5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Glass Floor
Share
Buying a glass floor is a significant investment that adds both style and value to your home. But before you purchase, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure you get a safe, durable, and high-quality product that will last for years.
Here are the five most important questions to ask any supplier.
1. Is the Glass Certified and Load-Rated?
This is the most critical question you can ask. A structural glass floor isn't just a piece of glass; it's a load-bearing part of your building.
The Right Answer: The product should be UKCA certified and have a clear load rating (minimum). This certification applies not only to the glass but also to the structural steel components used in our frames and hinged units, which are manufactured to the strict standards of BS1090.
Our walk-on glass is always toughened and laminated, meaning it's engineered with multiple layers of glass bonded together for incredible strength. This ensures it meets or exceeds all relevant building regulations and can safely support the same weight as a traditional floor, giving you peace of mind with your new glass wine cellar door or glass floor hatch.
2. Is the Surface Safe to Walk On?
You need to know your new floor won't be a slipping hazard, especially if it’s for a high-traffic area.
The Right Answer: The glass should have a permanent anti-slip coating for any mid to high use areas with a specified LOW PTV rating value. This specialized treatment provides a lasting grip even when the surface is dry, all without compromising the stunning transparency of the glass. You can also get a frosted or sandblasted finish if you prefer a non-slip, opaque surface.
Beyond the surface, the safety of your glass floor also depends on its structural design. The thickness of the glass used should be carefully specified to be suitable for the span of the opening it is covering. In addition, the glass should be supported fully on all its edges, as this is crucial for distributing the load correctly and ensuring the panel's long-term safety and integrity.
3. How Complicated Is the Installation Process?
A beautiful product is useless if it’s a nightmare to install. You want a product that is designed for a professional fit without excessive complexity.
The Right Answer: The unit should be supplied fully assembled and ready to fit into a prepared structural opening. For our electric glass floor systems, the convenience is even greater, as they are plug-and-play, requiring no complex wiring on-site. This makes the process simple for a competent builder or tradesperson.
4. Can the System Be Made to My Exact Specifications?
Every project is unique, and you shouldn't have to compromise on your design.
The Right Answer: The system should be completely bespoke. A good supplier will be able to create units to any size or shape, whether you need a small circular glass well cover or a large, multi-panel glass floor for a commercial space. A supplier should work with you to create custom drawings and designs to ensure a perfect fit for your specific project not just mass produce a 'one size fits all' mass produced product.
5. Where is the Company Based and Are They Credible?
In today's market, many companies have a fancy website but no physical premises or real expertise. Your final due diligence should be to ask about the supplier's background.
The Right Answer: A reputable company will be happy to tell you where they are based, allowing you to verify and visit their physical workshop or office. They should also be able to tell you where their materials are sourced from and what standards they adhere to. This level of transparency ensures you are dealing with a credible, experienced manufacturer, not just a reseller with a polished online presence. Finally, pay attention to how quickly they respond to your initial queries; a supplier who is responsive and helpful during the quotation phase will likely offer excellent after-sales support, too.
Check out our Learn Page for more glass floor information, our online Glass Floor Shop for pricing or our Gallery Page for inspiration!
Contact Us for more information, questions or custom quotations