Madie Wray
Monday 01 May 2023
What Is A Box Newel Post & Other FAQ?
A box newel post is a style of stair or balustrade post, that is often hollow or rebated, allowing drop in panels, skirts and mouldings to be used as decoration. Most commonly these posts are made from timber, and can either be stained or painted depending on personal preference.
Choosing the right post for your staircase or balustrade can make all the difference to the overall style and aesthetic of your space. Box newel posts have been a popular choice in America for many years, and have increasingly been incorporated into home builds around Australia.
Box Newel posts are particularly popular in coastal and hamptons design builds, and offer a stylish alternative to the more traditional turned newel posts. We’ll walk you through the differences between these two stair post styles, and answer the most frequently asked questions regarding box newel posts!
Jump to:
- What Is A Box Newel Post?
- Box Newel Post Examples & Images
- Difference Between Box Newel Posts & Turned Posts
- How To Choose The Right Stair Post For Your Project
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Box Newel Post?
A box newel post is a style of stair or balustrade post, that is often hollow or rebated, allowing drop in panels, skirts and mouldings to be used as decoration. Most commonly these posts are made from timber, and can either be stained or painted depending on personal preference.
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Easy DIY Stainless BalustradeBox newel posts are most commonly paired with either scalloped or pyramid style post capitals, and tend be either 115mm or 155mm in width/depth. Their height on the other hand varies somewhat, but is often between 1m-1.5m (to meet australian handrail standards). The exact height of the post can be altered to suit your particular needs by simply cutting it down!
The matching drop in panels for box newels also vary somewhat depending on the configuration of the post. For instance, a post that uses multiple drop in panels in its design might incorporate multiple different (smaller) sizes, while a post that only uses one is more likely to only use a singular large panel.
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One of the best things to do in Jordan is to visit the ancient city of Jerash, considered one of the best-preserved Roman-era cities in the world. Actually, Alexander the Great originally founded Jerash (or Gerasa) as a Greek City in the 4th Century BC.
Unlike other ancient Roman cities, you’ll see little restoration; buildings are as it was during the Roman days (or how it has crumbled since). Contemplate that as you walk around exploring what’s left of cultural centers like temples, theaters, and hippodromes. White Australia has such a short, colonized history that you wouldn’t find a building under 200 years old.
You can still see the Greek inscriptions in the crumbling remains of the façade that once faced the city. About three hundred years later, the Romans took control where it grew to be one of the most impressive Roman cities to ever exist.
Box Newel Post Examples & Images
Box Newel Posts vs. Turned Newel Posts: What's The Difference?
Box newel posts and turned newel posts both serve the same purpose (to support a staircase or balustrade), but look vastly different from one another. Box newel posts tend to be squarer and more modern than the turned variety, while turned posts are better suited to more traditional builds (and as the name might suggest, will always incorporate at least one decorative turned section). Both however, tend to be made from timber rather than steel.
In addition to turned timber sections, turned newel posts might also include fluted or chamford sections where box newels will not. As a result box newel posts tend to be used most in modern, hamptons, coastal and high end builds, while turned posts tend to be used in restorations and heritage style homes.
Plain posts can also be used where box newels or turned posts are too decorative/over the top. Thankfully- we stock all three varieties at hammersmith. You can find them all listed here.
How To Choose The Right Stair Post For Your Project
Choosing the right post for your staircase or balustrade mostly comes down to personal preference and taste. If you are restoring a heritage home, you might want to consider using turned posts- whereas if you a building a brand new house or prefer a minimalist aesthetic, perhaps box newels or plain posts might be a better choice.
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FAQ About Box Newel Posts
What is the purpose of a newel post?
A stair or balustrade newel post is a structural balustrade element, which also serves a decorative purpose. They are often found at the end of handrails, and on winders/landings.
What materials are newel posts made of?
Newel posts can be made from a variety of materials such as stainless steel, wrought iron, wood and galvanised steel. Primarily however, they tend to be made from timber; most commonly pine.
Can I install a newel post myself?
Yes you can absolutely install a staircase newel yourself! If you intend to install newel posts in your own home however, we recommend consulting a quilidied builder or tradesman to ensure that your new staircase or balustrade meets Australian Standards (as newel posts are an important structural element of any staircase).
How do I maintain my newel post?
Newel posts should not require much maintenance, however you should always ensure that the correct materials are being used prior to installation. For instance, if you intend to use the newel post outside you should always use treated timber, as most newel posts are not actually suitable for external use.
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