What Is A Newel Post?

A newel post is the key post that anchors a handrail, typically at the base or top of stairs; a second landing newel may support the rail on a stair landing.

It can also be described as an upright post fixed at the foot of a stair or at a point of a change of direction and used as a support for a balustrade.

Because of its prominent position, this critical post is often decorative, as well as functional. In order to shoulder the considerable forces it receives, it is anchored solidly to the stair's structure.

The word "newel" derives from the Old French nouel, meaning kernel or stone. On early winding stairs, the newel was the pillar or stone structure that formed the center. Even on today's spiral and winding staircases, the central pillar is called a newel.

In stairs having straight flights, it is the principal post at the foot of a staircase or the intermediate posts in the center, but never the ones at the landings. A newel is found at the top and bottom of a stair flight to support the ends of an outer string and handrail.

In historic homes, the house plans were placed inside the post upon completion of the house before the newel was capped. This was a logical place for safe-keeping since the plans were too long to fit into a cabinet or drawer.

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