A buyer’s guide to choosing stop chamfered newel posts

If you are purchasing a newel post for your new or existing staircase, you may have come across a stop chamfered newel post and be curious whether this design may be the right option for you. These newel posts are known for their simple yet effective design, which includes bevels to each corner to increase strength and add an interesting element. This bevel is commonly referred to as a chamfer, with the term ‘stop chamfered’, simply describing how the chamfer only runs along the centre section of each corner.

This useful guide will cover the various options available when choosing stop chamfered newel posts in terms of sizes and wood types. We will also explain how much you can expect to pay for a stop chamfered newel post.

Click on a link to jump to that section:

Read the different options of wood you can choose from when buying a stop chamfered newel post.

Find out how to choose the right sized stop chamfered newel post.

Read the meaning of a half stop chamfered newel post and when you may need to use one.

Read our tips on caring for stop chamfered newel posts.

Find out what other designs you can choose from when choosing newel posts.

What types of wood can I choose from?

Newel posts are designed to support the bannister and secure the balustrade; however, they also provide a decorative touch and are available in a range of styles and wood types.

Ash

Ash newel posts offer an attractive pale colour, with a similar grain to oak and minimum knots. It is one of the toughest hardwoods available, so will withstand the knocks your newel post is sure to receive.

Recommended product

Ash stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Ash stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1490mm x 90mm x 90mm.

Shop now

View our range of ash stop chamfered newel posts here.

ash stop chamfered newel post

Dark hardwood

Dark hardwood, otherwise known as Sapele, is a dark reddish-brown, known for its similarities to mahogany. It is ideal for polishing and varnishing and is often used for replacement newel posts on older mahogany staircases.

Recommended product

Dark hardwood stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Dark Hardwood stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1490mm x 90mm x 90mm.

Shop now

View our range of dark hardwood stop chamfered newel posts here.

dark hardwood newel post

Oak

Oak is the strongest type of wood available for a newel post, with its ability to resist scratches and dents making it one of the most popular choices.

Recommended product

Oak stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.

Shop now

View our range of oak stop chamfered newel posts.

oak stop newel post
image of stairs

Read our full guide to the oak stair parts we offer here.

Hemlock

Although this is a softwood, it is actually stronger and denser than many popular hardwoods. It is a popular option thanks to its strength, but also because of its knotless and uniform wood grain.

View our range of hemlock stop chamfered newel posts.

Recommended product

Hemlock stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Hemlock stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.

Shop now

hemlock stop newel post

Pine

Pine newel posts are some of the most affordable posts available; however, it is susceptible to wear and tear. Many people choose pine for its price, its quick growth, sustainability and for ease of painting, staining, or varnishing.

Recommended product

Pine stop chamfered pegged newel post
  • The Pine stop chamfered pegged newel post is the perfect solution, when you are keeping existing newel bases in place.
  • It has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 90mm newel base. A newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
  • Newel Post Size: 790mm x 90mm x 90mm.

Shop now

View our range of pine stop chamfered newel posts here.

pine stop pegged newel post

White primed wood

The base wood within these newel posts is either poplar or birch, which is both durable and strong. However, the white primed finish adds a bright and modern design element.

Recommended product

Stop chamfered white primed newel post
  • The 82mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • 82mm complete newel posts are perfect for small tight spaces, such as a small landing or loft conversion.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 82mm x 82mm.

Shop now

View our range of white primed stop chamfered newel posts here.

stop chamfered white primed newel post

What sized stop chamfered newel post should I choose?

Typically, the size of your newel post will be dictated by your staircase type and the height or your handrail. The Building Regulations state the exact handrail requirements, with heights of between 900 and 1000mm used. The handrail will need to finish in the top section of your newel post, so you will need to measure from the newel base upwards to ensure you choose the correct height. We offer stop chamfered posts in all popular sizes, including 1.5m, 2m and those which are made to order.

What is a half stop chamfered newel post?

A half newel post is designed to attach the balustrade to the landing wall, providing a strong and attractive design. They can be finished by adding a half post cap, which is attached to the top of the newel post. You can view a variety of half stop chamfered newel posts here.

Caring for stop chamfered newel posts

There is a selection of products available to care for your stop chamfered newel posts, including wood filler to match your chosen timber, matching metre lengths of veneer and various Hardwax oils. To maintain the finish of your staircase, it is advisable to use the Hardwax oil, which will protect and enhance the natural surface of the wood. The oil we offer only requires two coats and will create a hard-wearing finish, which is easy to maintain.

Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil, Clear Gloss 1L

  • Protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood with Treatex Hardwax Oil
  • Developed to be user-friendly, quick-drying
  • Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces

Shop now

hardwax oil

What are my other options when choosing newel posts?

There are many other newel post styles available including barley twist, fluted, plain square, plain turned, provincial, square twist and volute. The newel post is often the focal point of your staircase, so it is important to choose the right style. You can view our full range of newel posts here.

The plain designs are the most affordable options, and they are suitable for many interior designs. If you are updating your staircase to a more contemporary design, hardwood square posts are a great option. However, for those looking for a more detailed modern design, the box newels offer an interesting alternative.

If you are looking for a more ornate design, barley twist, fluted and provincial posts will create a more traditional finish. The turned style provides a simple yet classic finish to your staircase. The fluting technique is used to create various designs, with many posts made to order to match specific spindles or interior design choices.

Whether you are renovating a staircase or replacing an existing staircase, installing a newel post can seem like a daunting task. We have an excellent gallery of images available which could provide you with inspiration. Alternatively, you can call into our showroom in Sheffield or take a tour from the comfort of your home. If you would like to discuss the style and design of your staircase, our team will be happy to offer advice about the various stop chamfered newel posts available to suit your specific budget. To find out more, please contact our team today.

Are you planning a new staircase design? Shop our full range of stair parts here.

Related content

A buyer’s guide to choosing square oak newel posts

A buyer’s guide to choosing square pine newel posts

If you are searching for a newel post for a new or existing staircase, you may be curious as to whether a stop chamfered newel post is right for you. Known for their simple yet effective design, these newel posts feature a bevel, or chamfer, on each corner. This not only adds an interesting design element, but also increases strength. The term ‘stop chamfered’ simply refers to the bevelled edge running along the centre section of each corner.

Our useful guide will summarise the various options available for sizes and wood types.

 

Click on a link to jump to that section:

Read the different options of wood you can choose from when buying a stop chamfered newel post.

 

Read our tips on caring for stop chamfered newel posts.

 

Find out what other designs you can choose from when choosing newel posts.

Types of wood available for stop chamfered newel posts

Newel posts are designed to support the bannister and secure the balustrade. They also provide a decorative touch, available in a range of styles and wood types. 


Ash

Ash newel posts are an attractive pale colour, with a similar grain to oak and minimum knots. It is one of the toughest hardwoods available and will withstand the knocks your newel post is likely to receive.


Recommended product: Ash stop chamfered newel post 1490mm

  • These chamfered newel posts are a complete piece of timber, incorporating both the base and post.
  • Ash stair parts arrive unfinished, with the opportunity to use paint, varnish, or wax.
  • Newel post size: 1490mm x 90mm x 90mm.

View our range of ash stop chamfered newel posts below.

Shop Now

 

 

Dark hardwood

Otherwise known as sapele, dark hardwood is a deep reddish brown, similar to mahogany. It is ideal for polishing and varnishing, and is often used to replace older mahogany staircases.


Recommended product: Dark hardwood stop chamfered newel post 1490mm

  • The 90mm dark hardwood newel posts are a complete piece of timber. They feature both the newel base and post.
  • These stair parts come unfinished, so are perfect for varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel post size: 1490mm x 90mm x 90mm. 

View our range of dark hardwood stop chamfered newel posts below.


Shop Now

Oak

Oak is the strongest available wood for a stop chamfered newel post. It is also scratch and dent resistant, making it one of the most popular choices.


Recommended product: Oak stop chamfered newel post 1500mm

  • This oak newel post is also made from a complete piece of timber. This incorporates both the base and the newel post.
  • It is suitable for varnishing, waxing, or painting, as they come unfinished.
  • Newel post size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.

View our range of oak stop chamfered newel posts below, or check out our full guide to oak stair parts.

Shop Now

Hemlock

Despite being a softwood, hemlock is actually stronger and more dense than many popular hardwoods. It is a popular option for newel posts because of its strength, as well as its knotless and uniform wood grain.


