Quick answer: A newel post is the structural vertical post at the start, end, or turn of a staircase that anchors the handrail and balustrade. UK standard sizes are 90 x 90mm (interior) or 100 x 100mm (decking and exterior), with heights of 1100mm to 1500mm. Available in pine for painted finishes, oak for natural finishes, and cedar for outdoor decking.
Newel posts for staircases and decking — pine, oak, and hardwood options in standard UK sizes. Box newels, contemporary plain posts, and decorative turned styles. Trade pricing on bulk orders, fast delivery from our Bridgend yard.
What is a newel post?
The newel post is the heavy vertical timber that anchors a staircase or decking balustrade. It serves three jobs:
- Provides the structural anchor that the handrail and baserail bolt into
- Holds the balustrade rigid against the lateral forces of someone leaning on the rail
- Marks the visual transition at the start, end, or change of direction of the stairs
Every staircase needs at least two newels — one at the bottom and one at the top. Staircases that turn or have landings need additional newels at each change of direction.
Newel post sizes
| Application |
Cross-section |
Height |
| Interior staircase (standard) |
90 x 90mm |
1100mm |
| Interior staircase (tall ceiling) |
90 x 90mm |
1500mm |
| Box newel (decorative) |
120 x 120mm |
1100mm |
| Decking / exterior |
100 x 100mm |
1200mm |
| Decking corner / heavy load |
125 x 125mm |
1200mm |
Heights are nominal — newels are normally cut to length on site to suit the staircase pitch and balustrade design.
Newel post styles
Plain / square — clean modern profile, suits contemporary interiors. Easiest to match with simple square spindles.
Stop-chamfered — square section with chamfered edges that stop short of the top and bottom. Traditional Victorian and Edwardian style.
Turned — lathe-turned with decorative beads and shapes. Suits classic and period properties.
Box newel — larger square section, often with decorative panels. Premium look, used on grand staircases or feature stairs.
Contemporary — minimal profile, often with a bevelled or pyramid cap. Suits modern open-plan staircases.
Decking newel posts
For decking balustrades, exterior newels need:
-
Pressure-treated for ground contact and moisture exposure
-
100 x 100mm minimum cross-section for stability under load
-
Naturally durable timber like cedar or oak if untreated and visible
-
Stainless steel fixings to prevent rust streaks
Decking newels are typically bolted through the deck joists with M12 coach bolts to spread the lateral load. Don't rely on screws alone for posts taking full balustrade load.
FAQ
What size newel post for a UK staircase?
Standard UK interior staircase newels are 90 x 90mm. For decorative or feature staircases, 120 x 120mm box newels are used. For decking, 100 x 100mm minimum.
Can I get oak newel posts?
Yes — we stock oak newels for matching oak handrails, baserails, and spindles in natural-finish staircases.
How tall is a newel post?
Standard newels are supplied at 1100mm or 1500mm. The newel must extend at least 900mm above the pitch line of the stairs to support a code-compliant handrail height.
Do I need a newel post on every staircase corner?
Yes — every change of direction or level transition (top of stairs, bottom of stairs, half-landings, winder corners) needs a newel to anchor the balustrade.
For matching staircase parts, see our baserails, handrails, and spindles ranges. For sizing, fitting, and Building Regulations Part K compliance, read our UK stair parts guide.
Match your newel posts with our baserails for stairs, handrails, and spindles for a complete balustrade system.
