Custom Newel Posts - What Type and How to Install

A newel post is defined as a large square pole usually found at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs. They are turned, paneled, tapered, fluted or decorated. There are two main types; turned, which are made of solid wood and decorated, and boxed, which are made of hollow wood with a cap at the top. Essentially, they are used to support the handrails, but they come in various designs to lend elegance and beauty to the stairs.

Boxed newel posts are considered when handrails are not necessary. Plain box, flutter box, mission panel, recessed box panel, and raised panel are some of the designs available for boxed newels. A turned post is used instead of boxed posts when space is not available. There are various custom newels and iron posts available.

Newel posts are available as "full", which the whole pole is made from a single piece of wood including the base; and "pin", which are used when the pole and base are different.

A Post-post system is used when handrails are fitted in between the newel posts, while an over-the-post system is employed to provide continuous handrails without interruption. Boxed posts use a post-post system while pin posts are preferred for over-the-post.

Types of Wood To Use

The wood preferred for making newel posts must be of high quality and possess sufficient length. Generally oak, maple, pine, cherry and alder are used to produce them.

Oak wood possesses great strength and hardness, and produces fine furniture. It is also resistant to fungal attack. Cherry wood is heavy and strong, and when polished gives a deep, rich, red color. Maple, alder and cherry are tight-grained and are smooth to the touch when finished. Mahogany and ash are also used for their durability and strength.

Installation

Basically, a newel post consists of 3 sections:

 

1. The top tread of first section.
2. Nosing for landing.
3. The bottom tread of next section.

 

Steps to Follow for Installing

 

1. Measure the tread of the stairs on each landing.
2. Place the post according to the level desired.
3. For the ballisters, first determine how many are required. Then cut the top at an angle parallel to the angle of the stairs.
4. For the post, mark the place to drill the power screw on both its top and bottom.
5. Drill the power screw so that the post is attached to the floor. Apply wood glue.
6. Attach the handrails by applying wood glue and drilling the screws on the underside of the rails into the newel post.
7. Attach the ballister and the handrail. Make sure that they are level!
8. Finish the stairs and make sure that they are sturdy.
9. Always oil the newels after construction.

 

Custom Newel Posts

Custom newel posts add elegance to any staircase. Most people prefer to have them to reflect their personal style or decor of their house. They are typically made to match the interior of the home. Custom posts are provided in various styles like traditional, Victorian, modern, colonial, Georgian, and federal, from classic to contemporary. They can be carved beautifully or bedecked with jewels to give a rich look. For custom newels, the wooden cap on top of the pole can be carved to represent a flower, fruit, bird, face, or any other decorative styling.

Find the right Custom Newel Posts that match your decor ideas and your unique style. Click on the following link to choose from a huge selection of exquisitely Carved Newel posts. The quality and beauty of your newels is guaranteed.

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