QUICK LINKS
PART TYPE
BY MATERIAL
RANGE
SUNDRIES
Planning & advice > Planning a new staircase > Stair part guides & FAQs > Newel posts > Newel caps
Newel caps provide the perfect finishing touch to the newel post, and can be simple or elaborate in design, depending on the overall look of the staircase. Newel caps can be made of wood, metal or a fusion of both materials.
Replacing a newel cap is a simple and cost-effective way to instantly update your balustrade. It’s a job that most competent DIY-ers can do—to find out more, read our step by step guide to replacing a newel cap.
In general, turned newel caps (such as ball or acorn caps) tend to look better on turned posts and caps with a square base (such as pyramid or flat caps) look best on chamfered or square newel posts.
With so many options available you can mix and match styles and materials to find the perfect look for your staircase.
Ball—a ball newel cap is a solid wooden sphere which usually has a peg at the bottom that can be inserted into the newel post. To fit, simply drill a hole the same size as the peg, apply some adhesive and slot the peg into place.
Round newel post caps are another name for ball newel post caps.
The distinct tiger-stripe pattern on this oak ball newel cap makes it a beautiful addition to an oak balustrade.
Pyramid—these are typically found on modern balustrades and offer a clean and simple finish to square-topped newel posts. Double pyramid caps are also available—these are used where two newel posts are joined together.
This beautiful oak pyramid newel cap is ideal for adding the finishing touch to a contemporary newel post.
Modern—newel caps that integrate metal into the design offer a modern touch to a newel post. Chrome or brushed nickel is usually combined with oak, pine or white primed wood for a sleek finish. Some stair part ranges feature solid metal newel caps—such as the Forge chrome flat newel cap in chrome—for the ultimate modern look.
Flat—flat newel caps are available in wood or metal and add a clean finish to the top of a newel post. They can usually be fitted with an adhesive and are available in either single or double styles for attaching to two newel posts that are joined together.
The 82mm pine flat newel cap is a great cost effective choice to complete a modern newel post.
Metal newel trims and connectors are another option for adding an element of detail or contrast to a newel post. These fit between a newel base and newel post.
This newel base connector from the Solution range is designed to be fitted onto a 90mm newel base.
The Immix range of stair parts features a decorative newel trim that clips around the newel base to add an eye-catching touch of gun metal to the white oak complete newel post.
As with newel posts, oak, hemlock and pine are among the most popular choices of material for newel caps and half newel caps.
At Jackson Woodturners, we offer oak, hemlock and pine newel caps and half newel caps either as wood, or wood combined with either chrome or brushed nickel elements.
Flat newel caps are also available in chrome and nickel for a super-sleek finish. However, they do attract fingerprints so need cleaning more often than wood newel caps.
The Forge Chrome Flat Newel Cap 90mm.
You can paint, varnish or wax oak, hemlock or pine newel caps to match your existing newel post.
If your newel cap has a peg, there should be a hole of the same diameter as the peg on the cap drilled into the newel post you’re attaching it to. If the fit is a little slack, use a small amount of wood glue to secure the cap in place.
If you’re fitting a cap over the top of the newel post (i.e. a pyramid or flat cap), you can glue this in place using a PVA wood glue. To stop the cap lifting off while the glue dries, secure it in place with a strip of masking tape.
For more information, read our in depth guide to replacing newel caps here.
On our 82mm and 90mm newel caps, the peg is 32mm in diameter.
Return to Your complete guide to stair newel posts.
