Newel posts are the structural cornerstones of your stairway, so it is important that they are installed correctly. However, newels are relatively easy to install, so there is no reason to worry!
What is a newel post on stairs?
Newel Posts at stairways and ramps are critical structural features for the secure anchoring of the ends of stair railings or guardrails. Newel posts are more than decorative - they provide a structural anchor for handrails, stair guards, rails and guards along access ramps and often at stair top or bottom landings as well.
What is the difference between a newel post and newel?
The newel post is an important feature, but it's not the only term you'll hear. The other one is a newel. While these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, technically they refer to different kinds of stair supports. Newel posts are the final posts of any staircase, but newels are only found in spiral staircases.
Are newels easy to install?
However, newels are relatively easy to install, so there is no reason to worry! As was mentioned earlier, a newel post must be installed each time the stairway changes direction, which means the number of newel posts that you have is going to vary significantly based upon your stairway design.
How are newel posts attached to the floor?
Newel Posts are mainly attached by either drilling the post to the floor boards using brackets or by using a threaded bolt through the center of the post that is attached to an anchor.
Is a newel post load bearing?
A newel post is the attractive structural foundation or load-bearing feature to support the side of the stairs not connected to the wall.
Does a newel post support staircase?
A newel post supports the hand railing on a staircase. It is an upright pillar that is placed at the top (and/or bottom) of a stair handrail to keep the balustrade secure. Though a newel post offers safety and is a structural stairpart, it also functions as a decorative element in your interior design.
Are newel posts solid?
A turned newel post is solid in its design and construction as opposed to the box newel post, which is hollow. A turned newel post can feature a variety of designs depending on how it is made on the lathe.
What does a newel post support in a building?
newel, also called Newel-post, upright post rising at the foot of a stairway, at its landings, or at its top. These posts usually serve as anchors for handrails. Often the stringboards, which cover and connect the ends of the steps, are framed into the newels.
Are newel posts necessary?
Further, for code-compliance, a newel post is necessary on balconies where the length of the handrail is eight feet or longer. Therefore, if you have a sixteen-foot balcony, you will need three newel posts, one at the beginning, one in the middle, and one at the end.
How is a newel post attached?
Apply adhesive, either PVA wood glue or epoxy resin, to the dowel at the end of the newel post and dowel hole in the stump and gently lower the post into the position on the dowel. Also apply adhesive to the square tenon joint in the handrail and fit this into the newel post.
What are newel posts made of?
Newel posts are usually made of wood, with white primed, hemlock and pine and oak being the most popular materials.
How do you fix a wobbly newel post?
Using a hammer, tap your screw until there is roughly 30mm of it left stuck proud of the newel base. Then use a screwdriver to tighten the screw down into the newel base. Don't be afraid of taking the screw out and trying again a few times to insert a new plug and get the screw to hold tight—these don't always bite!
How do I secure a solid newel post?
2:4314:33ROCK SOLID Newel Posts - My Secret Sauce for Installing ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you'll just simply use your torpedo. Level to shim. This straight across. And the drywall screwMoreAnd you'll just simply use your torpedo. Level to shim. This straight across. And the drywall screw will be the shim. And this actually goes really fast and it's very very precise. And accurate.
Why is it called a newel post?
newel (n.) Klein's sources suggest the French word may be from Gallo-Roman *nucale, from Latin nux "nut." The carpentry meaning "tall and more or less ornamental post at the top or bottom of a staircase" is from 1833 (newel-post in this sense is from 1798).
What is the post at the bottom of stairs called?
The post (also called a newel) is the vertical structure that connects the stair or floor to the railing system. Spindles, which are vertical wood or metal structures, are interspersed between posts to provide a safety barrier along the stair system. Shoe is the bottom plate that spindles (or glass) are set into.
What is difference between newel and baluster?
Newels have added weight and are seen as the support system for your staircase. The thicker posts support the handrail, while the balusters fill out the rest. Balusters are used in succession to create a balustrade, or a line of balusters. Each post contributes to the look and feel of your home's staircase.
What is difference between newel and baluster?
Newels have added weight and are seen as the support system for your staircase. The thicker posts support the handrail, while the balusters fill out the rest. Balusters are used in succession to create a balustrade, or a line of balusters. Each post contributes to the look and feel of your home's staircase.
