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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the questions we get asked most often about our balustrade kits, ordering, delivery, installation and aftercare. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with our team and we’ll be glad to help.
Pricing, Quotes & Payment
How do I get a quote for a StairFurb balustrade kit?
There are three ways to get a free quote. The fastest option is a photo estimate, where you send us pictures of your existing balustrade and we provide a price for each style. For a more accurate quote, book a free 20-minute video call and one of our team will guide you through measuring. The third option is our online configurator, which lets you measure with a tape measure and follow short video tutorials to build your own quote in around 15 minutes.
What is included in the price of a StairFurb balustrade kit?
Every StairFurb balustrade kit price includes the handrail, base rail, glass panels (or spindles), and all the fixtures and fittings needed for a standard installation. Handrails and base rails are bespoke cut to length with the required holes pre-drilled, and clamps come pre-fitted on clamped glass kits.
For painted kits we also include a tube of touch-up paint. Newel posts, newel post caps and additional wall-mounted handrails are not included as standard, but can be added from our stair parts shop.
Are newel posts and wall handrails included in the kit price?
No, newel posts and wall-mounted handrails are not included in the price of a standard StairFurb balustrade kit. They can be added separately from our stair parts shop at the time of ordering or afterwards.
Most refurbishment projects re-use the existing newel posts. If yours are damaged or you’d prefer a new style, our newel posts are available in oak or pine in standard 90mm x 90mm or custom sizes from 70mm to 100mm wide.
How does the StairFurb price match promise work?
Our price match promise means that if you find a like-for-like balustrade kit cheaper elsewhere, we’ll beat the price. The other quote needs to be for a comparable kit including all the same components and materials, and must be from a UK-based supplier with a written quote you can share with us.
To request a price match, send your alternative quote to office@stairfurb.co.uk along with the StairFurb quote you’d like us to match against.
Can I pay for my balustrade kit in instalments?
Yes. StairFurb offers interest-free finance on orders over £1,200, allowing you to spread the cost over 3 to 12 monthly instalments at 0% APR. The finance option appears at checkout once your order total qualifies.
Finance is provided by our partner DivideBuy and is subject to status and credit approval. It’s available to permanent UK residents aged 18 and over. Please note that delivery lead times are extended by up to 14 days for finance orders due to the standard cooling-off period.
How does StairFurb's interest-free finance work?
Interest-free finance lets you spread the cost of your balustrade kit over 3 to 12 months at 0% APR with no added charges. To qualify, your order must be over £1,200, and you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. The application takes a few minutes at checkout.
Finance is provided by DivideBuy, our finance partner, and is subject to status. Once approved, you pay a deposit and the remaining balance in equal monthly instalments. Full credit terms are available on our DivideBuy credit terms page.
Measuring, Surveys & Video Calls
How do I measure my staircase for a balustrade kit?
To measure your staircase for a balustrade kit, you’ll need to record the length, height and angle of each section between newel posts. The exact method depends on the style of kit you choose and whether you’re keeping or replacing your existing handrail.
For a more detailed breakdown, please see our guide to measuring for a balustrade kit.
What measurements does StairFurb need from me?
StairFurb needs three core measurements for each section of your staircase: the length of the run between newel posts, the height of the balustrade, and the angle of the stairs. The exact measurement points vary slightly depending on whether you choose an embedded glass kit, a clamped glass kit or a spindle kit.
For most projects you’ll also need to know your newel post sizes and confirm whether you’re keeping your existing handrails. Our video call team and online configurator walk you through every measurement needed.
How accurate do my measurements need to be?
Measurement accuracy depends on the kit you choose, but small tolerances are built into every StairFurb kit. Round clamped glass kits are the most forgiving, with a length tolerance of around 15mm either way. Embedded glass kits and square clamped glass kits are cut exactly to the length you provide, so length tolerance is 0mm.
For all kits, height tolerance is around 15mm either way and angle tolerance is around 0.3 degrees.
What happens if my measurements are wrong?
If your measurements are wrong, the kit may not fit your staircase correctly, and remakes are charged at the customer’s cost. To prevent this, every order goes through an online sign-off step where you confirm your measurements before manufacturing begins.
The safest way to avoid measurement errors is to book afree 20-minute video call so one of our team can check your measurements with you in real time. Alternatively, thephoto estimate service lets us cross-check dimensions from your pictures before you order.
How do I measure the angle of my stairs?
To measure the angle of your stairs, you’ll need a digital protractor or angle reader. Position it between the base rail and the newel post (not between the base rail and the floor) to capture the correct angle for your balustrade kit.
