Square newel posts provide a classic, yet simple addition to your staircase. One of the most cost-effective options you can choose, they are also a great choice if you are on a budget. When choosing square newel posts, it is useful to know the different options available and how to choose the best option for you. So what are the different options when it comes to choosing square newel posts?
Square newel posts are available in a wide variety of woods. Oak is one of the most popular options due to its stunning grain, high durability, and ability to be stained. However, pine can also look beautiful in your home, especially if you’re on a limited budget. Square newel posts come in a range of sizes to suit different staircases, including 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm and 3000 mm.
This guide will explain the different materials of square newel posts available in more detail, as well as how to choose the right size and provide guidance on choosing newel caps. It will also answer frequently asked questions on choosing square newel posts. Keep reading to learn more.
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- What options of wood can I choose from?
Find out what options of wood are available in a square design. - Complete, pegged and half newel posts
Read the difference between complete, pegged and half newel posts. - Choosing a newel cap
Find out what types of newel caps are ideal for a square newel post. - Square newel posts FAQs
We answer frequently asked questions on choosing newel posts.
What options of wood can I choose from when buying square newel posts?
When buying square newel posts, there are a wide range of wood options for you to choose from depending on your budget, requirements and aesthetic preferences. You can choose from the following types of woods when buying plain square newel posts:
Oak square newel posts
Oak is extremely tough and resistant to dents and scratches. The distinctive tiger-stripe on oak makes it instantly recognisable. Oak staircase parts can add character and warmth to your staircase. The toughness and durability of oak means it is more expensive than options such as pine. However, we aim to offer posts to suit all budgets.
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Oak plain square newel post
- 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.
- Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.
View our full range of oak square newel posts.
You can find out more about choosing oak square newel posts in our Buyer’s guide to choosing square oak newel posts.
Pine square newel posts
Pine is a softwood and is resistant to shrinking and swelling. Its light, and natural appearance means it goes particularly well with neutrals such as white and cream.
It is essential to bear in mind that pine can be prone to scratches or dents. It is suitable for painting, staining and varnishing, however, it needs a knotting solution before painting.
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Pine plain square newel post
- 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
- Pine stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing
- Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm
You can shop our full range of pine square newel posts here.
For more information on choosing pine square newel posts, read our guide to pine square newel posts here.
Walnut square newel posts
Walnut is heavy and strong, yet easily split and worked. Walnut’s dark, rich colouring means it has historically been used for furniture, flooring and a variety of other wood products. Walnut stains and polishes well, and is a durable type of wood.
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Walnut plain square newel post
- 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.
- Walnut stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Newel Post Size: 2000mm x 90mm x 90mm.
You can shop our full range of walnut square newel posts here.
White primed square newel posts
The base wood used for the white primed stair parts is either Birch or Poplar (tulip wood), a knot free, pale hardwood that lends itself to be used for white primed parts. The parts are sprayed white, to a very high standard. White primed square newel posts can provide a modern feel to your staircase.
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White Primed Square Pegged Newel Post
- The White square 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 half newel base. A half newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
- Newel Post Size: 790mm x 90mm x 90mm.
Shop our selection of white primed square newel posts here.
Hemlock square newel posts
Hemlock is a non-resinous North African softwood and is a predominantly knot free timber with a straight grain. Due to Hemlock's uniform density, it will take a stain easily with minimal colour distortion and does not split or break when being worked with. Being less brittle makes Hemlock stronger than many hardwoods, and it’s a great choice if you want to paint your newel posts.
You can shop our hemlock square newel posts here.
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Hemlock square newel post
- 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.
- Hemlock stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.
Shop our full range of square newel posts here to view your options.
The difference between complete, pegged and half square newel posts
When choosing a square newel post, you should be aware of whether you need to choose a complete, half or pegged square newel post.
What is meant by a complete newel post?
A complete newel post includes both the newel base and the actual post, with newel caps also attached to some posts. This provides you with a complete newel post unit which is ready for quick installation.
We offer a variety of complete newel post options, which are available to view here.
What is a half square newel post?
Half newel posts tend to be installed on landings where the balustrade attaches to a wall. The post is fixed flush to the wall, resulting in a strong and smart finish. If you are changing the newel posts within a staircase, it is relatively straightforward to completely change the half newel post.
View our full range of half newel posts here.
What is a pegged newel post?
Pegged newel posts tend to be the more decorative section of the post, with a fixed length of between 750mm and 850mm long. The posts have a 50mm diameter peg, known as a dowel, which fits into the pre-drilled 50mm hole in the newel base. If the base is already in place and cannot be easily removed, these pegged posts are a quick and simple option, such as this Oak Plain Square Pegged Newel Post.
