Glass floors and stair treads are found in both residential and commercial settings, and are growing in popularity because of their aesthetic appeal as well as for the daylighting benefits they bring to a space. While there are manufacturers that provide engineered and tested flooring systems, most glass floor and stair tread projects require the input of a structural engineer to provide load calculations and to provide glazing details. Also, it is recommended that an experienced glazer review the support conditions and waterproofing system if it is an exterior application.

The Technical Services Division of the National Glass Association (NGA) has produced this Glass Technical Paper solely for informational purposes. This Paper was developed by dedicated member volunteers and subject matter experts. This document was published in 2007 and updated in October 2020. All purchases will be electronically accessed or delivered.