If you don’t own a digital protractor, StairFurb sends one out free of charge once your order is placed. We don’t recommend using mobile phone angle apps, as readings can vary too much for a precise cut. Once you have the angle, you input it into yourorder management page before signing off.
What is a free StairFurb video call survey?
A free StairFurb video call survey is a 20-minute remote consultation where one of our technical sales advisors helps you measure your staircase, choose a style, and produce an accurate quote, all from the comfort of your home. Calls are free and come with no obligation to order.
To book one, visit ourvideo call booking page. You’ll need a tape measure of at least 5 metres, a spirit level, the Google Meet app on a phone or tablet, and a stable wifi or 4G connection. Having a second person to help film while you measure makes the call easier, but it’s not essential.
Placing & Managing Your Order
How do I place an order with StairFurb?
To place an order with StairFurb, first generate a quote using theonline configurator,photo estimate or afree video call. Once you have your quote, you can place the order online directly from your basket using a debit or credit card or ourinterest-free finance option.
After ordering, you’ll get access to a personal order management area where you can confirm measurements, add accessories from theparts shop, and sign off your order so manufacturing can begin.
How do I save my basket and come back to it later?
You can save your StairFurb basket using the “Save Basket” link inside the basket page. This generates a unique link to your saved basket and configuration that you can return to at any time, or email to yourself or someone else.
Make sure you enter your name when saving the basket, as we can only retrieve a saved link for you afterwards if we have a name to search against. If you’ve lost your link, email office@stairfurb.co.uk with your name and the rough date you saved the basket and we’ll do our best to find it.
How do I make a change to my order before it's signed off?
To change your order before sign-off, go back into your basket from the link provided in your quote email, then open theonline configurator from the navigation menu. You can edit any section’s dimensions, the style of balustrade, the handrail material or the colour from there.
If you’ve already placed your order but not yet signed it off, the same edits can be made through your order management area. For more substantial changes, email office@stairfurb.co.uk and the team will help.
How do I sign off my order?
Signing off your order is the final step before StairFurb begins manufacturing your kit. Log in to yourorder management area, check that all your measurements, materials and styles are correct, and click the sign-off button to confirm.
Once signed off, your order moves into production. Handrails and base rails take around 5 working days to make, and glass panels can take up to 10 working days as toughening is outsourced. Lead times start from your sign-off date, not the date you placed the order.
What payment methods does StairFurb accept?
StairFurb accepts all major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, all processed securely at checkout. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also supported on compatible devices.
For orders over £1,200, you can also chooseinterest-free finance and spread the cost over 3 to 12 monthly instalments at 0% APR, subject to status. Finance is provided by our partner DivideBuy and is available to UK residents aged 18 and over.
Delivery & Collection
Where in the UK does StairFurb deliver?
StairFurb delivers to mainland UK only. Our delivery vans don’t travel by ferry, so we can’t deliver to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands or any of the Scottish islands.
If you live in one of these areas, you’re welcome to arrange your own collection from our factory using a specialist courier. The collection address is Unit 9, Blakenhall Park, DE13 8AJ.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery takes approximately 21 working days (around 3 weeks) from the date your order is signed off and paid for. For deliveries to Scotland, lead times can extend to 6 weeks depending on courier schedules.
If you’ve paid using interest-free finance, lead times are extended by up to 14 days due to the standard cooling-off period. Once your kit is manufactured, our delivery team gets in touch around 7 to 10 days before delivery to confirm a date.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery costs are calculated at checkout based on the size of your order and your postcode. Standard mainland UK delivery is included in most quotes, with additional charges only applied to remote postcodes or oversized orders.
If you’d rather collect your order to save on delivery, you can pick up from our factory at Unit 9, Blakenhall Park, DE13 8AJ. Just be aware that glass panels are supplied unpackaged, so you’ll need to bring protective blankets or padding for transport.
Why does delivery take three weeks?
Delivery takes around three weeks because every StairFurb balustrade kit is bespoke-made to your measurements in our UK factory rather than picked from stock. Handrails and base rails are cut, drilled and finished in around 5 working days, and glass panels are toughened off-site, which takes a further 10 working days.
Once your kit is manufactured, we schedule delivery with our specialist courier, who plans routes 7 to 10 days in advance. The 3-week lead time is a complete estimate covering manufacturing, glass toughening and delivery.
Can I collect my order from the StairFurb factory?
Yes, you can collect your order from the StairFurb factory at Unit 9, Blakenhall Park, DE13 8AJ. Orders are usually ready for collection around 10 working days after sign-off, which is faster than the 3-week delivery option.
If you’d like to collect, please bring suitable protective blankets or padding, as glass panels are supplied unpackaged. To arrange collection, email office@stairfurb.co.uk once your order is signed off and we’ll confirm a collection date.
