Stair Newel's

[tandh]

hey, i really like this newel

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Contemporary-Hemlock-Newel-Post-1220mm/p/128402

But i'm shocked how much it is, can i not just use a plain piece of wood, and use my table saw to cut a couple of decorative squares for the top? If so what type of wood should i go for pleaseEnter Further Question Details Here...

[douglas9401]

I'd suggest you go with Western Hemlock. Got a lump here you can have for £60.

[Old_Geezer]

Large lumps of wood aren't cheap, especially hard wearing varieties.
Doesn't grow on trees you know.
You could try to make your own out of cheaper wood but my suspicion is that you'd put in a lot of effort and be unimpressed with the result longer term, to save relatively little. But give it a try if you fancy a go.

[The Builder]

The only way you could beat that price is to make one out of ordinary "joinery quality" softwood stocked by builders' merchants.

There's a lot of hidden machining involved in that newell. There are the slot mortices for the top and bottom handrails, plus a long slot mortice for the string to fit into. (The white painted piece of timber in the pic.)