What is a double newel post?
Double Newel Posts: Understanding Their Purpose and Application
Summary:
A double newel post is a specialized type of newel post designed for use in staircases with quarter landings. It features two separate handrail connections, one at the bottom and one at the top, allowing for a smooth transition of the handrail as it changes direction on the landing. This type of newel post provides both structural support and visual continuity in staircases with quarter turns.
What is a Quarter Landing?
A quarter landing is a platform in a staircase that creates a 90-degree turn in the direction of the stairs. It provides a resting point and changes the direction of travel, often used to conserve space or create a more visually interesting staircase design.
How Double Newel Posts Work
- Two Handrail Connections: A double newel post has two distinct handrail connections, typically in the form of mortises (square or rectangular recesses) or dowel holes.
- Bottom Connection: The handrail coming up the first flight of stairs connects to the lower portion of the double newel post.
- Top Connection: As the staircase turns on the quarter landing, the handrail for the next flight of stairs connects to the upper portion of the double newel post.
- Smooth Transition: This configuration allows for a seamless and visually appealing transition of the handrail as it changes direction on the landing.
Benefits of Using Double Newel Posts
- Structural Support: Double newel posts provide crucial support for the handrail at the landing, ensuring stability and preventing excessive movement.
- Visual Continuity: They create a visually continuous flow in the handrail design, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the staircase.
- Space Optimization: Double newel posts can help to optimize space on quarter landings by efficiently accommodating the handrail transition.
Types of Double Newel Posts
- Traditional Turned Posts: These feature a classic turned design with two distinct handrail connections.
- Modern Block Posts: Modern double newel posts often have a more streamlined, block-like design with clean lines.
- Custom Designs: Double newel posts can be custom-designed to match specific architectural styles or design preferences.
Building Codes and Staircase Safety
- International Residential Code (IRC): The IRC provides guidelines for stair construction, including requirements for handrail strength, continuity, and graspability. Double newel posts help to ensure that handrails meet these requirements on quarter landings.
- Handrail Height: The IRC specifies that handrails must maintain a consistent height throughout the staircase, including on landings. Double newel posts help to achieve this consistency.
- Handrail Continuity: The IRC requires handrails to be continuous, without interruptions, throughout the staircase. Double newel posts facilitate a smooth and continuous handrail transition on quarter landings.
Trends in Staircase Design
- Open Staircases: Open staircases with minimalist railings or glass balustrades often utilize strategically placed double newel posts on quarter landings to provide structural support and maintain visual flow.
- Mixed Materials: Double newel posts can be crafted from various materials, including wood, metal, or a combination of materials, to complement the overall design aesthetic.
- Floating Staircases: While less common in floating staircases, double newel posts can be incorporated into designs with quarter landings to provide support and visual continuity for the handrail.
Conclusion
Double newel posts are essential components in staircases with quarter landings, providing both structural support and visual continuity for the handrail system. They ensure a smooth transition of the handrail as it changes direction, enhancing the safety and aesthetic appeal of the staircase. By understanding their purpose and considering building code requirements, you can confidently incorporate double newel posts into your staircase design, creating a functional and visually pleasing element in your home.