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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.