Do I need to be home when my order is delivered?
Yes, the person who placed the order should be home at the time of delivery. Every kit needs to be checked together with the driver before the delivery note is signed, so any rare transit damage can be reported and resolved straight away.
If you can’t be home on the agreed date, contact office@stairfurb.co.uk as far in advance as possible to rearrange. Drivers can’t leave kits unattended, so deliveries can’t be left in a porch, garage or with a neighbour.
Will the delivery driver bring my kit into the house?
Yes, our delivery drivers carry every part of your StairFurb kit into a room of your choice rather than leaving it on the doorstep. This is part of our standard mainland UK delivery service and there’s no extra charge.
Our drivers use long-wheelbase vans rather than large trucks, so access to most properties isn’t an issue. They typically send a message around 45 minutes before arrival to confirm the time, and the team aims to deliver within the date agreed when scheduling.
Can StairFurb deliver to Northern Ireland, Ireland, or the Channel Islands?
No, StairFurb’s own delivery service doesn’t cover Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Isle of Wight, as our vans don’t travel by ferry. Customers in these areas are welcome to arrange collection from our factory using a specialist courier of their choice.
The collection address is Unit 9, Blakenhall Park, DE13 8AJ. Glass panels are supplied unpackaged, so any courier you arrange will need to handle the kit carefully and provide their own protective wrapping.
Installation
Can I install a StairFurb balustrade kit myself?
Yes, you’ll need to remove your existing spindles before fitting a StairFurb balustrade kit. The old spindles and any timber chocks between them must come out so the new components can be fitted in their place.
Spindles are usually held in place with nails, screws or glue at the top and bottom. We recommend cutting through each spindle in the middle first to release tension, then carefully prising out the top and bottom sections. If you’re keeping your existing handrails, take extra care during removal to avoid damage.
Do I need to be a tradesperson to fit a balustrade kit?
No, you don’t need to be a tradesperson to fit a StairFurb balustrade kit. Our kits are made for competent DIYers, with pre-cut components, pre-drilled holes and detailed video guides covering each step of the installation.
If you’ve taken on basic DIY projects before, like hanging shelves, fitting kitchen units or replacing skirting, you’ll have the skills needed to install a StairFurb kit. For anything more involved or if you simply prefer a professional finish, use ourFind a Fitter service to find a recommended local installer.
How long does it take to install a StairFurb balustrade kit?
A typical StairFurb balustrade kit takes around one full day to install for a competent DIYer working at a steady pace. A straight flight of stairs without a landing usually takes between 4 and 8 hours, while staircases with multiple sections, landings or returns may need a second day.
The job is quicker with two people, partly for safety when handling glass panels and partly because some steps are easier with a helper. We recommend setting aside a weekend so you’re not rushed.
How many people are needed to install a balustrade kit?
We recommend at least two people for installing a StairFurb balustrade kit. Glass panels are heavy and need careful handling, and several steps (like positioning handrails or sliding glass into the base rail) are much easier with a second person to support and steady the components.
If you’re installing on your own, the job is still possible, but it will take longer and you’ll need to plan how to support pieces safely while you work. A spirit level, clamps and a sturdy step ladder all help.
What tools do I need to install a StairFurb kit?
To install a StairFurb balustrade kit, you’ll need a basic DIY toolkit. The essentials are a cordless drill with a range of drill bits, a screwdriver (or driver bits), a tape measure, a spirit level, a pencil and a rubber mallet. For some kits you’ll also need a mitre saw or hand saw if you’re trimming the handrail to a precise length.
Glass cleaner, a soft cloth and silicone sealant (for embedded kits) are also worth having to hand. Each kit’sfitting guide includes a tools list specific to that style.
Does StairFurb offer an installation service?
No, StairFurb doesn’t offer a direct installation service. We design our kits for DIY installation, which keeps costs down by removing labour fees from the project total.
For customers who’d rather have a professional fit the kit, we run a free Find a Fitter service. Enter your postcode and you’ll see a list of recommended independent fitters in your area, all of whom have experience with StairFurb kits. You arrange the fitting and pay them directly.
How do I find a fitter for my StairFurb kit in my area?
To find a fitter for your StairFurb kit, use ourFind a Fitter service and enter your postcode. You’ll see a list of independent installers near you who have experience with our kits, along with their contact details so you can request quotes directly.
These fitters aren’t employed by StairFurb but are recommended based on past customer feedback. We’d suggest contacting two or three to compare quotes and availability before booking.
Can I keep my existing handrail and base rail?
