Stile
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:KentStile.jpg.JPG Image:Ladder stile Snowdonia.jpg
- For the shock website, see Stile Project.
A stile is a pair of steps or ladders that is accessible to pedestrains but generally incessible to animals. Stiles are often found in rural areas or along footpaths and allow access to a field or other area enclosed by a fence or wall. Unlike a gate, there is no chance of forgetting to close it, but they are difficult to use by disabled individuals.
In the UK many stiles were built under legal compulsion, and for that reason a wide variety of designs exist some with the intention of being difficult to use. Recent changes in UK government policy towards farming has encouraged landowners in upland areas to make their land more available to the public and this has seen an increase in the number of stiles and an improvement in their overall condition.
Other meaning
In woodworking, a stile is a vertical outside member on a door or other frame and panel constructions.