Stair Treads & Newels

The stair newel post that you choose will be the finishing flourish to your carefully planned staircase. The newel post is an end cap to where the railing ends. It is anchored to the railing and balusters — both structurally and aesthetically. Why build a fabulous staircase with beautiful balusters, railings and treads, only to end at a plain and uninspired stair newel post? While choosing a baluster is hugely influential on the kind of staircase you’ll showcase in your home, taking the time to consider every detail of the staircase structure is important. Stair treads & newels represent the final details that bring together the personality of your staircase.

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The finish of your stair treads & newels should complement the rest of your choices. Consider the finish of your balusters. Are the colors warm, or have cooler undertones? Stair treads & newels made of oak or other woods can be stained to match the undertones of your baluster choices. For both treads and newels, having rugged wood that will withstand traffic is important, but of these two, it is especially important to have durable treads.

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When visiting historic places, you can often visualize the age of the building by seeing the wear that comes from centuries of traffic on stair treads. However, in your home, you need stair treads that can hold up to years of family and friends using the stairs without showing the impact to your staircase. Stair treads are typically made from wood, but could also be from heavier materials, like marble or terrazzo. Wood is a popular option because it provides a warm and durable finish without adding unnecessary weight to the staircase structure. Wood treads also give you more options for attaching balusters and any newel posts that may sit directly on stair treads. With proper construction techniques, wood stair treads & newels offer a very secure option for your staircase that will fit any design style.