Advice Needed: Using a 4x4 as interior stair newel/post

last year

Our contractor is planning to use a 4x4 for our stair newel/posts (sanding it down, adding a cap and some trim details)… he said the costs would increase for us if he purchased stair newels/posts from a store like Home Depot, etc.

Is it common to us 4x4s for stair newels/posts for interior staircases? I thought it sounded odd and it might look cheap. Thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

millworkman
last year
last modified: last year
It is and it will. Typically newel posts are a finished piece of wood and 4x4's are basic lumber. I would be concerned that it will crack and check and look awful inside of a year. Unless of course he is sourcing a piece of solid oak or similar hardwood that has been Kiln Dried especially for this purpose, although that would definitely mitigate much of the perceived cost saving. And basically no it is not a normal use for a 4x4.
palimpsest
last year
The labor of doing all those things to it to make it look better isn't more than the cost of an actual newel post or better piece of plain stock?

57 years ago they used a 4x4 to make the post at the top of my third floor stairs and trimmed it out a bit. It looks like a 4x4. I don't think I would want this as the newel post right on the first floor.
Related Discussions
Exterior entry stair or enclosed interior entry stair
Q
Comments (10)
Okay, I'm asking forgiveness in advance for opinionated comments: In everyday living, exterior stairs get wet, slippery, cold, icy. And, unless exquisitely designed (to be a statement of elegance), they look tacky. Statements of elegance are quite often inconvenient to live with, although one can bask in the initial admiration of visitors. I know that in some areas, exterior stairs are a... neighborhood tradition; a statement of necessity. And all too often, they look it. I think the architect's foyer is rather big, but oh my, the opportunity to make a decorating statement!! OTOH, I suspect 12x14 may be in proportion to the house. The architect needs to bend his brain so that the top of the staircase does not interfere with your views. I do hope someone has realized that an elevator would be of even greater use, especially if anyone breaks a leg, brings in the groceries or hauls out the trash. And if DW wants a traditional entry, an elevator could certainly take one up to the usual doorway.
...See More
Newel Post - Cap or finial?
Q
Comments (19)
Thank you for the kind comments. Decisiveness and any sort of outcome is better than nothing! I am on a roll! and hope to keep rolling with some other projects. I have tons of painting to do, most of which must wait for the Spring. Palimpsest - I was having the same thoughts. I was considering adding a piece but don't want to make it any taller. I think I'll leave it alone. Arlosmom - I had a great time at the salvage yards. Second Chance is always great, but they have really improved over the years. Some of the warehouses used to be scary - I was always fearful I would be crushed in a roof collapse. It is wonderful to know about their job training programs. They seem to be teaching the young men customer service skills too as I was very pleased with the help I received there. I visited Housewerks for the first time this Fall. It was like a strange dream. After driving thru a desolate part of town, I arrived at that amazing Victorian building with the most strange/beautiful assortment of objects surrounding it. Unbelievable.
...See More
Screwing 4x4 Ipe
Q
Comments (15)
jtcm - I both glued up 1"X10" garapa plus bought glue ups from East Teak. Both failed in spots. If you are going to do that, make sure the PT is fairly dry. Otherwise, just rip the bullnosed edge off the boards that you will use for facia on the open stringers. In that way, it will not be so obvious that they are deck boards. BTW, on your stair treads, if you have a router, consider putting a bullnose edge (1/2") on all exposed sides. Has a real good look (tip from brooklyn decks).
...See More
Add a newell post? Switch to wood hand rails?
Q
Comments (8)
OK, you all have convinced me to eliminate the oak look of the risers. While I'm too conservative to paint them, I'm thrilled with the many options for stick on riser decals that can be readily removed, including one with the pattern I've been nuts about for ages! It's called Astra, here. BUT -- back to the newel post/handrail for the upper section of this stairway.....previous comments were that we don't have the open wall for the spindles and we have no place for a newel post. I need to understand if the change I want to make isn't feasible, when it seems to me like it should be...please helps!
...See More
Ms Mochi
Original Author
last year
Thanks for the comments - appreciate it. I’ve asked to have our contractor properly purchase stair newels that are made for interior stair posts.

But I’m wondering, aren’t the stair newels that are designed for this also already “unfinished”? Maybe I’m misunderstanding. I’m a newbie to understanding all this.

Related Stories

PRO TIPS 4 Tips for Getting Great Photos of Your Work

By Houzz

Pros offer advice for taking pictures you can use to attract new clients

Full Story

By Alison Hodgson

Letting go can be hard, but it puts you more in control of your home's stuff and style. See if any of these notions are holding you back

Full Story

454

COLOR 4 Hot Color Trends to Consider for 2013

By Jennifer Ott Design

Bring some zing to your rooms for the new year, with high-energy shades that open the eyes and awaken the spirit

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Mission Possible: A Designer Decorates a Blank Apartment in 4 Days

By Becky Harris

Four days and $10,000 take an apartment from bare to all-there. Get the designer's daily play-by-play

Full Story

219

HOLIDAY HOME TOURS 4 Home Tour Dazzlers Offer Holiday Decor Inspiration

By Janet Paik

Local designers offer holiday takes from minimalist to traditional, with fresh colors, artful arrangements and even reusable decor

Full Story

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: A Family of 4 Unwinds in 540 Square Feet

By Houzz

An extraordinarily scaled-down home and garden for a couple and their 2 kids fosters sustainability and togetherness

Full Story

331

COLOR Set the Mood: 4 Colors for a Cozy Bedroom

By Jennifer Ott Design

Look to warm hues for that snuggle-friendly feeling

Full Story

159

KITCHEN WORKBOOK 4 Steps to Get Ready for Kitchen Construction

By KitchenLab Interiors

Keep your project running smoothly from day one by following these guidelines

Full Story

COLOR PALETTES Set the Mood: 4 Colors for a Romantic Bedroom

By Jennifer Ott Design

Bring your love of color — and the colors of love — into your master bedroom

Full Story

193

KITCHEN DESIGN New This Week: 4 Fabulous Kitchens With Wood Cabinets

By Mitchell Parker

See how wood cabinets in various stains, species and looks give these kitchens warmth and style

Full Story

Advice Needed: Using a 4x4 as interior stair newel/post

Comments (3)

millworkman

palimpsest

Related Discussions

Ms Mochi
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Advice Needed: Using a 4x4 as interior stair newel/post

Comments (3)

millworkman

palimpsest

Related Discussions

Ms MochiOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Ms Mochi
Original Author