Entries by Stair101

How do you make a homemade newel post?

Crafting a Homemade Newel Post: A Step-by-Step Guide Creating a homemade newel post can be a rewarding project for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking to add a personal touch to their staircase. While pre-fabricated newel posts are readily available, crafting your own allows for customization and can be a cost-effective alternative. This guide will walk […]

How do you anchor a post to the floor?

Anchoring a Post to the Floor: A Guide for Staircases Anchoring a post to the floor is a crucial step in ensuring the stability and safety of a staircase. Whether it’s a newel post, a baluster, or a support column, proper anchoring is essential to prevent the post from shifting or moving, which could lead […]

How tall should the newel post at the bottom of the stairs be?

Determining the Correct Height for a Starting Newel Post The height of a starting newel post, the post at the bottom of a staircase, is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. It needs to be tall enough to support the handrail at the correct height while also providing a visually appealing starting point for the […]

What is the best way to attach a newel post to the floor?

Securing Newel Posts: Best Practices for a Stable Foundation There are several ways to attach a newel post to the floor, each with its own advantages and considerations. Common methods include using a hanger bolt with a steel insert, a lag bolt, or a Simpson Strong-Tie connector. The specific method you choose will depend on […]

What is the standard height for stair post?

Determining Stair Post Height: A Guide to Standards and Considerations While the provided answer focuses on handrail height (34-38 inches), the height of a stair post, specifically a newel post, is typically taller to accommodate the handrail and provide adequate support. In the USA, a common height for newel posts is around 40-42 inches. However, […]

What size is a standard newel post?

Decoding Newel Post Dimensions: What is the Standard Size? While the provided answer focuses on turned newel posts and mentions specific sizes like 90mm, 70mm, and 83mm, it’s important to understand that newel post dimensions can vary significantly. In the USA, common sizes for square newel posts range from 3.5 to 6 inches in thickness, […]

Can newel posts be cut?

Modifying Newel Posts: Can They Be Cut? Summary: Yes, newel posts can be cut to achieve the desired height or to accommodate specific staircase configurations. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and follow proper techniques to avoid compromising the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the post. Accurate measurements, precise cuts, and careful finishing are […]

How deep should a stair post be?

Determining the Ideal Depth for Stair Posts: A Guide to Secure Installation Summary: While the provided answer suggests a general rule of burying one-third of the post length for deck railings, the ideal depth for stair posts, specifically newel posts, differs significantly. In the USA, building codes typically require a minimum depth of 4 inches […]

What is the difference between a baluster and a newel post?

Decoding Staircase Terminology: Balusters vs. Newel Posts Summary: While both balusters and newel posts contribute to the structure and aesthetics of a staircase, they have distinct roles and characteristics. Newel posts are the larger, weight-bearing posts that support the handrail at key points like the top, bottom, and turns of a staircase. Balusters, on the […]

What is the maximum spacing for newel post?

Newel Post Spacing: Understanding Maximum Limits and Best Practices Summary: While the suggested 5-6 foot interval for newel posts on level runs over 10 feet is a good guideline, the maximum spacing can vary. Building codes, such as the International Residential Code (IRC), often limit the maximum spacing between newel posts to 10 feet for […]