Thinking about upgrading your stairs with glass railings? You’re not alone. Homeowners all over Newport Beach and Southern California are ditching bulky banisters and dated wood rails in favor of clean, modern lines. And nothing says modern like glass stair railings.
But once you start down that path, you’ll run into the big question:
Frameless or framed, what’s the better fit for your space?
The answer isn’t always obvious. Both styles have their perks. Both can look amazing. But they feel different, and they can impact the vibe of your home, your budget, and even your day-to-day routine.
So let’s break it down. Whether you’re doing a complete remodel or just trying to make your staircase less “1990s starter home,” here’s what you need to know about “custom glass stair railings” from someone who works with them every day.
Before we dive into framed vs. frameless, let’s talk about why glass is winning out over traditional railings in the first place.
Glass creates the illusion of more space, especially helpful in smaller homes or tighter staircases. No posts, no thick railings, just clear panels that let light and sightlines do their thing.
Let’s be honest, glass just looks cool. Whether you're into coastal modern or clean industrial, “glass stair railings Newport Beach” are a staple in high-end interiors. They're clean, minimal, and they make your home feel more high-end without screaming for attention.
We get it. “Glass” sounds fragile. But this isn't windowpane glass. We're talking thick, tempered safety glass that’s built to take a beating. When installed correctly, it’s every bit as tough (and safe) as metal or wood railings.
Framed glass railings are kind of the middle ground between traditional and modern. You’ve got solid posts usually in metal or wood, and the glass panels are fitted inside that frame.
Framed “custom glass stair railings” are a great option if you want a modern look without going ultra-minimal. And if you’ve got young kids or grandparents in the home, the extra handrail can be comforting.
Now let’s talk about frameless glass stair railings, the ones that make people stop and stare.
This is where the glass panels are installed without visible posts or top rails. They’re held in place with discreet metal clamps or floor-mounted base shoes that blend into the background.
If you're all about the cleanest, sleekest design possible, frameless “custom glass stair railings” are your best friend.
That depends on you. Here's a side-by-side:
| Feature | Framed | Frameless |
| Look | Clean but structured | Ultra-minimal, modern |
| Support | Comes with a rail | Optional |
| Visibility | Slightly obstructed | Totally clear |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher-end investment |
| Installation | More forgiving | Needs precision |
| Maintenance | Somewhat more (frames) | Easier to clean |
No matter which type you choose, custom glass stair railings are the way to go. Why?
Because your staircase isn’t like anyone else’s, and your home shouldn’t look like everyone else’s either.
At Hand Crafted Metalworks, we don’t do cookie-cutter. We measure, design, and build everything around your layout, your vibe, and your priorities. Want a brushed bronze finish on the hardware? Done. Need extra-safe edges for toddlers? We’ll take care of it. Live near salt air? We use the right materials to last.
Customization is where you go from “nice” to “wow.”
Around here, we see a lot of homeowners leaning toward frameless glass stair railings, and it makes sense. The homes in Newport Beach are often modern, airy, and view-driven. Frameless just fits.
But that doesn’t mean framed railings are out. In remodels, especially where you're blending old and new, framed systems can be the perfect bridge between styles. And for those who want a bit more “grip and support” from their stairs, that handrail is a big plus.
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
Still stuck? No worries, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners figure it out. And we’re not pushy. We just walk you through the options and help you get what works best for you.
Look, we’re all for the occasional home project. But glass stair railing installation is a precision job. You don’t want panels that wobble or hardware that pulls loose in a few months. And let’s not even talk about what happens if the measurements are off by half an inch.
This is a job for pros, especially if you’re going frameless, which requires pinpoint accuracy and top-tier hardware.
At Hand Crafted Metalworks, we build “custom glass stair railings” that fit your space, your style, and your budget. Whether you want the bold lines of a framed system or the barely-there beauty of frameless glass, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve worked on everything from ocean-view homes in Newport Beach to modern remodels all over SoCal. And we don’t just do stairs, we do gates, balconies, trellises, metal artwork, and more.
Q: Is glass really safe for stair railings?
Yes. We use tempered safety glass that’s incredibly strong. It meets all code requirements and then some.
Q: Can I add a handrail to a frameless system?
Absolutely. We can attach a minimalist rail to the glass or install one on the wall beside it.
Q: Will it get dirty fast?
Glass can show fingerprints, sure, but it wipes clean fast. Frameless systems actually stay cleaner since there’s no hardware to collect dust.
Q: How long does the install take?
Most projects take a few days after fabrication. We’ll give you a clear timeline before we start.
Q: Do you serve areas outside Newport Beach?
Yes! We work throughout Orange County and beyond.
