Oak newel posts are among the most structurally significant parts of a staircase, so it’s important to know about them especially if you’re looking to upgrade your existing staircase or install a new set of stairs altogether.
This helpful guide explains the ins and outs of newel posts, from their purpose to the numerous designs on offer - check it out below!
What are newel posts?
Even if you aren’t familiar with the name, you’ll have more than likely seen a newel post before, or even have one in your home. These are the large supportive pillars that sit firmly at the end (or ends, depending on your staircase) of your balustrade, parallel to your stairs.
The main purpose of newel posts is to secure your bannister and support it by bearing most of the structure’s weight. But, more often than not, these structural elements are also essential to elevating the aesthetic of your staircase, as many are decorative and designed to catch the eye.
What styles of oak newel posts are there?
To meet diverse decor needs, there are multiple newel post styles to choose from - here are a few examples of the most popular:
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Square - simple yet effective, squared designs feature clean straight lines that are ideal for contemporary spaces.
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Chamfered - unlike fully-squared posts, chamfered types have a smooth flat edge between each face, which looks great in both traditional and modern homes.
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Kerf - featuring a shallow groove at the peak, kerf newel posts offer a subtle style feature that’s bound to impress.
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Sphinx - a squared column featuring a decorative pyramid pinnacle, the Sphinx style provides an excellent flair to enhance your stairs.
Are newel posts available in other materials?
Newel posts come in numerous material types, although timbers such as oak, pine or walnut are most common. Thanks to this vast selection of materials, there’s a perfectly suited option for every home interior and budget.
Oak is a firm favourite due to its hardiness, unrivalled natural beauty and timeless appeal. While oak newel posts are more expensive than other timbers, given the decades it takes to mature and process, their many benefits mean it’s certainly worth the investment.
Do you need a newel cap?
If you want to add even more style and sophistication to your balustrade, you can complete your oak newel post with a decorative cap. Newel caps sit above the post, like a hat, and are a beautiful finishing touch that ties the aesthetic of your bannister together.
Newel caps come in different shapes and materials, so designs are available to suit the vibe and interior style of any home. For example, flat caps are a simple way to neatly round off the supportive pillar of your balustrade, perfect for modern or minimal looks.
Or, for those craving more panache, decorative pyramid caps might be more appealing.
Talk with the team about newel posts
Here at Stair Crazy, we have some of the best oak newel posts on the market - from real oak to primed timber ready for painting, your staircase refresh is closer than you think!
For recommendations, or for help making an order, feel free to give us a call or message our team online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.