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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.
This guide will explain the different materials of square newel posts available, how to choose the right size and provide guidance on choosing newel caps. It will also answer frequently asked questions on choosing newel posts.
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Find out what options of wood are available in a square design.
Read how to choose the right sized newel post for your staircase.
Read the difference between complete, pegged and half newel posts.
Find out what types of newel caps are ideal for a square newel post.
We answer frequently asked questions on choosing newel posts.
You can choose from the following types of woods when buying plain 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.
You can find out more about choosing oak square newel posts in our Buyer’s guide to choosing square oak newel posts.
Pine is a softwood and is resistant to shrinking and swelling. It’s 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, needs a knotting solution before painting.
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 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.
You can shop our full range of walnut square newel posts here.
The base wood used for the white primed 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.
Shop our selection of white primed square newel posts here.
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 the minimum of colour distortion and does not split or break when being worked with. Being less brittle makes it stronger than many hardwoods and is ideal timber if you wish to paint.
You can shop our hemlock square newel posts here.
Shop our full range of square newel posts here to view your options.
The height of your newel post will depend on your stair railing height. In most situations, the newel post is installed either at floor level or at the start of the stair tread, with a simple formula used to calculate newel post heights:
Newel post height = (Rail ÷ 2) + Bottom of rail height + (Top of the block ÷ 2) + Cap mould (if being used). We have a range of square newel post options available, which are designed to suit every staircase size, including 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m and 3m square posts. It is worth bearing in mind that the newel post-measurement will not include the length of the peg.
When choosing a square newel post, you should be aware of whether you need to choose a complete, half or pegged square 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 floor level.
In addition to the plain square design, we also offer newel posts in the following styles:
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.
Turned newel post
Box newel post
You can view our range of staircase finishings and fillings here.
Choosing pine square newel posts
