Replacing Newel Post

dickibobboy

Just a small question. Currently in the attic room of my house is a single newal post with nothing attached now (i removed the old style covering while renovating the room) I now want to install a handrail and spindles.

This is fine, i can get the spindles and so on ready however, the current newel post that is solid and in position is only around 70mm where all new newel posts are quite a bit bigger than this so cutting the post floor level and getting a 'coupler' connecting kit wouldn't really work right.

Any ideas on what i can do to make a nice stable join?

DirectDebacle

Why are you removing a perfectly good newel post in the first place? Just re-use it.

cyclonebri1

DirectDebacle wrote: »

Why are you removing a perfectly good newel post in the first place? Just re-use it.

Good question, unless the op is going bare oak or similar.

OP, newel posts have to be and are fixed very solidly, it is difficult to fit 1 to the same standard as the original without tearing up the floor.

DirectDebacle

Any ideas on what i can do to make a nice stable join?

Try this.

1. Cut the original newel post down to form a tenon. Chop out a mortice in the new post. Create a rebate in the timber surrounding the old post. Glue up. The new post will fit snugly into the rebate giving the impression that it is an original fitting.

2. As above but cut the original into a dovetail. Create a socket in the new post and glue up. This can't be rebated below floor level.

3. Dowel joint. Could use several 10/12mm dowels or form a large socket in old post then have end of new post turned to fit. Glue up.

Probably lots of other ways too. I would go for re-using the original as per my first post.

Good luck.

dickibobboy

The reason for not using the current post is the state it is in. By the looks of it it has been covered up for 20+ years by MDF as its an old 70's style one. The post has been cut in the past when it was covered and i'm going for possibly varnished pine or oak for the rest of the unit.

I think the dowel option would be the best option. Cutting the current post level and using dowels. The difference in size of posts means that joining them together with the current one made to look the part would bring the rest of the rail when put on level out onto the stairs as it can't all be centred properly. (plus, i can't, its in a rough state!)

It is a shame to cut it, there are actually two, One in the middle that just needs cutting level and one at the end where i need to join to.

Cheers.

Norman_Castle

It is a shame to cut it, there are actually two, One in the middle that just needs cutting level and one at the end where i need to join to.

You're removing two newel posts and replacing them with one dowelled to the floor?. This will not be strong enough.

keystone

There will be tears.

Cheers

dickibobboy

Not really, we had someone to look at it last year who said it wouldn't be a problem, I'm just clarifying what needs to be done before it all starts as it has been a while.

The posts arnt being removed, just cut to floor level. The one I want to 'replace' has no part for structure of the stairs. The middle one is a long post that does go through the stairs and this is solid to move, this plan is to cut to floor level and leave as is for when the base rail goes down.

Ill try and get some pictures later to try and make what I'm trying to say a little clearer.

cyclonebri1

dickibobboy wrote: »

Not really, we had someone to look at it last year who said it wouldn't be a problem, I'm just clarifying what needs to be done before it all starts as it has been a while.

The posts arnt being removed, just cut to floor level. The one I want to 'replace' has no part for structure of the stairs. The middle one is a long post that does go through the stairs and this is solid to move, this plan is to cut to floor level and leave as is for when the base rail goes down.

Ill try and get some pictures later to try and make what I'm trying to say a little clearer.

In effect you have chosen to ignore the advice of 3 posters who, in there own way, have said you have been ill advised.

Good luck.

Norman_Castle

The one I want to 'replace' has no part for structure of the stairs.

Its structural to the hand rail. Its not ornamental.
Try breaking a 3" square newal post. Then cut it, leaving about 38" for leverage. Join it with dowels, and then try breaking it.

smashingyour...

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Its structural to the hand rail. Its not ornamental.
Try breaking a 3" square newal post. Then cut it, leaving about 38" for leverage. Join it with dowels, and then try breaking it.

The posts are joined with a single dowel which is split along the length. When it's knocked into place a wedge opens up the dowel. When glued it should be strong enough.