Wine Cellar Door FAQ
Hinged Glass Floor / Wine Cellar Door FAQ
Frequently asked questions about our hinged glass floor / wine cellar door system—do you offer automated versions? How deep is the unit? What weight can it withstand? We’ve compiled answers to these and other common questions to help you understand our innovative, UKCA-certified solutions.
General Information
Q1. What type of glass or acrylic is used in your hinged glass floors?
Our hinged glass floors use 25.5mm toughened and laminated glass, ensuring safety and structural integrity. If the glass breaks, it remains intact, providing a secure fall barrier. Acrylics, while lighter and cheaper, aren’t suitable for walk-on applications—glass is the industry standard for transparent walk-on flooring.
Q2. Where are your hinged glass floor products made?
All steelwork is fabricated in our Sheffield workshops, and glass is sourced locally from suppliers in Yorkshire. This ensures high-quality, British-made products delivered nationwide with pride.
Q3. Do you have a showroom where I can see your products?
We don’t have a large showroom, but you’re welcome to visit our Sheffield workshops. You can view sample hinged glass floor units, discuss your requirements, and see our fabrication processes, including work in progress.
Safety, Compliance, and Weight Capacity
Q4. What weight can your hinged glass floors withstand, and do they comply with building regulations?
Our hinged glass floors have a minimum load-bearing capacity of 150kg/sqm, meeting BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 standards for domestic applications. They’re designed for secondary access to habitable rooms or primary access to non-habitable spaces like wine cellars, typically falling outside standard building regulations. However, we recommend consulting your local building control for clarification if necessary. All units are UKCA certified to BS EN 1090 for structural steel, ensuring legal compliance and safety.
Q5. What safety features do your hinged glass floors include?
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Manual Systems: Feature a lockable mechanism for secure access, gas struts for effortless opening/closing, and self-holding in the open position for safety.
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Electric Systems: Include an audible alert during operation, a ‘press and hold’ function, auto-reverse to prevent entrapment, and a key-operated override for complete control.
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We also apply a non-slip treatment, achieving a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 68—far exceeding the 36 minimum for low slip risk in dry conditions. Care should be taken on any wet glass.
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Please note that our hinged glass floors are not designed to be fire-rated.
Q6. Is there a risk of leaning over the hinged glass floor to close it, especially for larger units?
Yes, leaning over to close the door can pose a fall risk, particularly for larger units or those covering staircases. We recommend installing a safety barrier or guarding around the opening when the hatch is open. Alternatively, opt for our electric motorized system, which allows safe, remote closing without leaning, minimizing injury risks. Alternatively larger doors should be dynamically opened and closed by moving around to the door sides to complete opening and start the closing procedure, to avoid leaning over any voids.
Design, Customization, and Size
Q7. What size hinged glass floors can you make, including larger units or those covering entire staircases?
Our standard sizes range from 600 x 600mm to 2200 x 1000mm, with the largest non-hinged opening at 1000mm. For larger units or staircase-spanning designs, we offer bespoke solutions, such as split-hatch configurations or fixed glass panels. Custom sizes can include variations wider than 2000mm or smaller than 600mm (without gas struts). Each order includes a detailed drawing for approval to ensure a perfect fit.
Q8. Can I customize my hinged glass floor for specific heights, fixings, or designs?
Yes, we offer custom variations, including specific heights or fixing details (e.g., frame integration, hinge placement). Whether for wine cellars, basements, or staircases, our bespoke designs ensure a tailored fit, unlike mass-produced, imported options. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Installation and Operation
Q9. How heavy is the hinged glass floor to lift, and how does it operate?
Our manual systems use gas struts, making even heavy glass doors effortless to lift with light pressure. They close slowly and securely, holding open safely. For larger or heavier units (e.g., over staircases), consider our electric motorized option, operated via a button for ease and safety.
Q10. What’s involved in installing your hinged glass floor?
Installation is straightforward for most builders, tradespeople, or DIY enthusiasts. Units arrive fully assembled, requiring placement into your prepared floor void. Ensure the door is level and flush with your floor to avoid trip hazards. We provide simplified instructions with the product and a detailed manual via QR code. Contact us if you need our installation services (performed by our team, not subcontractors).
Q11. Do you offer electric automated hinged glass floor systems?
Yes, we offer electric motorized systems for effortless, safe operation—ideal for larger units or staircase installations. They feature advanced safety features like auto-reverse and key-operated overrides. Visit our website for specifications and pricing. These electric systems are all designed to be ‘plug-and-play’ and thus operate simply by plugging into a standard UK plug socket.
Maintenance and Care
Q12. Will the glass scratch, and how should I maintain it?
Glass can scratch if not cared for properly. We recommend walking on it with bare feet or socks, avoiding outdoor shoes or slippers. Clean with standard glass cleaner and a soft cloth; avoid abrasive materials. Dry with a microfibre towel to prevent streaks. Check hinges and gas struts periodically for wear and contact us for replacements if needed.
Q13. Will the glass be slippery?
Glass has a polished, potentially slippery surface. Our non-slip treatment significantly improves slip resistance, achieving a PTV of 68 in dry conditions (exceeding the 36 minimum for low slip risk). Exercise caution on wet glass, especially in high-traffic areas.
Beneath the Door and Logistics
Q14. What happens beneath the hinged glass floor—what do you supply?
We supply the hinged glass floor unit to fit your prepared floor void. The space below is customizable—some customers create small display areas, while others include steps or full wine cellars. We don’t provide below-floor elements, but our drawings help you plan effectively.
Q15. Do you deliver outside the UK?
Yes, we offer worldwide shipping. Please contact us for international delivery quotes and lead times.
Q16. How do I ensure the hinged glass floor will fit my wine cellar or staircase opening?
We provide a detailed drawing for every order, which you can review and share with your installer. This ensures a precise fit. Request a typical detail before ordering if needed.
Q17. How long does a bespoke hinged glass floor take to make?
All our hinged glass floors are made to order and usually take between 6 and 12 weeks to complete depending on specification chosen. Lead times can of course vary, so please contact us for up to date estimates. We also have a listing for stock hinged floors.
See here for styles and pricing of our hinged glass floor / wine cellar door units
Get in touch with us to discuss your hinged glass door requirements on 0114 243 9009 or email us sales@diometonline.co.uk
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