Recommended product: Hemlock stop chamfered newel post 1500mm

  • Hemlock stop chamfered newel posts incorporate both the base and post, arriving as a complete piece of timber.
  • As they come unfinished, these stair parts can be finished by painting, varnishing, or waxing. 
  • Newel post size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm. 


View our range of hemlock stop chamfered newel posts below.


Shop Now

Pine

Pine newel posts are some of the most affordable available for purchase. They are, however, susceptible to wear and tear. Many people choose pine for its price, quick growth, and sustainability. It is also extremely easy to paint, stain, or varnish.


Recommended product: Pine stop chamfered pegged newel post

  • If you are keeping existing newel bases in place, the pine stop chamfered pegged newel post is the perfect solution.
  • The peg is 50mm in diameter, fitting a 90mm newel base. A newel cap will be required for the top of the post.
  • Newel post size: 790mm x 90mm x 90mm. 

View our range of pine stop chamfered newel posts below.


Shop Now

White primed wood

Made with a base wood of either poplar or birch, these newel posts are both strong and durable. The white primed finish adds a bright and modern design element.


Recommended product: White primed stop chamfered newel post 1500mm x 82mm

This 82mm stop chamfered newel post is a complete piece of timber, incorporating both the base and post to form one full length newel post.
This product is perfect for small, tight spaces, such as small landings or loft conversions. 
Newel post size: 1500mm x 82mm x 82mm.

View our full range of white primed stop chamfered newel posts below.


Shop Now

Caring for stop chamfered newel posts

There are a number of products available to care for your newel posts, including wood filler, matching your chosen timber and metre lengths of matching veneer. You may also choose from a variety of hardwax oils, which will protect and enhance the natural surface of the wood. The oil we offer here at Jackson Woodturners only requires two coats, creating a hard-wearing finish that is easy to maintain. 


Treatex clear hardwax oil, clear gloss 1L

  • Protects and enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
  • Developed to be user-friendly and quick-drying.
  • Just two coats will protect and enhance wooden surfaces.

Shop Now

 

What are my other options when choosing newel posts

There are a number of other newel post styles available, including:

Plain designs

Newel posts with plain designs are the most affordable options and are suitable for a number of interior designs. If you are updating your staircase to have a more contemporary look, hardwood square posts are a great option. On the other hand, box newels offer an interesting alternative for those looking for a more detailed, modern design. 

 

Ornate designs

Barley twist, fluted, and provincial posts offer a more ornate design and traditional finish. The turned style provides a simple, yet classic, finish to your staircase. The fluting technique is used to create various designs, with many posts made to order, matching specific spindles or interior design choices.


Choosing the right newel post style for you

Whether you are renovating or replacing a staircase, installing a newel post can seem like a daunting task. Here at Jackson Woodturners, we have an excellent gallery of images available for your inspiration. Alternatively, you can call into our showroom in Sheffield, or take a tour from the comfort of your own home


Check Out Our Brochures


Planning a new staircase design? Shop our full range of stair parts.

Stop chamfered newel posts from Jackson Woodturners

Founded in 1910, our family-run business is now in its fourth generation. Our aim is to help you achieve your dream staircase and make your house a home, all with over a century of expertise. 

If you would like to discuss the style and design of your staircase, our team will be happy to offer advice on all stair parts, including stop chamfered newel posts, to suit your specific budget. To find out more, please contact us today

Newel post FAQs

What size stop chamfered newel posts should I choose?

The size of your newel post is typically determined by your staircase type and the height of your handrail. Building regulations state exact handrail requirements, with a height of between 900mm and 1000mm needed.

The handrail will need to finish in the top section of the newel post. This means you will need to measure from the newel base upwards, ensuring you choose the correct height. We offer stop chamfered posts in all popular sizes, including 1500mm, 2000mm, and made to order requests.


What is a half stop chamfered newel post?

A half newel post is designed to attach the balustrade to the landing wall, providing a strong and attractive design. They can be finished by adding a half post cap, which is attached to the top of the newel post.

Take a look at our range of half stop chamfered newel posts.


What is the difference between a newel post and a newel base?

Newel posts are usually a fixed length, between 750mm and 850mm long. The newel base is the bottom fixing for the post that is anchored to the ground. A newel base usually has a pre-drilled 50mm diameter hole in which the post fits into. 


Related content

A buyer’s guide to choosing square oak newel posts

A buyer’s guide to choosing square pine newel posts