depend on the parts you choose and the design you create. On average, you can expect to pay the following prices for each part:
- Glass panels - £15.00 - £30.00
- Oak newel caps - £5.00 - £20.00. You can buy some half newel posts from around £4.50.
- Oak base rails - £20.00 - £45.00 per 2400mm length
- Oak newel posts - £35.00 - £125.00
- Oak handrails - £45.00 - £60.00 per 2400mm length
- Glass clamps - £5.50 - £7.50
- Stair tread - £25.00 - £30.00
Maintaining your oak and glass stair parts
So, how do you maintain your oak and glass stair parts? Generally, your oak stair parts will arrive unfinished, so you will need to paint, varnish or wax to ensure the wood is protected. In order to maintain the rich colour, you will need to polish your stair parts regularly with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Over time, if you do find a chip or scratch, these can be carefully sanded or buffed out and refinished, so you should also keep additional finish supplies available.
Here are some of our recommended products at Jackson Woodturners:
Recommended products
Light Oak Wood Filler 250ml
- Ideal for filling small imperfections
- Once dry, the filler can be stained, painted or varnished
- Prior to use, ensure that surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust
Take a look at our light oak wood filler here.
Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil, Clear Gloss 1L
- Suitable for all types of internal joinery including floors, stairs, doors, furniture and kitchen worktops
- Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces
- Protects and enhances the natural beauty of wood
Take a look at our Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil Ultra here.
Benefits of combining oak and glass stair parts
Combining oak and glass stair parts will provide a unique addition to your home, offering a multitude of benefits including:
Oak
Many people opt for oak because it is such a strong hardwood, which means it is extremely sturdy and will resist dents and scratches. It is also known for its distinctive natural stripe, which adds warmth and character. This natural finish can be varnished to enhance the tones of the wood or stained and painted to create a more individual finish. A solid oak staircase will be more expensive than other timbers; however, it is a high-quality material which will set the tone for the entire property and create a luxurious feel for many years to come.
Glass
Incorporating glass into a staircase is a less traditional option; however, it will instantly create an illusion of more space, providing a modern, stylish finish that will perfectly complement more contemporary interiors. If you are completing a staircase renovation and are looking to instantly update an existing staircase, adding glass balustrades or glass panels will instantly create more light and a feeling of openness.
In addition to the design benefits, toughened glass is also very safe and secure, providing a durable option. Although the panels will need cleaning to maintain their finish, they are easy to keep clean, and maintenance is minimal.
Tips from an interior designer
We spoke to Claire Armstrong-Gautier, lead designer at My Bespoke Room for some expert tips on designing an oak and glass staircase:
Why do you think oak and glass is such a popular combination for a staircase?
"The combination is a timeless one for homeowners looking to champion traditional elements in their home but with a more contemporary twist. Done well, the contrast of the two materials can make a strong statement."
What colours do you think would go well next to an oak and glass staircase?
"When decorating a home with a glass and oak staircase, we would favour neutral tones as part of the design. Think soft, warm whites or light greys. This will then allow the beauty of the wood to take centre stage. This soft palette will also be a continuation of the light and airy feel that the glass creates. If you were hoping to add a bit more colour to your hallway, then a soft sage green would work beautifully."
What type of lighting would you add to an oak and glass staircase to make the room look larger?
"We would typically lean towards recessed spotlights on the wall side of the stairs. This helps to illuminate the area in a soft and classic way which complements the more traditional style of the stairs and property."
What would you add to an oak and glass staircase to further combine traditional and modern themes? For example, the use of stair runners or wall decorations.
"I'd often suggest a simple neutral tone runner so you have something soft underfoot. Again, the trick here is not to overcomplicate the area as you want to draw the eye to the staircase and avoid the room looking too crowded. A small stripe pattern or striped edge can add a great detail for those who want to bring a little pattern to the room."
What are your tips on creating a minimalistic theme in a room with an oak and glass staircase?
"Keep in mind that the focus in the room is the staircase so don't worry about trying to overfill the rest of the space. I'd recommend using glass for the finishing touches and lighting to create a more minimalist look and avoid the space looking like a chalet! For example, go for ceiling lights or pendants with glass shades."
Oak and glass stair parts at Jackson Woodturners
Elevate your space with the exquisite combination of oak and glass in your staircase. At Jackson Woodturners, we offer quality oak and glass stair parts that can be tailored to your unique style and preferences. With a diverse range of handrail and glass panel finishes to choose from, you can create a sophisticated and uncluttered finish that seamlessly integrates into both contemporary and traditional interiors. Let us help you design the perfect centrepiece for your home.
Get in touch with our team of stair experts today to find out more!
