What styles of newel post are available? | Your options and how to choose the right style for you
Newel posts provide a focal point for your balustrade, so choosing the right one can ensure the entrance to your home looks fantastic.
Below, we take a closer look at the multiple style options available for newel posts. We also explore the different styles and materials of newel caps available.
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We answer frequently asked questions on choosing a newel post style.
Turned newel posts
Turned 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.
This type of newel post is popular with homeowners looking for a very specific look for their staircase—for example, if they’re replacing a square newel post with a more traditional style.
Turned newel posts can be made from a range of different timbers and are available in sections or as complete newel posts.
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.
A barley twist is a type of wood turning featuring a single or double twist. It’s commonly found on traditional chair and table legs, as well as spindles and newel posts. When newel posts use the design, the twist is usually featured in the centre of the post.
Barley twist newel posts are available in a number of different wood including ash, hemlock, pine and white oak. Although the pattern is quite traditional, with the right finish a barley twist newel is a stylish addition to both modern and period homes.
Jackson Woodturners stocks a wide range of barley twist newel posts, including this beautifully detailed oak barley twist newel post.
The Oak barley twist newel post is part of the Oak 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.
Oak stair parts come unfinished and 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.
Stop chamfered newel posts are square posts 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 only featured in the middle of the newel.
Stop chamfered newels are usually 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.
Oak stop chamfered newel posts are at the more expensive end of the wood range but are truly beautiful when varnished or waxed.
Pine stop chamfered newel posts are more affordable and you can expect to pay around £10–£20 for these, depending on the size.
Fluted newel posts
Fluting is a technique where long grooves of wood are carved out of a newel post to create an attractive symmetrical design of multiple flutes (also known as ribs or ridges).
The Hemlock fluted continuous newel post is part of the Hemlock range of modern and traditional stair parts.
The fluted continuous newel post has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 90mm newel base.
A continuous newel post is used in conjunction with a handrail and handrail fittings, which allows the handrail to flow over the top of the newel post.
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.
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. This oak box newel post from Jackson Woodturners will be a beautiful addition to any staircase.
Plain square newel posts are among the most affordable styles of newel post available. If you choose a material such as pine, you can expect to pay as little as £10.50 for a square newel post.
Square newel posts are ideal if you’re updating your staircase on a budget but don’t want to compromise on strength. Although the design is simple, it doesn’t have to be boring. The simplicity of square newel posts means they suit a wide range of staircase designs.
The variety of materials (white oak, pine, white primed, hemlock and walnut to name a few) and newel caps (including metal caps) means you can still choose a newel post that will add a real design feature to your hallway or landing.
Even the simplest designs can convey true elegance, especially when combined with glass, metallic finishes or ultra-contemporary design elements, such as the unique spindles from id—Modern Stair Parts.
For a square design with a twist (quite literally!), a square twist newel post can work both in traditional and contemporary homes as a more modern take on a barley twist design.
This newel post is part of the Oak range of modern and traditional stair parts.
The 90mm square twist newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post. It is a plain square newel, the middle section of the newel post has been twisted.
The top block is 232mm the middle twisted section is 548mm and the bottom block is 720mm.
A matching 41mm square twist spindle is available in Oak and White Primed.
A 90mm newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
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.
Ultimately, style choices are yours to make, and if you get it right, you will give your staircase the perfect look for your home. In terms of size, you need to ensure the newel cap size corresponds with the size of your post. For example, this newel post will require a 90mm newel cap.
At Jackson Woodturners, we offer newel caps in pine, ash, dark hardwood, hemlock, walnut, oak and white primed wood. We also offer wooden options combined with either chrome or brushed nickel elements. Generally speaking, square caps are best for square pine newel posts, while acorn and ball caps are a better option for turned pine newel posts.
Should I get all the same newels or should I get a variety of newels?
We recommend using the same newel styles throughout your staircase for consistency.
What material should your newel post be made out of?
When choosing a material for a newel post, you should consider your budget, style, preferred aesthetic, and durability.
How much does it cost to replace a newel post?
This depends on the type of material and the style you choose – options such as oak will more expensive to replace than woods such as white primed wood, for example.
How do you choose the right newel post?
The right newel post for you will depend on the style of your staircase, your budget, the interior design of your home, and more.
When would I use a double block newel post?
A double block newel post is used where there is a quarter landing on a stair case. It has two square heads.
The handrail coming up the stairs goes into the bottom block. As you turn through the quarter landing, the handrail going up the next flight comes out of the top block.
