Adding oak newel posts to your staircase can offer an impressive finish and give a more cohesive look to your staircase overall. Exceptionally durable, oak newel posts offer homeowners an excellent return on their investment. So, what are oak newel posts?
Oak newel posts are uprights posts designed to support the handrail of a staircase and balustrade. Made from gorgeous white oak, these newel posts make a stunning addition to both modern and traditional staircases. They come in a range of style options, including fluted, barley twist and square.
In the following sections, we explore the many different options of white oak newel posts available, helping you to select the best solution for you. This guide also provides tips on caring for newel posts, how to fit them and how to select newel post caps.
Click on a link to jump to that section:
- What is an oak newel post?
Read the definition of an oak newel post and when you may need one. - What are the different designs I can choose from?
Read about the different oak newel posts designs we offer. - How do you choose the right sized oak newel post?
Find out how to choose the right sized oak newel post for your staircase. - Caring for oak newel posts
Read our tips on caring for oak newel posts and useful recommended products. - Choosing oak newel caps
We offer tips on choosing oak newel caps for your newel posts. - Frequently asked questions about oak newel posts
We answer frequently asked questions on buying oak newel posts.
What is an oak newel post?
Oak newel posts are a stylish choice to complete the look of your staircase. A newel post is the structural post that sits at the top and/or bottom of a staircase to support it. Crafted from beautiful white oak, these newel posts are a versatile choice for both modern and traditional homes.
For more information on newel posts, read our comprehensive guide.
What is an oak half newel post?
Half newel posts are designed to seamlessly attach directly to a landing wall or balustrade. These newel posts have been pre-cut in half so that you don’t have to slice it yourself. Oak half newel posts will require you to purchase half post caps and fit them after attachment.
You can view our tips on choosing a half newel post here.
What is a complete oak newel post?
Newel posts can be bought as complete posts or as three individual elements, a newel base, post, and cap. When you buy a complete oak newel post, the base will already be incorporated, and in some cases, the cap will conveniently come attached.
What is a continuous oak newel post?
A continuous oak newel post is a type of newel post that can be used combined with handrail fittings, creating a continuous stair handrail that flows across tops of the newel posts. Instead of a square head atop the newel, a round peg is present which fits into a hole on the handrail fitting.
What are the different oak newel post designs I can choose from?
There is a wide range of designs available whether you seek to create a classic or modern feel for your home.
Oak fluted newel post
Fluted newel posts feature attractive symmetrical designs using carved grooves to create multiple ridges for an elegant and classic style.
- The 90mm fluted newel post has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 90mm newel base. A 90mm newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
- A single head newel post is a bottom and/or top newel.
- Newel Post Size: 730mm x 90mm x 90mm.
Oak barley twist newel posts
Barley twist posts can create a traditional look and can boast either a single or double twist. In newel posts, the twist will typically be placed centrally.
- The 90mm plain turned newel post has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 90mm newel base. A 90mm newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
- A single head newel post is a bottom and/or top newel.
- Newel Post Size: 730mm x 90mm x 90mm.
Square oak newel posts
Square oak newel posts offer a modern and robust option that can be more affordable than other designs.
Oak Plain (Square) Newel Post 1500mm
- The 90mm plain square newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
- A 90mm newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
- Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.
Oak winder newel posts
A winder newel post is used on a kite winder flight of stairs. Oak turned winder newel posts are another traditional style option and benefit from a round design with intricate details.
Oak Plain Winder Newel Post 90mm
- The 90mm plain turned newel post has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 90mm newel base. A 90mm newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
- A winder newel post is used on a kite winder flight of stairs.
- Newel Post Size: 500mm x 90mm x 90mm
Stop chamfered newel posts
Stop chamfered newel posts are square with bevelled corners and are sturdy under pressure.
Oak Stop Chamfered Newel Post 1500mm
- 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.
- A 90mm newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
- Spindles in the stop chamfered style are available in 32 and 41mm.
- Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm
How to choose the right style of oak newel posts?