You can view our full selection of pegged newel posts here.
Choosing a newel cap for square newel posts
Caps with a square base, such as pyramid, flat caps and square acorn caps look best on square newel posts. You can view our full range of newel caps here.
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Hemlock flat cap
- Recessed out on the underneath to fit onto a 90mm square newel post.
- Hemlock stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Newel Cap Size: 114mm x 27mm.
Oak pyramid cap
- The cap is recessed out on the underneath to fit onto a 90 newel post.
- Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Newel Cap Size: 53mm x 120mm x 120mm.
White primed square acorn cap
- The square acorn cap has a 32mm diameter peg, which will fit into the hole on the top of a newel post.
- This cap is a square design.
- Newel Cap Size: 84.7mm x 84.7mm x 135mm.
Square 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 newel posts. We offer a wide range of newel post styles, including plain square newel posts, and materials, including oak, pine, white primed, hemlock, dark hardwood, ash, walnut and white oak.
Whether you’re looking for cost-effective pine square newel posts or stunning and traditional oak square newel posts, we can help. If you’re wondering which wood would look best in your home or you’re unsure which size of square newel post your staircase renovation requires, our friendly team will be happy to offer some guidance and recommendations.
You can view our full range of newel posts and other staircase parts on our website.
Or contact the team if you have any questions about square newel posts or any other stair parts. You can call our staircase experts on 0114 272 1228 or email [email protected]
Square Newel Post FAQs
What is the most budget-friendly wood for square newel posts?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly wood for your square newel posts, we recommend pine. Pine square newel posts are highly affordable and can be painted or stained according to your requirements. However, because pine is a softwood, it can be less durable than more expensive hardwoods like oak.
Check out our full range of pine square newel posts on our website.
Can you paint square newel posts?
Yes, you can definitely paint square newel posts to better match the style of your home. You’ll need to prepare the surface, prime and use high-quality paint to ensure a lasting and durable finish. If you’re planning on painting your square newel posts, we would recommend our white primed square newel posts. These have already been professionally primed, so they are ready to receive a top coat of paint in your choice of colour!
Which wood is best for staining square newel posts?
If you’re planning on staining your square newel posts, oak or pine are great options. Oak is the best choice if you’re not on a limited budget as its rich grain absorbs stain evenly. It’s also highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, so it’s a great choice for busy family homes. However, it is one of the more expensive woods, so if you’re on a limited budget, pine can also be stained. Be aware that the stain might not absorb as evenly due to the varied grain and presence of knots.
Can I match the wood of my square newel post to my handrail and spindles?
Yes, you can absolutely match the wood of your square newel posts to your handrails and spindles. This creates a stunning and cohesive look for your staircase and helps the space flow better. At Jackson Woodturners, we offer a wide range of staircase parts, including newel posts, handrails and spindles, in various woods. Our extension collection makes it easy to choose coordinated stair parts for your renovation project.
How do you install square newel posts?
If you’re attaching a new newel post to an existing newel base, you’ll need to drill a new 50mm hole into the existing base before you can fit the peg to the newel post. You can do this with a 50mm drill bit or hole saw.
If you’re replacing the newel completely, you can do this either by using the zip bolt newel post fastener or by fixing below the floor level.
What is a box newel post?
A box newel post is very similar to a square newel post, but a box newel post always has a hollow rectangular or square design. It’s typically constructed from flat wood panels and is hollow inside. Box newel posts are typically more ornate in appearance than square newel posts.
Check out our stunning Oak Recessed Box Newel Post if you’re interested in box newel posts, or view our full range of box newel posts on our website.
What is the difference between box newel posts vs turned newel posts?
Box newels are similar in style to a square newel post; however, they offer a slightly different take as they are more ornate in appearance. Turned newel posts, on the other hand, are made by turning wood on a lathe to create a round design, often with intricate detailing and a mix of square and rounded sections.
Check out our guide on the different styles of newel posts available for a more in-depth comparison.
What styles of newel posts are available?
In addition to the plain square design, we also offer newel posts in the following styles:
View our full selection of newel posts on our website.
How do I care for wooden square newel posts?
To keep your wooden square newel posts looking their best, you’ll need to look after them properly. Here are some of our top tips:
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
- Clean with a mild wood cleaner or damp cloth. Avoid soaking the wood.
- Polish or wax occasionally to keep the shine.
- Use touch-up stain or paint for small scratches.
- Protect your square newel posts with hardwax oil for added durability.
You can view our full range of staircase finishings and fillings here.
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- Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces
- Provides a hard-wearing and attractive finish
- Quick-drying and easy to maintain
