Waterford, MI / Storyteller / Jun 02, 2026 /
A growing number of luxury homes across Birmingham are abandoning traditional wood staircases and bulky railing systems in favor of what designers are calling “invisible architecture” — floating staircases paired with frameless glass railings that open sightlines, brighten interiors, and define a new standard of modern luxury. At the center of that shift is First Class Glass, a Southeast Michigan architectural glass company reporting sharply higher demand for premium floating stair installations and frameless glass railing systems throughout Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Northville, and other affluent Metro Detroit communities.
“People want openness now,” said founder Cody Hartman. “They want to see through the staircase instead of having this big, heavy structure cutting through the middle of the home. Everything is moving toward glass, floating systems, and cleaner sightlines.”
A floating staircase with a frameless glass railing replaces visible posts and spindles with structural glass panels that appear to disappear, supported by minimal standoff or spigot hardware. The systems use tempered or laminated safety glass engineered to meet International Building Code (IBC) load and guard requirements — tempered glass is four to five times stronger than ordinary annealed glass of the same thickness. In Southeast Michigan, projects typically range from $10,000 to more than $40,000, depending on staircase complexity, engineering requirements, glass specifications, and hardware.
The movement — heavily influenced by modern architecture seen in markets like Scottsdale, Miami, Aspen, and Southern California — has rapidly gained traction in luxury homes across Southeast Michigan over the last several years, particularly among custom builders, architects, and homeowners designing contemporary new construction.
Unlike traditional staircase systems that visually divide a space, floating stairs and frameless glass railings allow natural light to travel throughout the home while creating a more open architectural feel. Many homeowners now prioritize staircase design far earlier in the planning process, because the stair system has become a centerpiece feature rather than a purely functional part of the house.
“Five years ago, homeowners focused mostly on kitchens and bathrooms,” Hartman explained. “Now we’re seeing staircases become one of the signature features of the entire home.”
The company recently expanded its floating stair and architectural railing division after completing several high-end installations throughout the region, including illuminated glass spigot systems and modern floating stair applications. As part of that expansion, First Class Glass has begun integrating advanced floating stair platforms — including the Viewrail Vedera system — into select luxury residential projects and uses Flexijet 3D laser measuring to capture exact geometry on-site before a single panel is cut.
According to the company’s internal market research, Birmingham represents one of the strongest luxury remodeling and architectural glass markets in Southeast Michigan, thanks to its density of high-end residential construction, designer-led renovations, and affluent homeowners seeking custom architectural features. Demand has also climbed for exterior glass railing systems for decks and balconies designed to preserve backyard views while keeping a minimal, modern profile.
“Birmingham homeowners are extremely design-aware,” Hartman said. “They’re not looking for builder-grade solutions. They want something that feels custom to the architecture of the home.”
As demand rises, homeowners and builders are increasingly searching for an experienced glass railing contractor serving Birmingham and the surrounding Oakland County communities — specialists capable of engineering floating stair systems, frameless stair railings, and structural glass installations that demand far more precision than standard railing work. While frameless railings are often associated with ultra-modern homes, Hartman says the systems are now being integrated into transitional, contemporary, and even traditionally inspired homes that want more openness without sacrificing luxury finishes.
“This isn’t a fad,” he said. “This is where luxury architecture is going. People want homes that feel lighter, cleaner, and more open. Glass railings and floating stairs do that better than almost anything else.”
In addition to floating stair systems and frameless railings, First Class Glass also specializes in frameless shower doors and custom shower enclosures, custom mirrors, insulated glass replacement, and commercial storefront systems throughout Southeast Michigan. Homeowners and builders can request a free estimate online or by calling (248) 206-3612.
About First Class Glass
First Class Glass is a licensed and insured residential and commercial architectural glass company serving Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Novi, Troy, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Northville, Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe, Plymouth, and the broader Oakland County area. Founded in 2024 by master glazier Cody Hartman, the family-run team specializes in frameless glass railings and floating staircases, frameless shower doors and shower enclosures, custom mirrors, insulated and tempered glass replacement for windows, and commercial storefront glazing. With more than 1,000 completed installations, a 4.9-star rating from over 100 clients, free estimates, and precise on-site laser measurement, First Class Glass pairs hands-on craftsmanship with clear communication. The company is based at 5091 Williams Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48329. Learn more at firstclassglassmi.com.
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First Class Glass
Cody Hartman, Founder
5091 Williams Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48329
Phone: (248) 206-3612
Web: https://www.firstclassglassmi….
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