If you are looking to create an elegant finish, fluted newel posts are a great option. The dramatic style can be paired with fluted wood spindles to provide an attractive, versatile design. When compared to a simple square newel post or stop chamfered style, a fluted newel post will certainly create a statement finish to your stairway.
With so many potential fluted newel posts available, it can often be hard to choose the correct style and wood, so we have put together this useful guide. Here, we take you through the various options available and how to decide whether they are the right choice for your staircase.
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Find out what the different options of wood species are when choosing fluted newel posts.
Read about the different designs and options of fluted newel posts.
Find out what options are available for fluted newel post caps and how to choose one.
Read our tips on the best products and methods for caring for fluted newel posts.
We answer frequently asked questions on buying fluted newel posts.
What types of wood can I choose from for fluted newel posts?
Ash
Ash is known for its pale brown appearance, which is highlighted by its straight grains. It is one of the toughest hardwoods available, with an excellent ability to withstand knocks to the staircase without dents, scratches and splintering.
Hemlock
Hemlock is a particularly beautiful choice for newel posts, combining the strength and uniform grain often seen in red oak at a lower price.
Oak
As a hardwood, an oak newel post will be tough and resistant, which means it will really stand the test of time. An oak newel post is also a popular choice thanks to its distinctive striped grain, which is a stunning style in both contemporary and period homes.
Are you interested in purchasing oak newel posts? You can read about the square oak newel posts we offer here.
Pine
If affordability is your main criteria when comparing fluted newel posts, pine is a great choice. As a softwood, it will be more susceptible to wear and tear than hardwoods, but it is very easy to stain, varnish or paint. To find out more about pine newel posts, read our full guide here.
You can shop our full range of fluted newel posts here.
What are the different designs and options of fluted newel posts?
Fluted newel posts incorporate long grooves, ribs, and ridges to create a symmetrical design, resulting in an elegant style. There are a variety of fluted post types available, including standard fluted, fluted winder, double block, continuous and half newel posts.
Fluted
Standard fluted newel posts offer a decorative finish with multiple designs available, such as this Ash Fluted Newel Post.
Example product: Ash Fluted Newel Post - Made to Order
- The 90mm fluted 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.
- Ash stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- The length of the wood newel post is a fixed length. This measurement does not include the peg.
- Newel Post Size: 730mm x 90mm x 90mm.
- Made to order.
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Fluted winder
The classic fluted winder newel posts are used within staircases that feature a kite winder with a design that is suited to intersections. This is a popular example of our fluted winder posts: Fluted Winder Newel Post.
Example product: Hemlock Fluted Winder Newel Post - Made to Order
- The 90mm fluted 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 winder newel post is used on a kite winder flight of stairs.
- The length of the newel post, is a fixed length. This measurement does not include the peg.
- Newel Post Size: 500mm x 90mm x 90mm.
- Made to order.
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Double block
Double block newel posts are used where there is a change in direction of a staircase, such as a corner with a quarter landing. This is a great example of a double block newel post with two square heads: Pine Fluted Double Block Newel Post.
Example product: Pine Fluted Double Block Newel Post
- The 90mm fluted 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 double block newel post is used on a quarter landing.
- 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.
- Newel Post Size: 710mm x 90mm x 90mm.
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Continuous newel post
A continuous newel post is designed for use along a handrail fitting to create a flowing handrail instead of a square finish. The following is a great example of a continuous fluted newel post: Pine Fluted Continuous Newel Post.
Example product: Pine Fluted Continuous Newel Post
- The Pine 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 wooden handrail to flow over the top of the newel post.
- 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.
- Newel Post Size: 675mm x 90mm x 90mm.
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Half fluted newel post
A half newel post is designed for use at the end of a balustrade, where the staircase meets the wall. It will add strength, stability and create a smart finish, with designs including these half fluted newel posts.
Example product: Hemlock Fluted Newel Post Half - Made To Order
- The 90mm fluted newel post half has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a half 90mm newel base. A 90mm half newel cap is required for the top of the newel post.
- The fluted newel post half is designed to be fastened onto a wall.
- Newel Post Size: 730mm x 90mm x 60mm.
- PLEASE NOTE MADE TO ORDER.
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Choosing a fluted newel post cap
Once you have chosen your perfect fluted newel post, you will need to pick a newel post cap. The style you choose will depend on the type of finish you are looking to create, with square, flat, decorative balls and acorn caps available. In addition, you will need to consider the size required, which will depend on the size of your existing newel post - for example, this Ash Fluted Newel Post will require a 90mm newel cap to fit the top of the post.
Caring for fluted newel posts
If you want to maintain the stunning finish of your staircase, it is important to properly care for your newel post. We offer a variety of staircase finishing products such as hardwax oils and wood fillers which are designed specifically for the variety of materials available.
For example, an oak staircase will need to be treated with a hardwax oil which can be easily applied using a paintbrush. Once the first coat has soaked in completely, another layer can be added. This will add an excellent layer of protection to your solid wood stair parts.
Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil Ultra, Clear Satin 1L
- Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces.
- Apply two coats with a brush or roller. One coat of Treatex Hardwax Oil Natural can be applied underneath Treatex Hardwax Oil Ultra Clear Satin.
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For further tips on caring for your newel posts, you can visit our newel posts advice hub here.
Frequently asked questions
What designs of newel posts are available?
In addition to fluted newel post designs, we also stock options such as box newel posts, stop chamfered newel post designs, and twist and turned newel post designs.
You can shop our range of newel posts here.
How can you make a newel post sturdy?
Improving the base of the newel post will add strength overall, so it is crucial to ensure this is robust and durable. If your newel post does not feel as sturdy as it should be ledger locks or timber locks within the base will increase strength. If you are not confident in doing this, we recommend calling a joiner.
What are bespoke wooden stair parts?
These are items that are made to order, so they can be tailored to suit your exact style and measurement requirements. These tend to be more expensive than off the shelf parts, as they are bespoke to your individual requirements.
Should you use hardwood or softwood stair parts?
If you are looking for reasonably priced timber that is easy to treat, softwood could be a great choice. However, for durability, strength and a premium finish, hardwoods are likely to be worth the additional cost.
Related content
Buying white oak newel posts and how to care for them
Designs and options of half newel posts
Choosing stop chamfered newel posts