Why is it called a newel post?
newel (n.) Klein's sources suggest the French word may be from Gallo-Roman *nucale, from Latin nux "nut." The carpentry meaning "tall and more or less ornamental post at the top or bottom of a staircase" is from 1833 (newel-post in this sense is from 1798).
Where should I place my newel post?
Starting newels are located at the bottom of the staircase, hence the name “starting” newels. The handrail runs between the newel posts, with the top of the post projecting above the rail.
What height should newel post be?
950mm from the pitch line to the top of the post. The handrail should set 900mm above the pitch line where the post meets the string. The top of the post should be 50mm above this.
What is a newel post?
While these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, technically they refer to different kinds of stair supports. Newel posts are the final posts of any staircase, but newels are only found in spiral staircases. The newel is the central post, the column-like structure that supports the entire spiral structure. So be careful identifying something as either a newel or newel post. They are different.
What is the purpose of a Newel post?
The newel post helps to contain the staircase, framing it as a singular and distinct visual composition . Since the eye is naturally drawn either up or down the stairs to the newel post, substantial efforts are often placed in decorating this object with reliefs, carvings, inlay, or other treatments appropriate to the material.
Why do people put coins in hollow Newel posts?
In particular, the concept of a hollow newel post has provided an opportunity to ceremoniously hide things for generations. According to some traditions, the deed or architectural plans for a house ought to be stored inside a hollow newel post for safekeeping. In other superstitions, homebuilders would place a single coin inside a hollow newel post to signify that the home was officially complete.
Can you carved Newel posts?
More complex newel posts can be carved and shaped without a turning machine. Those carved by hand are likely freeform carved newel posts, which can have any ranges of designs, while those carved using computer-based designs and machines are simply called carved newel posts.
Why use a newel post?
While newel posts’ foremost purpose is structural, they have a decorative function too. Because they sit at the beginning, end, and often the corners of the railing, newel posts can serve as attractive accents. When installing your staircase, you can opt for a more traditional newel post for a timeless look or a modern shape to create a contemporary aesthetic.
What are newel posts made of?
You’ll want to start by shopping for different newel materials. You can find newel posts made from many materials including stone, wood, plaster, plastics, iron, and other metals. At MMC Fencing & Railing, we offer newel posts constructed from two materials: aluminum and vinyl. Aluminum and vinyl are both popular options because they are durable and long-lasting while requiring virtually no maintenance. That makes them perfect for indoor or outdoor applications.
How Do Newels Differ from Balusters?
Newels are often confused with balusters, but the two are not interchangeable. First, more balusters are required in a railing because they are typically placed closer together – usually within a few inches of each other – to prevent gaps that would compromise users’ safety. While balusters also provide some structural support, they serve to fill gaps between the newels to make your stairway even safer. Ultimately, both stairway components are essential – they just have different functions.
What are the most important parts of a railing system?
If you want to successfully build your own railing, understanding the different parts of a railing is crucial. Newel posts are one of the most important parts of a railing system and not to be confused with balusters. These posts serve a crucial support function; however, they can also add a major aesthetic touch to your railing.
Where are newel posts on a staircase?
In a standard, non-spiral railing, there are multiple newel posts: at the top and bottom of the railing, and at each landing on the staircase. For the sake of our products, we’ll use the latter definition (newel posts for non-spiral staircases), as spiral staircase newel posts are much rarer.
What are some examples of homes built in the 1850s?
For example, homes built in the 1850s will often sport Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Italianate accents – think of big Southern plantation homes, or ornate newel posts that punctuate sweeping staircases at historic theaters. Once you start to notice ornate newel posts, it’s impossible to ignore their distinct appeal.
Do old buildings have balustrades?
According to Architectural Observer, many old buildings have lost their original newel posts and balustrades in the name of modernization; however, if you keep an eye out, you can often spot historic newel posts and balustrades in older buildings.
What is a newel post?
A newel post is the main supporting post in a staircase’s hand railing. Newel posts are taller and thicker than the rest of the vertical railing pieces, or the spindles, and they are placed at the top, the bottom, and at each landing of the staircase. The main role of the newel post is to provide structural support for the hand railing ...
What is the purpose of a newel post?
