Staircase without newel posts

Question

I’d like to fit a staircase between a solid wall and a half-wall that I plan to build. The half-wall would include built-in storage under the stairs. I don’t want to use newel posts as I would prefer the half-wall to be as slim as possible to save space.

Before I reach out for quotes, I’d like to find out if this idea is feasible. Specifically:
	• Can the staircase be structurally supported by a solid wall and a half-wall without newel posts?
	• What kind of reinforcements would the half-wall need to support the staircase and storage?
	• Are there any building regulations I should be aware of for this type of design?

I’d love to hear from anyone with experience on similar projects. Many thanks in advance!

Stephen · Answer

You need newel posts of some description to fix the staircase to the floor and at ceiling level otherwise the structural support is gone. At ceiling level if you look at some 1930s houses you will see a newel that literally only comes down about an inch at ceiling level but is fixed into the floor joists. You have to remember that the one string is also fixed to the Newels, the other normally being fixed to a wall. Stairs do fall under Building Regs  in particular Approved Document K

Steven · Answer

Hi, if your half wall was to be under the string taking the weight then you would not need the newel posts. The newel posts are also there to have your handrail and spindles which are required for safety and regs.

Bryn · Answer

A staircase will support itself as long as it’s fixed to a double joist at the top. So half wall can be anything it doesn’t need to support the staircase. 
There are no buildings regs regarding width of stairs unless it is part of a fire escape route or there are disability issues involved. so if you want to save space make the stairs as narrow as you think practical. Also a 70mm newel post will only add 22mm to the width of your stairs so pretty irrelevant. Put the half wall to create storage under the stairs not next to it then no space lost. 
You may get problems when you come to sell the property if there is no balusters it could be flagged up on a buyer’s mortgage survey.

Darren · Answer

Hi you should be absolutely fine as your going to hav a half wall the half wall will properly support your staircase
Newl posts do support the stairs but mostly at the top of that makes sense
But as I said the half wall will support and if you're having under stairs storage the uprights of your storage should support to you do not need permission to do so if you have a professional carpenter to do the job

Staircase without newel posts

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