A buyer’s guide to choosing pine square newel posts
Whether you are looking to install a new staircase or revamp your existing stair parts, you may be wondering whether using pine square newel posts could be the ideal option. The simple design of a square newel post will provide both impact and elegance to your space, with pine often used due to its versatility with a variety of decor.
To help you compare the options available to you, this guide will cover everything from the size and shape of square pine newel posts to the prices and options available.
Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
Find out what you need to consider before choosing a pine square newel post.
Read the different sizes available and how to choose the best one for you.
Find out the meaning of a complete stair newel post and how this differs from other sizes.
Read what a pegged newel post means and when you may need to use one.
Read the meaning of a half newel post and when they may be necessary.
Find out what a newel base is and how to fit a newel post in a newel base.
Read the different options of newel caps and how to find the best one for you.
Find out how much pine square newel posts normally cost.
Find out how pine compares to other options in terms of cost, appearance and quality.
Read our tips on caring for pine newel posts.
We answer common queries on choosing and caring for pine newel posts.
What fixings and accessories will I need before choosing a newel post?
Before you can purchase your newel post, you will need to decide which fixings and accessories you require. These will depend on whether you are completely replacing an existing post, or simply replacing a post whilst keeping the base in place.
Are you looking to replace a newel cap? Read our full guide here.
If you are keeping the existing newel base, you will need a 50mm drill bit, so that you can pre-drill the hole for a pegged newel post. In comparison, if you are also replacing the base, you will need a zip bolt newel post fastener. Alternatively, it is possible to fix the base below floor level.
Whichever option you choose, it is essential that you securely fix the base in place, as it needs to be strong and able to withstand wear and tear. There are also complete fixing kits available which will include everything you need to fix the newel post to the handrail.
Find out more about fixing a newel post to a handrail here.
Shop our complete range of accessories and fixings here
What size pine square newel post should I choose?
There are a variety of sizes to suit your own staircase, with our pine square post range available to view here. Our range includes 70mm, 82mm and 90mm full square posts and half posts.
Before you purchase a new newel post, you will need to accurately measure your staircase. The height of your newel post will depend on the handrail height of your balustrade, with typical floor level designs being at least 36" high. The height should enable the handrail to terminate near the top of your newel post.
Shop our full selection of newel posts here.
What is meant by a complete newel post?
A newel post can either be sold as a complete post, or as three separate sections; the newel base, the cap, and the newel post itself. A complete newel post will incorporate each of these sections and be sold as a complete unit ready to install, making them a very popular choice. A great example is this complete newel post, which includes a ball cap.
Are you unsure which newel post style to choose? Shop our full range of newel posts to view your design options.
When choosing which newel post to install in your home, you will find there are many options of complete newel posts available. Those with a more traditional home often install pine or oak turned newel posts; however, contemporary homes often choose more modern square or twist styles.
What is a pegged newel post?
The newel post itself is the more decorative section which makes up the middle of the complete post. Many newel posts will have a 50mm diameter peg on the bottom, which is designed to slot into the 50mm hole that is pre-drilled in the newel base. This is ideal if you are refurbishing a staircase and are unable to remove the existing newel base.
The post itself is always sold as a fixed length, often between 750-850mm long, with the base making up the rest of the height needed for your staircase. This is a great example of a pegged newel post.
What is a half newel post?
These posts are commonly used on landings where the end of the balustrade meets the wall. The half post increases strength and creates a smart finish by sitting directly against the wall.
Read our complete guide to half newel posts here.
What is a newel base?
This is the square section at the very base of the newel post. The post has a shaped top, and many will arrive with a pre-drilled 50mm hole, which will allow the newel post to slot in place inside the hole. Our range of pine newel bases is available to view here.
What kind of newel cap do I need?
A newel cap attaches to the top of your newel post. If you are opting for a pine square newel post, you can choose either a matching pine cap or a more contemporary metal cap. The ideal choice for you will also depend on the type of balustrade installed, with parts available in glass, wood, and metal.
You can view our full range of newel caps here.
For guidance on choosing a square newel cap, read our guide to choosing the best square newel cap for you.
How much can I expect to pay for a pine square newel post?
In comparison to oak and hemlock newel posts, pine will provide a more affordable option. This is because pine is more susceptible to wear and tear. However, pine is very easy to stain, paint, varnish, and update.