When it comes to choosing the right style of oak newel post for your staircase, you should consider the aesthetic you are aiming for, the design of the rest of your home and the other staircase parts that you’ve chosen. Your budget will need to factor into your decision. For example, if you’re looking for a contemporary minimalist style and you’re on a tight budget a plain square newel post might be a good choice. However, if you’re for a more traditional staircase design, opt for a fluted or barley twist oak newel post.
For more in-depth information about the different styles of newel posts, check out our newel post style guide.
How do you choose the right sized oak newel post?
At Jackson Woodturners, you’ll find an extensive range of oak newel posts on offer for staircases of all sizes including 1500mm, 2000mm, 2500mm and 3000mm posts.
The height you require will depend on the height of your staircase railing. A simple formula for calculating the post height you require is as follows. Newel post height = (Rail ÷ 2) + Bottom of rail height + (Top of the block ÷ 2) + Cap. After identifying the newel post height you require, you’ll also need to select from three different kinds available, known as half, complete and continuous newel posts.
How to care for oak newel posts
An extensive range of sundries is available from Jackson’s finishing range for treating your new stair parts. Treatex Hardwax Oil products, for example, can enhance the natural beauty of white oak and make newel posts even more hardwearing. For premium protection, apply two coats after installation.
We recommend Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil Ultra, Clear Matt 0.5L to protect and enhance the finish of your natural oak newel posts. This product is suitable for all types of internal joinery including floors, stairs, doors, furniture and kitchen worktops. Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces. Apply two coats with a brush or roller. One coat of Treatex Hardwax Oil Natural can be applied underneath Treatex Hardwax Oil Clear Satin.
How to fit an oak newel post
We would advise getting a professional joiner to replace a newel post if you are unsure. When replacing a newel post, it may be easier to cut the old newel post and place a pegged newel post in its place.
What are oak newel caps?
Oak newel caps are a type of finishing cap designed to sit on top of oak newel posts. They are available in a range of styles including pyramid, flat, acorn, ball, provincial and traditional.
How to choose oak newel caps
There are many kinds of oak newel caps available to choose from. As a rule, a turned newel cap such as a ball cap will look best on a turned newel post, while a square-based cap such as a flat or pyramid cap is more suited to a square or chamfered post.
Oak newel posts by Jackson Woodturners
At Jackson Woodturners, we offer the largest selection of contemporary and traditional stair parts in the UK, including high-quality oak stair parts. We offer oak newel posts, half newel posts and newel post caps.
Whether you’re looking for contemporary oak square newel posts or a more traditional barley twist oak newel post, we can help. If you’re unsure which style of oak newel post would look best in your home, our staircase experts will be happy to make some recommendations.
View our full range of oak newel posts and other oak staircase parts on our website. Or contact the team if you have any questions about half newel posts or any other stair parts. You can call our friendly staircase experts on 0114 272 1228 or email [email protected]
Frequently asked questions about oak newel posts
What fixings and accessories will I need for newel posts?
The fixings required for newel posts will depend on whether you are keeping the existing base or replacing it entirely. To attach a new post to an old base, you’ll need a hole saw or a 50mm drill bit. If you are replacing the whole newel post, you can use a zip bolt newel post fastener.
How much does it cost to replace oak stair parts?
The cost of replacing stair parts made from oak will vary greatly depending on the part in question and the style it has been crafted in. As a rule, the more intricate the design is, the higher the price of the part but affordable options are always available.
Which types of wood stain are the best for a white oak staircase?
Staining white oak to alter its colour is never a problem, and you’ll find all stains work quite well. White oak's light tan colour under a clear finish can seem a little cold for some, but most clear finishes work well when applied in coats.
What are bespoke oak stair parts?
Bespoke oak stair parts can be created to match an existing staircase when parts like newels, spindles or even handrails need replacing.
Why should I choose oak newel posts?
Newel posts are the anchor for your staircase, so they need to be strong. In terms of lumber, oak is naturally robust while offering an attractive appearance. Oak is a hardwood, which means it’s also resistant to dents and scratches. Its distinctive tiger-stripe grain makes oak newel posts a great, eye-catching addition to traditional or modern homes.
You can shop our full range of oak newel posts here.
