Panels
Stall riser materials
Stall riser materials are the finishes used on the low wall or panel under a shop window. Common choices are glazed tile, brick, render, natural stone, painted timber, aluminium composite panel and stainless steel. The base must also stand up to splash, salt and impact.
Where does it work well?
Any shopfront with a solid base rather than full-height glass, especially traditional frontages, busy pavements where trolleys and bins catch the frontage, and streets where planning policy asks for a stall riser to be kept.
Pros
- Protects glass from low-level impact
- Hides pipework and the back of displays
- Adds character
- Many finishes to choose from
Cons
- Takes splash, salt and frost
- Old tiles can be hard to match
- Less glass area for display
How long does it last?
Varies widely, with tile and stone usually outlasting painted timber at pavement level.
What should you check when buying?
Choose a finish rated for frost and exterior use, and ask how it is protected from damp at the pavement line. In a conservation area, check the council's shopfront guidance first, as many guides ask for traditional proportions and materials.
Common questions
Do I have to keep my stall riser?
Not always, but removing one can materially change the frontage, so planning permission may be needed in England. Many shopfront design guides ask for a riser to be kept, and rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Which stall riser finishes need little upkeep?
Tile, stone and stainless steel usually need little beyond washing. Painted timber needs repainting, and render can crack if the base stays wet. The right choice also depends on what suits the building and the street.