Stainless Steel Balls for Gate Pillars and Newel Posts: 2.5″, 3″ or 4″?

Stainless steel (SS) balls are polished hollow spheres that sit on top of newel posts, gate pillars and balustrade posts. They add a bright, modern accent to painted steel railings and complete a stainless steel balustrade. Each of our sizes comes with a matching base for a neat joint.

Choosing the size

The ball should look slightly wider than the post below it. Hold a ball against the post, or compare photos, before ordering a full set.

Fixing SS balls

1. Fix the base to the top of the post. On stainless posts, use TIG welding or a strong metal adhesive; on painted mild steel posts, adhesive or a short threaded stud is common.
2. Seat the ball on the base and fix it the same way.
3. Remove any adhesive or weld discolouration with a stainless cleaner.

Fit balls after painting the railing, so paint does not get on the polish.

Keeping them shiny

• Clean with mild soap and water and a soft cloth.
• Avoid steel wool and harsh bleach; they scratch and stain.
• Near the coast, clean more often to remove salt.

How many do I need?

Count every newel post (the start and end of each flight, and each turn or landing corner), every gate pillar and any intermediate posts you want to finish. Order one ball and base per post, plus one spare in case of a scratch during fitting. Mixed sizes are common: 4″ on the main newel at the foot of the stairs and 3″ on the others.

Indoors and outdoors

Polished stainless steel looks its best indoors on staircases and atrium balconies. Outdoors on gate pillars it also works well, but dust and rain spots show on the polish, so plan to wipe them down from time to time. Near the sea, salt can stain lower grades of stainless; clean more often.

Common mistakes

• Balls too small for the post, which look like an afterthought.
• Fitting before painting, then getting paint on the polish.
• Cleaning with abrasive powder or steel wool, which dulls the shine.

Where they look best

SS balls make a striking contrast on black or grey railings with chillums and CNC strips, and complete a full stainless steel balustrade.

Ask for a price on the stainless steel balls page.