Stanchion

In construction, the term stanchion can have numerous meanings:

• It can be a vertical post fixed to the ground on a construction site and which is part of several that either demarcate a hazardous area or a route to be followed. They can be made conspicuous by being painted in bright colours and having various signs attached.
• The term stanchion is sometimes used to denote an upright bar, post or member (not a column) that is used for support, e.g as part of several supporting a mezzanine.
• Stanchions are also the vertical metal bars which are fixed at the floor and ceiling to act as grab rails for passengers.
• Historically, stanchions were iron uprights between the mullions of a window and were frequently terminated at the top with a fleur-de-lys or other ornamental motif.

The term has also been applied to:

• The vertical members of a stud (timber) partition.
• Stone mullions (northern England).
• Vertical railings used around tombs.

NB Stained Glass Windows: Managing Environmental Deterioration, published by Historic England in 2020, defines a stanchion as a: ‘Vertical metal bar set between the mullions of a leaded window; part of the system that supports the panel. Can be set on the inside or outside of the window.’ See also: Ferramenta

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Balcony.
• Column.
• Ferramenta.
• Mullion.
• Pier.
• Pilotis.
• Poppyhead.
• Post.
• Saddle bar.
• Tie bar.
• Veranda.