Buying White Oak Newel Posts & How to Care for Them

Adding white oak newel posts to your staircase can offer an impressive finish and give a more cohesive look to your staircase overall. Exceptionally durable, white oak newel posts offer homeowners an excellent return on their investment.

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 select newel post caps.

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Read about the different white oak newel posts designs we offer.

Find out how to choose the right sized oak newel post for your staircase.

Read the definition of a white oak half newel post and when you may need one.

Read what is meant by a complete newel post.

Find out what is meant by a continuous white oak newel post and whether this is the right option for you.

Read our tips on caring for white oak newel posts and useful recommended products.

We offer tips on choosing white oak newel caps for your newel posts.

We answer frequently asked questions on buying white oak newel posts

What are the different 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.Fluted newel posts feature attractive symmetrical designs using carved grooves to create multiple ridges for an elegant and classic style.

Oak Fluted Newel Post

 

  • 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.

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newel post

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.

Oak Barley Twist Newel Post

  • 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 x90mm.

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barely twist

Square oak newel posts offer a modern and robust option that can be more affordable than other designs.

Oak Plain (Square) Newel Post 1.5mtr

  • 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 newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm

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plain square

Turned winder newel post 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

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winder post

Stop chamfered newel posts are square with bevelled corners and are sturdy under pressure.

Oak Stop Chamfered Newel Post 1.5mtr

  • 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 newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
  • Spindles in the stop chamfered style are availiable in 32 and 41mm.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm

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oak stop chamfered

How do you choose the right sized white oak newel post?

At Jackson Woodturners, you’ll find an extensive range of newel posts on offer for staircases of all sizes including 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m and 3m square 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, which you can read up on below.

What is a white oak half newel post?

Half newel posts are designed to seamlessly attach directly to a landing wall or balustrade. To complete them, purchase half post caps and fit them after attachment.

You can our tips on choosing a half newel post here.

What is a complete white 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 white oak newel post?

A continuous newel post 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.

Caring for white 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.Recommended product

Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil, Clear Matt 0.5L

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.

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How to fit a white oak newel post

You can read our tips on fitting a newel post here. However, 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.

How to choose white oak newel caps

There are many kinds of 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.

Frequently asked questions – buying white 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 woods 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 white oak newel posts here.

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