Here's a comparison of posts. At left is the 8-inch-square arch post (made of pine); at right is the 4-inch-square stair newel post (made of oak). The arch post is patterned after the newel post, which was Jenny's design. Eventually I'll pattern the front and back porch posts after these, creating a continuity inside and out. (The arch's inset pieces aren't yet attached, which is the cause of the gaps at the top of the pic)