Newel post
Stairs are used to create a pedestrian route between different vertical levels by dividing the height between the levels into manageable steps.
Stairs, in particular in domestic premises, may include guarding to one, or both sides, in the form of a banister, that is, an assembly of uprights and a handrail.
The main upright supporting the handrail, is known as the ‘newel post’. These are typically found at the bottom of stairs, but can also be found at the top, and in intermediate positions, such as landings.
Newel posts can be simple, or can be very ornate. Ornate newel posts may sit on a newel base, and be capped by a spherical finial. They can be solid or hollow constructions.
|
|
| Ornate newel post with finial. | Simple newel post. |
In medieval times, the newel (Old English: Noel, Nowel and Nuel) was the central column around which a spiral or circular staircase wound. In some parts of Northern England, the newel column would terminate above the uppermost level of steps and continue up to a vaulted roof where ribs would radiate from it, giving a palm-tree effect, as at Belsay Castle, Northumberland (14th century).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document K.
- Banister.
- Finial.
- Guarding.
- Lifts.
- Poppyhead.
- Railing.
- Ramps.
- Stairs.
- Stairs going.
- Stairs nosing.
- Stairs riser.
- Stairs tread.
Featured articles and news
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.