Read our full guide to oak vs pine here.
The plain square pine newel posts are also one of the most cost-effective options when compared to more intricate turned designs. For example, it is possible to purchase a complete pine newel post for as little as £6.99, with the most expensive options being the made to order options which cost in the region of £48.30.
Recommended product
Pine 70mm Square Newel Post
- • The Pine 70mm complete newel, is a complete 2 part laminated piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full-length newel post
- • A 70mm newel cap such as a pyramid or flat cap is required for the top of this newel post
- • 70mm complete newel posts are perfect for small tight spaces, such as a small landing or loft conversion
- • Pine stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing
You can view our full range of pine square newel posts here.
Are you looking for the ideal square newel cap for your newel post? Shop our complete range of square newel caps to view your options.
How does pine compare to other wooden stair parts?
Pine and oak are two of the most popular woods used to make stair parts.
Below is an overview of the key differences between the two materials:
| Feature | Pine | Oak |
|---|---|---|
| Type of wood | Softwood | Hardwood |
| Strength | Has a close grain that makes it very strong | Renowned for being durable and long-lasting |
| Colour | Light beige to yellow | Ranges in colour from blonde to dark tones |
| Appearance | Straight grain with attractive knots | Very pronounced grain, no knots. Works well in combination with contrasting materials. Ideal for staining and showcasing natural timber |
| Durability | Can show scratches and dents | Resistant to dents and scratches |
| Finish | Staining, varnishing or painting | Staining or polishing |
| Maintenance | Low - Medium | Low-maintenance |
| Cost | Low Range | Mid Range |
Hemlock is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, which makes it ideal for stair parts. The timber is very light in colour and takes varnish very well so a hemlock balustrade can give any hallway a striking, fresh feel.
If you are looking for a traditional, darker wood - you may want to look at dark hardwood or walnut newel posts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter wood that goes well with white and neutrals - white primed wood or ash are great options, in addition to pine.
In terms of cost, pine is typically more expensive than options such as white primed wood, however is often cheaper than oak and ash.
What other pine newel posts designs are available?
Other designs of pine newel posts include:
Turned newel posts
Recommended Product: Pine Plain Turned Newel Post 82mm
- Newel Post Size: 730mm x 82mm x 82mm
- The Pine plain newel post is part of the Pine range of modern and traditional stair parts
- The 82mm newel post has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 82mm newel base. An 82mm newel cap is required for the top of the newel post
Barley twist newel posts
Recommended product: Pine Barley Twist Newel Post 90mm
- Newel Post Size: 730mm x 90mm x 90mm
- The 90mm barley twist newel post has a 50mm diameter peg, which will fit into a 90mm newel base
Stop chamfered newel posts
Pine 70mm Stop Chamfered Newel Post
- Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 70mm x 70mm
- 70mm complete newel posts are perfect for small tight spaces, such as a small landing or loft conversion
- Pine stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing
Fluted newel posts
Recommended product: Pine fluted newel post 90mm
- Newel Post Size: 730mm x 90mm x 90mm
- 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
Volute newel posts
Recommended product: Pine Plain Volute Newel Post
- A volute newel sits onto a bullnose or curtail step at the bottom of a flight of stairs. The volute handrail fitting sits on top of the volute newel post to create a continuous handrail.
- The length of the newel post is a fixed length. This measurement does not include the peg.
- Volute Newel Length: 1335mm
Provincial newel posts
Recommended product: Pine Provincial Newel Post (Square Design)
- • Provincial is a square turned design
- • The Pine provincial 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
- • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 70mm x 70mm
Caring for pine newel posts
To ensure your pine staircase is protected for many years to come, it is important to finish the newel post with the correct products. Oil is a great way to seal, protect and enhance the natural tone of your timber. You may also decide to fill in any tiny imperfections with a pinewood filler. Whatever you decide, we have an excellent range of products which will allow you to care and protect your pine stairs.
You can read our full guide to buying and caring for wooden stair parts here.
Recommended product
Buy the Treatex Hardwax Clear Gloss Oil
- Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces
- Provides a hard-wearing and attractive finish
- Quick-drying and easy to maintain
If you would like to find out more about installing a new newel post or discuss any of the products in our extensive range, our experienced team are always happy to assist. Contact us today for expert advice.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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A buyer’s guide to choosing square oak newel posts