A guide to stop chamfered newel posts

If you are purchasing a newel post for your new or existing staircase, you may have come across a stop chamfered newel post and be curious whether this design may be the right option for you. These newel posts are known for their simple yet effective design, which includes bevels to each corner to increase strength and add an interesting element. This bevel is commonly referred to as a chamfer, with the term ‘stop chamfered’, simply describing how the chamfer only runs along the centre section of each corner.

This useful guide will cover the various options available when choosing stop chamfered newel posts in terms of sizes and wood types. We will also explain how much you can expect to pay for a stop chamfered newel post.

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Read the different options of wood you can choose from when buying a stop chamfered newel post.

Find out how to choose the right sized stop chamfered newel post.

Read the meaning of a half stop chamfered newel post and when you may need to use one.

Read our tips on caring for stop chamfered newel posts.

Find out what other designs you can choose from when choosing newel posts.

What types of wood can I choose from?

Newel posts are designed to support the bannister and secure the balustrade; however, they also provide a decorative touch and are available in a range of styles and wood types.

Ash

Ash newel posts offer an attractive pale colour, with a similar grain to oak and minimum knots. It is one of the toughest hardwoods available, so will withstand the knocks your newel post is sure to receive.

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Ash stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Ash stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1490mm x 90mm x 90mm.

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View our range of ash stop chamfered newel posts here.

ash stop chamfered newel post

Dark hardwood

Dark hardwood, otherwise known as Sapele, is a dark reddish-brown, known for its similarities to mahogany. It is ideal for polishing and varnishing and is often used for replacement newel posts on older mahogany staircases.

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Dark hardwood stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Dark Hardwood stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1490mm x 90mm x 90mm.

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View our range of dark hardwood stop chamfered newel posts here.

dark hardwood newel post

Oak

Oak is the strongest type of wood available for a newel post, with its ability to resist scratches and dents making it one of the most popular choices.

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Oak stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.

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View our range of oak stop chamfered newel posts.

oak stop newel post
image of stairs

Read our full guide to the oak stair parts we offer here.

Hemlock

Although this is a softwood, it is actually stronger and denser than many popular hardwoods. It is a popular option thanks to its strength, but also because of its knotless and uniform wood grain.

View our range of hemlock stop chamfered newel posts.

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Hemlock stop chamfered newel post
  • The 90mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • Hemlock stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 90mm x 90mm.

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hemlock stop newel post

Pine

Pine newel posts are some of the most affordable posts available; however, it is susceptible to wear and tear. Many people choose pine for its price, its quick growth, sustainability and for ease of painting, staining, or varnishing.

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Pine stop chamfered pegged newel post
  • The Pine stop chamfered 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.
  • Newel Post Size: 790mm x 90mm x 90mm.

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View our range of pine stop chamfered newel posts here.

pine stop pegged newel post

White primed wood

The base wood within these newel posts is either poplar or birch, which is both durable and strong. However, the white primed finish adds a bright and modern design element.

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Stop chamfered white primed newel post
  • The 82mm stop chamfered newel post, is a complete piece of timber incorporating the newel base and newel post to form one full length newel post.
  • 82mm complete newel posts are perfect for small tight spaces, such as a small landing or loft conversion.
  • Newel Post Size: 1500mm x 82mm x 82mm.

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View our range of white primed stop chamfered newel posts here.

stop chamfered white primed newel post

What sized stop chamfered newel post should I choose?

Typically, the size of your newel post will be dictated by your staircase type and the height or your handrail. The Building Regulations state the exact handrail requirements, with heights of between 900 and 1000mm used. The handrail will need to finish in the top section of your newel post, so you will need to measure from the newel base upwards to ensure you choose the correct height. We offer stop chamfered posts in all popular sizes, including 1.5m, 2m and those which are made to order.

What is a half stop chamfered newel post?

A half newel post is designed to attach the balustrade to the landing wall, providing a strong and attractive design. They can be finished by adding a half post cap, which is attached to the top of the newel post. You can view a variety of half stop chamfered newel posts here.

Caring for stop chamfered newel posts

There is a selection of products available to care for your stop chamfered newel posts, including wood filler to match your chosen timber, matching metre lengths of veneer and various Hardwax oils. To maintain the finish of your staircase, it is advisable to use the Hardwax oil, which will protect and enhance the natural surface of the wood. The oil we offer only requires two coats and will create a hard-wearing finish, which is easy to maintain.

Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil, Clear Gloss 1L

  • Protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood with Treatex Hardwax Oil
  • Developed to be user-friendly, quick-drying
  • Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces

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hardwax oil

What are my other options when choosing newel posts?

There are many other newel post styles available including barley twist, fluted, plain square, plain turned, provincial, square twist and volute. The newel post is often the focal point of your staircase, so it is important to choose the right style. You can view our full range of newel posts here.

The plain designs are the most affordable options, and they are suitable for many interior designs. If you are updating your staircase to a more contemporary design, hardwood square posts are a great option. However, for those looking for a more detailed modern design, the box newels offer an interesting alternative.

If you are looking for a more ornate design, barley twist, fluted and provincial posts will create a more traditional finish. The turned style provides a simple yet classic finish to your staircase. The fluting technique is used to create various designs, with many posts made to order to match specific spindles or interior design choices.

Whether you are renovating a staircase or replacing an existing staircase, installing a newel post can seem like a daunting task. We have an excellent gallery of images available which could provide you with inspiration. Alternatively, you can call into our showroom in Sheffield or take a tour from the comfort of your home. If you would like to discuss the style and design of your staircase, our team will be happy to offer advice about the various stop chamfered newel posts available to suit your specific budget. To find out more, please contact our team today.

Are you planning a new staircase design? Shop our full range of stair parts here.

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