One of the biggest and most significant components of stairs are newel posts. The newel posts are frequently one of the most expensive parts of the staircase due to their size and complexity.
Additionally, because railing systems are frequently added at the end of any stair project, many people find that they have exceeded their budget and have no more money left over to invest in the railing or newel.
When it comes to updating the house or staircase later on, a newel post would be an excellent place to start because many people prefer to save money by reducing their choice of the balustrade.
Everyone notices the newel, so make sure your main one has some sort of decorative appearance, especially when attempting to achieve a more rich and more sophisticated look.
A newel post replacement can significantly affect your overall design if you want to change the way your staircase looks without replacing your complete balustrade. Although replacing a newel post can be challenging, taking your time and perfecting each process can pay off.
In this article, I will show you how to replace newel post with eight easy steps.
How To Replace Newel Post?
| Steps | Estimated Required Time |
| Take Out The Handrails And Spindles | 15-20 minutes |
| Determine The Height To Cut The Newel Post | 10-20 minutes |
| Mark The Sides | 5-10 minutes |
| Cut The Newel Post | 20-40 minutes |
| Make A Hole At The Center Of The Post | 10-20 minutes |
| Attach The Newel Base Connectors | 10-20 minutes |
| Glue The New Newel Post | 5-10 minutes |
| Install The Newel Post | 5-10 minutes |
Step 1: Take Out The Handrails And Spindles
Required Tools
- Screwdriver.
Steps
- Remove all the screws from the handrails and spindles on your staircase and separate them.
Step 2: Determine The Height To Cut The Newel Post
Required Tools
- Pencil.
- Scale.
Steps
- Now, measure the railing height with the newel post while consulting all applicable construction codes.
- Every building’s railing height requirement is 900mm from the top of the handrail to the stairway pitch line.
- Maintain the new newel post 120mm above the handrail height in this situation, and mark it at the base of the old post.
Step 3: Mark The Sides
Required Tools
- Pencil.
- Scale.
Steps
- Using a scale and a pencil, mark the current newel post’s four sides while maintaining the correct measurements.
Step 4: Cut The Newel Post
Required Tools
- Handsaw.
Steps
- Now, remove the current newel post from the marking location using a handsaw.
- Please use caution when operating a saw.
Step 5: Make A Hole At The Center Of The Post
Required Tools
- Pencil.
- Scale.
- Hole saw.
- 50mm Arbor.
- Chisel.
Steps
- Since you’ve already cut the old newel post, you’ve already finished half the work.
- Make a mark in the exact center of your newel post with a pencil and scale.
- Then, using a hole saw, cut a 50mm hole at the post’s designated center.
- Take a 50mm Arbor and clean the hole’s entry.
- Remove any residual wooden bits from the hole with a chisel.
- Ensure that the new newel post’s bottom can fit into the opening.
Step 6: Attach The Newel Base Connectors
Required Tools
- Screwdriver.
- Newel base connectors.
Steps
- You can choose from various newel base connectors available on the market.
- Newel base connectors fill the space between the base post and the new post.
- The base post is connected to the newel base with four screws.
Step 7: Glue The New Newel Post
Required Tools
- Woodwork glue.
Steps
- Now insert some woodwork glue into the hole.
- After that, insert the new newel post into the opening.
- In order for the glue to stick well and there to be no gaps, the post must be firmly pressed.
Step 8: Install The Newel Post
Required Tools
- Screwdriver.
Steps
- Now, fasten a screw directly between the base post and the new Newel post’s bottom section.
- Screw the base post to the bottom of the new newel post.
- And presto! Your Newel post has just been replaced.
What Is The Purpose Of A Newel Post?
The staircase’s support is provided by the newel posts, as was previously stated. Don’t get confused between the balusters are the posts that go in between newel posts.
The spaces between each newel post are filled with tightly spaced balusters. However, newel posts ensure the handrails are solid and firmly fixed in place rather than unstable.
That is why there should be a newel post at every turning point, such as a 90° angle. In reality, newel posts have structural purposes as well.
The additional benefit is that newel posts come in a variety of styles and colors. Excellent carving can make newel posts appealing and eye-catching, which are placed at the top, bottom, and each turning point.
Final Verdict
You may easily change the main newel and leave the other newels on the balustrade or staircase alone to create a new aesthetic at a lower cost.
If you decide to do this, it’s crucial to make sure your new main newel matches the design of your current secondary newels.
Now, we have reached the end of this article. Proceed if you are confident that you can stick to the directions and complete all the stages correctly.
However, good luck with your new position post!
FAQ
Can you reuse Newel posts?
Reusing structural elements like balusters, handrails, and newel posts is not recommended if they are not in good condition.
How much does it cost to replace a newel post?
You have to spend a good amount of money whether you’re building a staircase or changing a newel post.
A newel post replacement typically costs around $300. If you simply DIY replace it, it will cost between £300 and £360.
However, if you hire experts, the total cost plus labor will be between £500 and £550.
What is the difference between newel post and balusters?
I am aware that it is rather confusing. Balusters are more numerous than newel posts, to start.
To avoid gaps between the newel posts, balusters are positioned close to one another, just a few inches apart. Balusters’ primary function is to close up any gaps between newel posts.