You can keep your existing handrail and base rail if you choose a clamped glass balustrade kit, but not if you choose an embedded glass kit, which needs new grooved rails to seat the glass.
In practice, removing old spindles and the timber chocks between them often damages the existing handrail or base rail. Existing rails also aren’t always perfectly parallel, which can cause issues with glass alignment. For these reasons, we generally recommend replacing both rails as part of the refurbishment for the cleanest finish.
Do I need to replace my newel posts?
You don’t need to replace your existing newel posts, as long as they’re sound, central to the stair string and at least 90mm x 90mm square. Most StairFurb balustrade kits are designed to work with existing newel bases.
If your newel posts are smaller than 90mm x 90mm, you’ll need to build them up using suitable timber so the kit fits correctly. Damaged or out-of-square newel posts are best replaced, and ourparts shop stocks oak, pine and painted newel posts in standard and custom sizes.
How do I fit a newel post with a spigot?
To fit a spigot newel post, drill a hole into the top of the existing newel base to receive the spigot, apply wood glue, and slide the new newel post onto the spigot until it’s fully seated. The spigot acts as a hidden dowel, holding the post firmly in place without visible fixings.
The exact drill bit size depends on the spigot diameter, which is detailed in your kit’s instructions. For step-by-step visual guidance, see ourfitting guides, which include video walkthroughs for each newel post style.
Do I need to remove my existing spindles before installation?
To fit a spigot newel post, drill a hole into the top of the existing newel base to receive the spigot, apply wood glue, and slide the new newel post onto the spigot until it’s fully seated. The spigot acts as a hidden dowel, holding the post firmly in place without visible fixings.
The exact drill bit size depends on the spigot diameter, which is detailed in your kit’s instructions. For step-by-step visual guidance, see ourfitting guides, which include video walkthroughs for each newel post style.
Product Specifications & Compatibility
What is a stair balustrade kit?
A stair balustrade kit is a complete set of components that replaces the existing balustrade on your staircase. It includes the handrail, base rail, glass panels or spindles, and all the fixings needed to fit them. Balustrade kits are designed to refurbish an existing staircase rather than replace the stairs themselves.
StairFurb’sbalustrade kits are bespoke-made to fit your staircase, with components cut to your exact measurements and pre-prepared for DIY installation. They’re a faster, lower-cost alternative to replacing the whole staircase.
What is the difference between an embedded and a clamped glass balustrade?
The difference between an embedded and a clamped glass balustrade is how the glass panels are held in place. On an embedded glass balustrade, the glass slots into a groove cut into the handrail and base rail, giving a flush, frameless appearance. On a clamped glass balustrade, the glass is held by stainless steel clamps fixed onto a flat-topped handrail and base rail.
Embedded kits give a cleaner, more contemporary finish, while clamped kits are more forgiving on measurements and allow you to keep your existing handrails. Both options are available in oak, pine or painted finishes from ourglass balustrade range.
How thick is the glass in a StairFurb balustrade kit?
The glass in a StairFurb internal balustrade kit is 8mm toughened safety glass, manufactured to BS EN 12150 and meeting UK building regulations. All clamped glass panels have radius corners and polished edges to remove any sharp surfaces.
For external balustrade kits, the glass thickness depends on the system: 10mm toughened safety glass for some styles, or 17.5mm or 19.5mm toughened laminated glass for others. The exact specification for outdoor kits is set out on ourexternal balustrade pages.
How long are the glass panels?
The longest glass panel StairFurb supplies is 1100mm wide, in line with UK building regulations covering panel size for safety and structural performance. Every panel is bespoke cut to your section’s measurements within that limit.
If your section is wider than 1100mm, it will be split across multiple panels with a small gap between each. The number of panels depends on your section length, the kit style you choose and the gap allowance for that style.
How many glass panels will I have on my staircase?
The number of glass panels on your staircase is calculated by dividing the total length of each section by the maximum panel width (1100mm) and adding the standard gaps. As a rough guide, a 2.5m staircase section typically has 3 panels, and a 3.5m section typically has 4.
The exact panel count depends on the kit style, since different kits use different gap sizes between panels. Round clamped glass uses 25mm gaps; embedded and square clamped glass uses 15mm gaps. Your final quote will confirm the panel count for each section.
How big are the gaps between the glass panels?
Gaps between glass panels are 25mm for round clamped glass balustrade kits, and 15mm for embedded glass kits and square clamped glass kits. The same gap is allowed between the first and last panel of each section and the newel posts at either end.
These gap sizes are fixed and meet UK building regulations covering openings in domestic balustrades, which require that no opening allows a 100mm sphere to pass through.
Are StairFurb balustrade kits child safe?
