With so many different design choices available, it can often be difficult to decide which type of staircase you prefer.
Between contemporary designs, wooden, steel, glass, and much more, the options are seemingly endless.
However, the two most common types of staircases are wooden and glass – but which one is better?
What are the benefits of glass staircases?
Over the past few years, glass staircases have become hugely popular in homes all over the UK because of the several benefits they offer, including their visual appeal.
Here’s a list of their main advantages, and why so many people opt for glass staircases over wooden or metal.
Modern aesthetic
Arguably the most impactful benefit of glass staircases is the modern touch they bring to a home. Glass staircases make the entrance of a home more contemporary and even provide a high-class finish in many cases.
So, if you’re looking to make an instant impression on your guests, a glass staircase is a fine choice.
Design versatility
Glass staircases provide plenty of flexibility in terms of design, allowing you to customise your staircase to suit your exact preference.
Whether it’s floating steps, or frameless or clamped staircases, a glass staircase can be tailored to your taste.
Creates flow and the feeling of space
Windows are the go-to choice when a room needs more light. Whether it’s opening the blinds or pulling the curtains back, windows are key for allowing more light to flow into a home.
Glass staircases offer a similar feel to a home, allowing more light to flow through your hallway and upstairs. If you go from a traditional staircase to a glass staircase, you should immediately notice this big change.
Enhanced visual & financial appeal
If you’re open to selling your home in the coming years, installing a glass staircase can not only improve visual appeal but also help to increase the price of your property.
A glass staircase can drastically improve the appearance of your home’s entrance, offering a stunning visual as prospective buyers view your home.
By installing a glass staircase, you’re showing buyers that they won’t need to spend money on their staircase for many years – if at all – raising the chances of them making an offer.
It’s something to think about for the future!
What are the benefits of wooden staircases?
While glass staircases offer a range of benefits, wooden staircases are just as popular for their own reasons.
Durability
Wood is a strong and resistant material that can withstand constant, everyday use for decades without needing urgent care or attention.
This makes it a solid investment for homeowners looking for longevity out of their stairs, especially if they plan on living in the property for many years.
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are especially durable.
Low maintenance
Wooden staircases also require much less maintenance than other types of staircases. If a wooden staircase has been properly treated and finished, it requires minimal maintenance.
A set of wooden stairs can simply be brushed and mopped to keep them clean.
Eco-friendly
As wood is a sustainable material, wooden staircases are good for the environment. Steel and glass staircases require much more manufacturing and don’t use sustainable materials like wooden staircases.
So, if you’re keen to help the environment as much as you can, a wooden staircase is a safe option.
Versatile
Wooden staircases can be designed in a huge variety of styles. Wood can be cut and manipulated in a range of shapes, making it possible to have a one-of-one bespoke staircase in your home.
Wooden vs glass staircases
When looking at both wooden and glass staircases alone, they both offer plenty of benefits but you must choose one.
To do this, we should directly compare them. For starters, in terms of price, glass staircases can cost more than wooden ones.
However, many people happily make this investment because of the visual appeal glass staircases offer compared to wooden stairs. While the latter isn’t unattractive – quite the opposite in many cases – glass staircases do offer a stunning aesthetic that appeals to a lot of homeowners.
Additionally, the flow of light and airiness that glass stairs provide is another huge reason why they’re so popular.
However, if maintenance is an issue for you, wooden stairs are a better choice. If you have young children, you’ll be constantly cleaning fingerprints off your stairs, but wooden staircases require a quick brush or vacuum.
Choose Abbott-Wade for your perfect staircase
So, are you ready to transform your home with a new, bespoke staircase?
Whether you prefer glass or wood, at Abbott-Wade, we can renovate your current staircase or install a brand-new, bespoke set of stairs.
All you have to do is contact us by calling 01744 634 442 and our design team will be happy to discuss your requirements.
