Which glass is best for stair railing?

Editor: View Mate All Glass Railing

For a combination of safety and style, tempered glass is the only recommended material for stair railings. This “safety glass” shatters into small, dull pieces if broken, significantly reducing the risk of injury compared to regular annealed glass. While laminated glass is strong, it is generally not the primary choice for standard railings unless specific ballistic or security needs exist.

The optimal thickness strikes a balance between safety, stability, and aesthetics.
10mm to 12mm tempered glass is the industry standard for most residential and commercial stair applications. This thickness provides crucial rigidity to prevent excessive flexing under pressure, ensuring long-term durability and meeting strict building codes (such as ASTM F2098).

Thinner glass (e.g., 8mm) may lack sufficient stiffness, while thicker panes (e.g., 15mm+) add unnecessary weight and cost without proportional safety benefits for typical use.