A buyer’s guide to choosing oak square newel posts
A buyer’s guide to choosing oak square newel posts
Square oak newel posts are not only known for their strength but also their simple design, which will add an elegant finish to any staircase. This useful guide will explain the benefits of these newel posts, in addition to the various designs and sizes available for every budget.
Read our top tips on caring for square oak newel posts.
What fixings and accessories will I need before choosing a square oak newel post?
Before you choose your ideal newel post, you need to gather the correct fixings and accessories. Firstly, consider whether you will be keeping the existing newel base or completely replacing the base and post. If you plan on using an existing new base, you will need to drill a 50mm hole, which will allow the peg of the new oak newel post to fit into the base. This can be drilled with a hole saw or a 50mm drill bit.
In comparison, if you plan on replacing the base and the post, you can either fix the base below floor level or use a zip bolt newel post fastener. The newel post is a part of the staircase which will receive a lot of wear and tear, so it is important to ensure the fixings are attached properly. If you have an unstable newel post, it can be dangerous, so you should always correct any issues to stop the post coming loose.
What size oak square newel post should I choose?
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 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.
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.
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.
The Oak square pegged newel post is the perfect solution, when you are keeping existing newel bases in place.
It has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 90mm newel base. A newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
Spindles in the stop-chamfered style are available in 32 and 41mm.
Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
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.
What is a newel base?
The newel base is the square section with a shaped top which sits at the bottom of the newel post. The bases have a pre-drilled 50mm hole which enables the newel post to slot in place. We have a variety of newel post bases available, including 82mm, 90mm and 120mm options.
What kind of newel cap do I need?
Newel caps provide the finishing touch to your newel post, so it is important to choose the design carefully. These caps are available in both decorative, elaborate designs and also more contemporary, simple options. If you plan on installing an oak square newel post, the flat or pyramid-shaped caps tend to offer an excellent finish, thanks to their clean and simple design.
Recommended oak newel cap
Oak acorn cap 82mm
This Oak acorn cap is part of the Oak range of modern and traditional stair parts
The acorn cap has 32mm diameter peg, which will fit into the hole on the top of a newel post
Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing
There are also metal newel caps available for those looking to create a very modern style. Some newel caps are designed with a peg, which will fit into the top of your newel post. Flat and pyramid-shaped caps tend to be glued directly onto the newel post.
How much can I expect to pay for an oak square newel post?
If you have decided that you would like an oak newel post, you will notice that this particular type of wood is more expensive than options such as pine. However, we aim to offer posts to suit all budgets, so our plain square oak newel posts range in price from £17.95 up to £125.00.
The plain design of these square posts makes them an affordable option for those looking to install an oak staircase, without compromising on the strength and durability which oak is renowned for.
Oak is a very tough hardwood, which means it is naturally resistant to scratches and dents. However, oak newel posts are delivered unfinished, so you can choose whether to wax, varnish or paint the post to suit your own individual style. We recommend a clear gloss such as the Treatex Hardwax Oil, which will protect and enhance the natural strip of your oak post with just two coats.
The finish of this oil is hard-wearing, while also being quick to dry and simple to maintain. To retain the shine and colour of your chosen finish, you simply polish the post with a non-abrasive soft cloth, with scratches and chips easily buffed or sanded out.
Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil, Clear Gloss 1L
Protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood with Treatex Hardwax Oil. Using over 40 years of experience in the timber and wood finishing industries Treatex Hardwax Oil was developed to be user friendly, quick-drying, easy to maintain but above all to provide a hard-wearing and attractive finish.
Whether you are installing a simple straight wood staircase or a more complex spiral staircase, our team can offer the expert joinery advice you need to ensure you have the correct stair parts. To find out more about the timber staircase options we offer, please contact our experienced team today to discuss your custom stair design. Alternatively, head to our website and order your chosen products online to start your handrail and staircase renovation.