Yes, StairFurb balustrade kits are designed to be child safe and meet UK building regulations covering domestic balustrades. The glass is toughened safety glass with radius corners and polished edges to remove sharp surfaces, and panels are spaced at 15mm or 25mm so children can’t pass limbs through the gaps.
Glass is also easier to keep clean than painted spindles, so handprints and pet marks wipe off quickly with a standard glass cleaner. For more on safety standards, see oursafety and regulations page.
Will StairFurb work with my open-string staircase?
No, StairFurb balustrade kits are not compatible with open-string staircases. Our base rails are designed to sit on a closed stringer (the long timber board running alongside the stair treads), and we don’t manufacture glass panels that step around individual treads.
If you have an open-string staircase, you would need to fit a closed stringer first, or choose a different system designed specifically for open strings. If you’re unsure which type of staircase you have, send a photo through thephoto estimate service and our team will confirm.
What materials does StairFurb use in its kits?
StairFurb uses 8mm toughened safety glass for internal kits, American white oak or pine for timber components, and 304-grade brushed stainless steel for clamps, brackets and metal spindles. All materials are sourced for residential use and meet the relevant UK building regulations.
External balustrade kits use marine-grade stainless steel and either toughened or toughened laminated glass to handle outdoor conditions. Painted timber kits use a factory-applied paint finish in standard colours, with a tube of matching touch-up paint included.
Does StairFurb supply newel posts?
Yes, StairFurb supplies newel posts through theparts shop as an optional add-on, since they’re not included as standard with our balustrade kits. Standard newel posts are 90mm x 90mm, with custom sizes from 70mm to 100mm wide also available.
Newel posts are supplied in oak or pine, with the pine option available painted to match your handrail colour. Newel post caps are sold separately and come in a range of styles to suit traditional or contemporary interiors.
Are all the fittings and fixings included with the kit?
Yes, all the fittings and fixings needed for installation are included with every StairFurb balustrade kit. For clamped glass kits, this includes the stainless steel clamps and brackets, pre-fitted to the handrail and base rail at the correct spacing. For embedded glass kits, all required screws, dowels and silicone are supplied.
For painted kits, we also include a tube of touch-up paint to cover any small marks or fixings. Newel posts and wall-mounted handrails aren’t included as standard but can be added from theparts shop.
Maintenance & Cleaning
How do I clean my glass balustrade?
To clean a glass balustrade, use a standard glass cleaner sprayed onto a soft microfibre cloth and wipe each panel in straight strokes. Tackle both sides of the panel, paying attention to fingerprints, smudges and the area near the clamps or base rail.
Avoid harsh or highly corrosive cleaners, as these can degrade the rubber gaskets inside clamps or the silicone used in embedded kits. StairFurb sells aglass cleaning kit that includes a suitable cleaner and microfibre cloth, but any supermarket glass cleaner does the job. For a deeper guide, see our guide onglass balustrade cleaning.
Will children's handprints show on the glass?
Yes, children’s handprints, smudges and pet marks will show on a glass balustrade, but they wipe off easily with a soft cloth and standard glass cleaner. Most parents find that glass is faster to keep clean than painted or wooden spindles, where dust and marks build up in awkward grooves.
A weekly wipe with a microfibre cloth keeps glass panels looking clear, with a deeper clean every few months. See our stair maintenance guide for more cleaning tips.
How do I clean stainless steel components?
To clean the stainless steel components on your StairFurb balustrade, use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner from any supermarket and a soft microfibre cloth. Wipe in the direction of the brushed grain rather than against it for the cleanest finish.
Avoid abrasive scourers, bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch the surface or damage the finish. For everyday marks, a cloth dampened with warm soapy water followed by a dry buff is enough.
How do I clean an oak handrail?
To clean an oak handrail, use a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar sprayed onto a soft cloth, then wipe along the grain. The mix removes dust, grime and bacteria without the harsh chemicals that can damage the wood’s finish.
Avoid soaking the wood, abrasive sponges or strong household cleaners. For everyday cleaning, a dry microfibre cloth or soft duster is enough between deeper cleans. You can also read our general stair cleaning and maintenance guide.
Do I need to oil or treat my oak handrail?
Yes, oak handrails benefit from being oiled or treated every 12 to 24 months to keep the timber in good condition and protect against everyday wear. A clear hardwax oil or wood-specific finishing oil applied with a soft cloth is the simplest option for most homeowners.
Before re-oiling, clean the rail thoroughly and let it dry. Apply a thin, even coat of oil along the grain, leave it to soak in for the time stated on the product, then buff off any excess. For a step-by-step guide, see ourstair maintenance article.
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