Glass is a sleek and modern design material that can completely elevate the aesthetic of any space. That said, installing handrails can present some unique challenges. That’s why it’s so crucial to choose a secure and reliable handrail.
The International Building Code (IBC) serves as a widely adopted model code, providing general guidelines for compliance. But be sure to check local codes in your area to ensure you’re following all of the requirements. Because of geographical or topographical specifics in certain areas, some codes may require stricter safety standards, especially if you’re in an area prone to earthquakes or floods.
Requirements for Glass Used in Handrails or Guards
Glazing used in guards and railings is classified as a hazardous location under IBC 2406.4.4, which is why it must be made from fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass, as specified in IBC 2407.1. This applies to both structural baluster panels and nonstructural in-fill panels, regardless of their size or height above a walking surface.
Structural glass baluster panels must also include an attached top rail or handrail for added stability. To ensure safety, the top rail or handrail must either be supported by at least three glass baluster panels or have an alternative support system to allow the handrail to remain in place if one glass baluster panel fails.
Glass Handrail Installation Methods
Glass handrails are a sleek, modern solution for enhancing the safety and aesthetic of stairs, ramps, and walkways. Choosing the right installation method is crucial to ensure durability, functionality, and compliance with building codes in both residential and commercial spaces.
They can also be installed directly on the wall or connected to the wall with a post. Because they meet all residential and commercial building codes as well as ADA requirements (exceeding load recommendations by supporting 500 lbs), they are the best choice for installing glass handrails for ultimate safety and stability.
L-Bracket (Sprocketlock)
Our innovative and flexible L-brackets are the only option on the market designed specifically to mount directly to glass. Featuring a pivoting head, these brackets allow handrails to be positioned exactly where needed with ease. The circular base ensures the bracket is always properly aligned and can be installed directly onto a glass in-fill, glass wall, or glass panel — something no other standard bracket can achieve.
Inside the bracket, our proprietary Sprocketlock™ system attaches securely to the glass itself, with the bracket clamping onto the sprocket to completely conceal all hardware. When mounted on a glass wall or divider, this unique system creates a sleek, modern aesthetic that is bold, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to install for experienced professionals.
This clever bracket clips easily into metal or wood handrail channels — no fasteners required — making adjustments and repositioning simple. The pivoting head works for both flat and angled surfaces, giving you flexibility across different installations. Built for both indoor and outdoor use, it stands up to wet or dry conditions and requires no ongoing maintenance, delivering reliable performance in any environment.
Promenaid Glass Handrails
Promenaid glass handrails for stairs seamlessly combine style and functionality, providing a perfect balance of modern design and safety you can rely on. Whether you need it for residential or commercial spaces, Promenaid offers innovative solutions that meet building codes and ADA requirements while enhancing your overall aesthetic. Here are some of the amazing benefits of Promenaid glass handrails.
Modern Aesthetics
Using glass in interior design creates a modern and clean aesthetic. And when you install glass handrails for stairs, they need to exude that same modern feel to complement the design. Promenaid’s satin-anodized aluminum handrails add a modern touch while increasing safety and stability.
Promenaid handrails are available in four distinct and beautiful finishes – Architectural Bronze, Satin Black, Champagne, and Silver – and two TrueWoodTM wrapped options – Red Oak and Black Walnut. Powder-coated brackets also come in the same finishes, allowing you to create a cohesive aesthetic or use contrasting colors to add even more dimension and individuality to your design.
Continuous Design
ADA and building code requirements both call for continuous handrails for the length of a flight of stairs. This includes landings, winders, slope changes, and corners. Fortunately, Promenaid handrails use an innovative combination of handrail lengths, brackets, collars, and bends to tackle any angle or elevation with a simple twist of an Allen wrench.
Our SprocketlockTM system allows you to create custom bends and install the handrail with brackets that can be placed anywhere. Plus, our handrails even allow you to create free-standing bends in areas where it’s difficult to install brackets. With Promenaid, installing a continuous handrail is easier than ever.
Compatibility with Guardrail Systems
Glass is often used where a guard is required on stairways. In commercial applications, the top of the guard on stairs must be at least 42” from the stair tread nosing, and a handrail is then required between 34” and 38” to comply with building codes and ADA standards.
For residential spaces, guards must be at least 36” from the stair tread nosing. In this case, the guard can act as the handrail if it meets those requirements. Unfortunately, glass guards do not qualify. Promenaid handrails offer the ideal solution as they can be installed directly onto the glass with either L-brackets or T-brackets, placing them at the required height and exceeding ADA standards.
The Best Handrails for Stairs
Glass is a modern material that can help you create a clean aesthetic. So choosing bulky-looking or old-fashioned handrails simply isn’t the best choice. That’s why Promenaid offers modern handrails in elegant finishes. Versatile and easy to install, Promenaid handrails will give you peace of mind while looking beautiful.
Contact an expert at Promenaid today to learn more about the best handrails for stairs!
