Choosing different newel post styles and materials – our expert guide to your options
Choosing different newel post styles and materials – our expert guide to your options
Whether you are looking to install a new staircase or revamp your existing stair parts, you may be wondering what newel post designs are available to choose from. There are many options available, including styles that are simple and classic and other styles that are more complex and elegant. The right one for you depends on many factors, such as your budget, your preferred style and your staircase aesthetic.
Here, we explain the different designs available to you and the woods you can choose from for each design.
We provide a guide to choosing a type of wood for your newel posts, including the pros and cons of different woods.
What different newel post styles are available?
Plain square newel posts
Plain square newel posts are the most cost-effective option of newel posts and provide a classic, yet simple appearance. Their affordable price and flexibility to suit many different surroundings make them one of the most popular styles of newel posts.
Example product
Oak Plain (Square) Newel Post 1.5mtr
The oak plain square newel post is part of the Oak range of modern and traditional stair parts.
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.
Spindles in the plain square style are available in 32 and 41mm.
Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
Stop chamfered newel posts are square posts that are less simple than plain newel posts; however, they still provide an elegant, classic design. With bevels on each corner, the bevels soften the edge of the wood, making the square posts more aesthetically pleasing. The chamfer also adds strength to the corners—ideal for newel posts, which can be subject to plenty of wear and tear.
The ‘stop’ in ‘stop chamfered’ means the chamfer doesn’t continue all the way to the top and bottom of the newel. Usually, stop chamfers are featured in the middle of the newel.
This newel post design is often finished with pyramid or flat newel caps in either the same timber as the newel or a combination of timber and metal for an ultra-modern look.
Example product
Hemlock stop chamfered newel post 1.5mtr
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The Hemlock stop chamfered newel post is part of the Hemlock range of modern and traditional stair parts.
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 available in 32 and 41mm.
Hemlock stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
Turned newel posts are ideal for buyers who are looking for a traditional newel post design. These newel posts 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.
Example product
Pine Plain Turned Newel Post 90mm
The Pine plain turned newel post is part of the Pine range of modern and traditional stair parts.
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.
Pine stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
The length of the newel post is a fixed length. This measurement does not include the peg.
Barley twist newel posts are an affordable option; however, have a slightly more complex design than a style such as square newel posts. The design showcases a single or a double twist, and the twist will usually be seen in the centre of the newel post itself. A barley twist newel post is a stylish choice and will enhance the appearance of your staircase.
Example product
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.
Fluted newel posts are an extremely elegant and unique option. Fluting is a technique in which long grooves of wood are carved out of a newel post, resulting in an attractive symmetrical design of multiple flutes.
Example product
Hemlock Fluted Newel Post - Made To Order
The Hemlock fluted newel post is part of the Hemlock range of modern and traditional stair parts.
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.
Hemlock stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
The length of the newel post is a fixed length. This measurement does not include the peg.
Provincial is a square turned design, providing a simple yet elegant option for your staircase. This design is one of the most affordable options and is available in a large range of wood options.
Example product
Pine Provincial Newel Post (Square Design)
The Pine provincial newel post is part of the Pine range of modern and traditional stair parts.
Provincial, is a square turned design.
The Pine provincial 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.
Pine stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
The length of the newel post, is a fixed length. This measurement does not include the peg.
The ideal newel post style for you depends on your budget, whether you prefer a simple or complicated design and the staircase aesthetic you are going for. For example – if you are looking for the most cost-effective option, we recommend a plain square design. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more complex, busier design, you can opt for a design such as a fluted or provincial design.
The right design for you may also depend on the type of wood you are hoping to use, as different styles are available in different wood types.
Choosing a type of wood
The ideal wood for you depends on the aesthetic you are going for as well as your budget and whether you prioritise strength or affordability. Oak is a popular choice for stair parts, as it is highly durable and robust. It provides a classic and natural look. However, oak also tends to be one of the most expensive wood options, so it may not be ideal if you have a smaller budget.
If you are looking for a traditional, darker wood - you may want to look at dark hardwood or walnut newel posts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter wood that goes well with white and neutrals, pine, white primed wood or ash are great options.
Hemlock, on the other hand, is stronger than many hardwoods and is ideal if you are looking for a pale brown colour and a wood that is fairly low maintenance.