The main role of the newel post is to provide structural support for the hand railing of the staircase. However, newel posts play a pivotal role in the overall aesthetic of the staircase as well. Since they are at the top, the bottom, and the corners of the staircase, newel posts can provide a fantastic contrast in color or design ...
How Are Newel Posts Attached?
Anchored to the Floor Boards – One way newel posts are attached to the base of the stair case is with a bracket that is fastened to the floor board and screwed to the newel post. The bracket is then hidden by installing a decorative molding over the hardware. This method is the the most simple and allows for easy removal and replacement of the newel post. See image below.
Where is a newel post anchored?
Anchored to the Floor Joists – In this method, the newel post is anchored a level below the floor boards and is fastened to the floor joists (The supporting beams that the floor boards lay on). This method is commonly seen in older homes and is a slightly more permanent fixture as replacement would require lifting up the floor boards to access the hardware.
Can you saw a newel post?
This requires sawing the newel post just about the base. Leave the existing base attached to the floor or staircase
What is a newel post?
What is a Newel? Newels are the anchor of a stairway. A newel post serves as a support pole that helps bear the weight of the rest of the stairway. Newels are always found at the foot of a flight of stairs and you will also find newels at the top of the stairway in order to maintain symmetry. Further, newels are placed at junctures where ...
What is the best way to install a newel post?
When you install your newel post, StairSupplies™ recommends that you clamp a level to both sides of the newel to make sure that it is installed plumb.
What is a 4240 Craftsman box newel?
The 4240 Craftsman Series, square box newel , which this project features embody simplicity and elegance. The straight lines of the newel enhance the cable rail that takes the place of the balusters. It’s a different take on traditional box newels, but the Craftsman Series Box Newels are perfect for modern, contemporary stairways.
What is a box newel?
StairSupplies™ offers a large variety of box newel designs, from the extremely simple box cut shape to fluted designs with differ ing thicknesses and decorative newel post caps. Quality craftsmen will manufacture all box newels by hand and can accommodate virtually any situation as all wood products can be customized. Box newels can also be manufactured to any wood species, and may be made stain grade with a finish or primed, ready for painting. You can find oak newel posts for stairs that beautifully match both the treads and handrail in your stairway.
What are the different types of newels?
There are two main types of newels: box newels and turned newels. Both are great choices to give support to your stairway and they only differ in terms of stylistic preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between them.
What is a fluting panel?
The fluting refers to the thin grooves that are cut into each face of the panel. Various different styles have different amounts of fluting, but typically there will be one to three flutes on each face of the newel. Recessed panel box newels are precisely the opposite of the raised panel box newels.
What is the difference between a box newel and a turned newel?
Box newels and turned newels are similar in many ways but both offer various advantages. Box newels are bigger and make quite a large impression as the starting piece to your stair while turned newels are typically smaller but offer unique design characteristics.
What is a Newel post?
Definition of newel post: a central or end support post found at the top or bottom of a stairway or access ramp, used to support the handrail and guardrail along those walkways. In most stair and ramp designs, newel posts are the primary structural element supporting the stair and ramp handrails and guards. Balusters along the stair guard ...
What is a Newel Attach Kit?
This Newel Attach Kit from Surewood-LNL is designed to attach one newel post to the finished floor of a balcony or at the bottom of a stair. Made from unfinished Red Oak, it will fit any newel post with a bottom square of 3 in. width.
Where do handrails end?
Handrail ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. 1.
Do Newel posts connect to stairs?
First-off, as shown above, a newel post doesn't have to connect to the stair at all: it can be supported independently such as by setting the post base into the ground completely independent of the stairway itself - (outdoors as in our photo from the base of a hiking path up to the Queen Anne Trail in New Zealand).
Can you use a core drilled pin to install a newel post?
if the newel post has to be pinned to a pre-existing concrete floor and steps, you might use a core-drilled pin set into the concrete under the base of the Newel , over which the newel post is installed.
Can a newel post be attached to concrete?
When attaching a newel post at concrete stairs, for newel posts that can not be independently supported in the slab or into the ground or integrated with a stair stringer, I prefer
Do wobbly newels work on stairs?
That might work if the hardware is sufficiently heavy, but having inspected stairs since the 1970's I have to add that I've found a lot of wobbly newels supporting loose handrails and stair guards.
