Part 2 - Reflections Glass Balustrade DIY Fitting Guide

The following article will assist you when installing the Cheshire Mouldings Reflections Glass Balustrade range of staircase parts. Split into three separate articles, I've listed a table of contents and links below:

1. Part 1 - Base Rail and Newel Post Installation 
2. Part 2 - Handrail and Glass Panel Installation (current article)
3. Part 3 - Landing Installation

1 - Introduction

A simple way to renovate your hallway this winter is by installing the popular Reflections range of glass balustrade. Not only is it simple to install for those competent in DIY, but the glass panels will give your room a brighter, renewed sense of space. Forget traditional wooden spindles and opt for something a little more contemporary and modern for your home. The following guide contains installation instructions for the base rail and newel posts in the rake section.

Here at Blueprint Joinery, we stock everything you’ll need to install your new staircase with ease – glass panels, handrails, base rails, newel posts, fixing kits and more.

Please note, Reflections Glass Balustrade has been designed to suit stair pitches between 40° and 44°. As per the fitting guide, this range is designed for use in domestic situations and will fit most closed staircases with a handrail height of 900mm on the rake and 900mm on the landing.

If in doubt, please phone our office on (01691) 671020 or email us at info@blueprintjoinery.co.uk. We have a team of dedicated expert advisers that are on hand to help you with your latest stair balustrade project; from start to finish.

2 - Tools and Fixings Needed

1. Battery drill
2. Drill bits including ø3mm, ø7.5mm, ø11mm, ø12mm, ø13mm, ø25mm and ø35mm
3. Countersink bit
4. Saw
5. Spirit level
6. Tape measure
7. Clear silicone.

3 - Fitting Guide

3a - Handrail installation

Once the handrail has been cut to the required length and at the desired angle:

1. Measure and mark the centre of the handrail. It is critical these measurements are correct to ensure an accurate fit. Make a note of the 1/2 measurement of B. (See Fig Q)
2. On your mark drill a ø12mm hole 10mm deep followed by a ø7.5mm pilot hole at 65mm deep (mark your drill piece with a piece of masking tape as before). (See Fig R)

With the hole drilled:

1. Using a 7mm Spanner, insert the threaded end into the hole you have just drilled ensuring the hinge section can move freely. (See Fig S)
2. Next you will need to measure and mark the points in which to drill into your newel post to allow your handrail to fit in place. (See Fig T)
3. Firstly, you will need to find measurement D on the front face on the newel (side of the newel joining to the handrail) to do this take your measurement from before (your handrail height (1/2 of B from Fig Q) and measure down your newel post (from the mark where the top of your handrail will sit) to the same length and mark, continue this mark horizontally around your newel post onto the side facing into the stairs.
4. Now to find measurement C (this is the centre of the width of the newel) Mark this along the horizontal line just drawn.
5. Move to the side of the newel post facing into the stairs along your horizontal line measure 25mm from the edge of the newel (this is the edge that is joining to the handrail) and mark. DRILLING NOTE: Take all safety precautions when drilling.
6. First on your newel post on the side facing into the stairs on your mark take a ø25mm drill piece and drill a 60mm hole ensuring a straight level hole. (mark your drill piece with a piece of masking tape as before). (See Fig U.1)
7. Next on the front face joining the handrail on your mark drill a ø12mm hole which will intersect the larger hole you have just drilled. (See Fig U.2) (ensure holes are clear of debris).
8. Repeat for the other end of your handrail.

Once both ends have been fitted with the universal fixing brackets you are ready to fix it to your newel post:

1. First of all go to the top of your stairs and loosen the newel post with the nut (this will allow a bit of movement to the newel when fitting the handrail). Take your handrail (with one of you at the top and one at the bottom) and slot the pivoting brackets in to the hole on both ends (this is where you may have to tilt the newel post slightly).
2. Once the handrail is in place take your locking nuts and place into the hole (facing into the stairs) and hand tighten using a 5mm hex key. (See Fig V)
3. Remember to re-tighten your newel posts.
4. Finish of by gluing in your cover buttons in all sections of your newel posts and glue on your newel cap.
5. If you have used the intermediate newel this needs to be screwed from underneath to the handrail with screws.

3b - Glass Panel installation

Please note, building regulations state that the gap between the glass panels and balustrade should not be more than 99mm. Also, when you are installing the glass panels please take care when handling glass.

Once you have cut down and mitred your fillets to the required length you need (to fill the gaps between the glass panels), insert the larger of the two pieces into the grooves of the hand and base rail and slide to fit flush with the newel. Drill a pilot hole and secure with a screw. (See Fig. W1 and W2)

Repeat this on both the handrail and base rail.

To finish off installing the glass panels, you'll need to:

1. Apply a bead of silicone into the grooves of the handrail and base rail. (See Fig. X1)
2. Tilt a piece of glass at the angle and insert it into the grooves of both rails. (See Fig. X2)
3. Slide the glass panel down to fit flush with your wood fillets. (See Fig. X3)
4. Repeat these steps all the way up your staircase until you get to the top 3 panels where you will need to slot all 3 glass panels in together without placing fillets in either rail. Slide up each panel separately and insert your remaining fillets (this will allow the freedom to place your last glass piece).
5. To finish off, take the smaller piece of fillet and glue this in between the glass panels to seal off the hand and base fillet you have screwed in place to hide the screws and to create a perfect finish.

4 - Conclusion

With the rake glass panels installed, your stair renovation may or may not be completed. If you also have a landing section, please head over to part 3. Split into three separate articles, you can find the other 2 articles below:

1. Part 1 - Base Rail and Newel Post Installation 
2. Part 2 - Handrail and Glass Panel Installation (current article)
3. Part 3 - Landing Installation

If in doubt, please phone our office on (01691) 671020 or email us at info@blueprintjoinery.co.uk. We have a team of dedicated expert advisers that are on hand to help you with your latest stair balustrade project; from start to finish.