4091 Red Oak box newel posts have a pedestal size of 6-1/4" and an overall length of 55". Pedestal wall is 3/4" with the main shank at 4-3/4" wide. The 4091 Box Newels are made with lock mitered corners, which means they have no end grains, developing elegance. Red Oak is the number one choice for hardwood handrails and stair parts in the USA due to its hardness and durability. Red oak, with it's porous grain structure, can be stained to match the color of other exotic hardwoods. Red oak can be clear coated, stained light, medium or dark. Most stains on the market were developed and designed around red oak. Considering the cost, red oak is the most affordable of the milled hardwoods and one of the easiest to work with.