What does kiln-carved mean on a glass bar top?

Kiln-carving is a process in which glass is fired in a kiln over a textured bed — in this case, a hand-worked sand surface — so the heat softens the glass and allows it to take on the precise contours of the texture beneath it. The result is a surface that is permanently part of the glass, not applied to it. The texture lives on the underside, meaning the top surface stays smooth and cleanable while the visual depth lives below, amplified by the LED light source behind it.

How is a glass bar top supported without drilling through the glass?

Three cantilevered steel brackets, anchored into the bar structure below, carry the full load of the glass surface. The glass rests on the bracket faces and is bonded with ultra-clear silicone — no hardware passes through the glass at any point. This eliminates stress concentration points, aesthetic intrusion, and future maintenance issues caused by through-drilling.

How does the LED lighting system work inside a kiln-carved glass bar top?

The Ambiance Machine™ RGB LED system mounts along the interior edge of the bar structure and fires light upward through the glass. The carved texture catches and scatters that light, creating a surface that appears to glow from within. The system operates across 8 million color combinations at 0–100% intensity, with programmable scenes and optional photocell trigger that activates the bar automatically at dusk.

What are the maintenance requirements for a kiln-carved glass bar top?

The surface requires no special treatment. The top surface is smooth polished glass — cleaning is the same as any glass surface, a damp cloth or standard glass cleaner. No sealing, no waxing, no periodic treatment required. Low-iron glass is non-porous, does not stain, and does not react with alcohol, citrus, or cleaning products.

How was the wave texture pattern developed for the Mantoloking glass bar top?

The texture was designed interactively — client and craftsman working from the bar's geometry and the room's flow to arrive at a pattern that felt native to the space. Once the bar base drawings were confirmed, multiple textural iterations were developed. The client selected the wave pattern, which was then scaled and anchor-pointed so the hand-worked sand bed in the kiln matched it as faithfully as the process allows.

Last updated on June 17th, 2026 at 05:28 am

Floating Glass Stair Treads Installation in St Petersburg, Florida

This custom floating glass stair treads installation in St Petersburg, Florida was designed, fabricated, and installed by Downing Designs for a luxury two-story condominium in downtown St Petersburg (DTSP).

The project features 1.5-inch thick low-iron architectural glass stair treads with hand-carved textures and integrated LED illumination. Each tread was individually templated and fabricated to fit a unique spiral staircase structure within the residence.

The goal was to create a modern architectural staircase that appears to float while preserving the open floor plan of the condo. When illuminated at night, the staircase becomes a dramatic architectural centerpiece. Integrated lighting highlights the sculpted glass textures and produces a soft glow that spreads throughout the surrounding rooms. This installation represents a signature design approach of the Downing Designs Ambiance Machine™ lighting concept.

We treat glass stair treads like steps in a dance — carefully choreographing the textures so they flow visually from one tread to the next. These textured glass stair treads are one of my favorite projects. The sculpted wave patterns combined with illumination create a Nautilus-like effect that delivers incredible visual theater while bathing adjacent spaces with filtered light.

Project Overview

Project Type: Custom Floating Glass Stair Treads
Location: St Petersburg, Florida (Downtown St Pete Condo)
Designer & Fabricator: Downing Designs
Glass Thickness: 1.5 inch low-iron architectural glass
Texture: Hand-Carved Wave Pattern Sequenced Across Each Step
Lighting: Integrated RGB LED illumination
Timeline: 10 Weeks (Design Through Installation)

Glass Stair Tread Dimensions

Largest tread: 72” x 12” x 1.5” thick
Each stair tread is unique and individually templated
Custom textures were designed collaboratively with the homeowner

Materials and Fabrication

1.5 inch thick low-iron architectural glass
Hand-polished glass edges
Hand-carved textured underside
Back-painted metallic silver glass finish
Integrated LED lighting installed along the rear edge of each stair tread

Structural Support System

Existing 50-year-old oak spiral staircase structure
No holes drilled through the glass stair treads
Glass treads bonded to the oak structure
Hidden cantilevered aluminum supports on the lower treads enhance the floating appearance

Lighting Design

An RGB LED Ambiance Machine™ lighting system was integrated into the rear edge of each glass stair tread.
The lighting illuminates the hand-carved textures within the glass.
The system allows over 8 million possible color combinations.

Design Challenge

After the original stair treads were removed, the structural staircase supports underneath were found to be strong but visually unattractive.To solve this problem, each glass stair tread was permanently back-painted with a metallic silver finish.

This design approach accomplishes several goals:

Hides adhesives used to secure the stair treads
Eliminates visual distractions from the underlying structure
Reflects LED lighting dramatically through the textured glass

We have also created glass stair treads without back-painting, which produces a completely different aesthetic. However, the back-painted finish provides a cleaner architectural look and makes the installation more forgiving. The homeowner’s goal was to create a modern architectural glass staircase that appears to float within the living space.

The Solution

The final installation functions as both architecture and sculpture. Each textured glass stair tread captures and refracts the LED illumination, transforming the staircase into a luminous architectural feature. During the day the staircase maintains a sleek modern appearance. At night the illuminated textures create dramatic visual depth and movement. The result is a floating glass staircase that becomes the visual centerpiece of the residence.

Summary

This custom floating glass staircase installation in St Petersburg, Florida demonstrates how architectural glass, engineered support systems, and integrated LED lighting can transform a traditional staircase into a functional work of art. Each stair tread was individually designed, carved, and fabricated to create a continuous flowing texture across the staircase.The result is a modern illuminated glass staircase that combines engineering, craftsmanship, and architectural lighting design.

St Petersburg, Florida custom glass stair treads spiral staircase

St Petersburg, Florida custom glass stair treads spiral staircase landing

St Petersburg, Florida custom spiral glass stair treads and landing

Glass stair treads st Petersburg Florida spiral staircase view from above

Glass stair treads st Petersburg Florida spiral staircase view from ground

Glass stair treads st Petersburg Florida spiral staircase

Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Stair Treads

How durable are glass stair treads?

The durability of glass stair treads depends largely on how the glass is manufactured. Some stair treads are created by laminating multiple glass layers together using adhesives. Over time, laminated glass can potentially delaminate and the interlayer adhesives may yellow. Fused architectural glass stair treads do not delaminate and maintain clarity over time. Heat-strengthened glass also improves durability and impact

Who manufactures custom glass stair treads?

Downing Designs designs and fabricates custom glass stair treads in Tampa, Florida.

We create fused glass stair treads typically ranging from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches thick and can produce virtually any surface texture or lighting design.

What makes Downing Designs glass stair treads unique?

Downing Designs sequences the textures across multiple stair treads so the patterns visually flow from one step to the next. This choreographed approach transforms the staircase into a continuous sculptural installation rather than a series of individual steps.

Where can I see more examples of glass stair treads with LED lighting?

Visit the Downing Designs Glass Stair Treads Gallery to view additional projects and lighting examples.

Are glass stair treads made in the USA?

Yes. Downing Designs fabricates custom architectural glass stair treads in Tampa, Florida and installs projects throughout the United States.