Box newels, like these, are mounted on thick wood blocks.
There are two basic types of newel post: the solid post, which is mounted with brackets, and the hollow box newel, which is mounted with a wood block insert. Both processes are fairly simple to complete. You must mark the correct position for your newel post, to prevent future problems with installing the handrail. Secure newel posts as firmly as possible, since they bear the weight of your rail and may be the only thing standing between you and a nasty fall.
Instructions
Solid Posts
1. Measure and mark the position of the post on the stair tread or floor with a tape measure and square. Outline the post base on all four sides for easy alignment. Place the posts in the outline and double check your alignment with the rest of the stair rail. Make adjustments as needed.
2. Position one 1-inch L bracket at the base of each face, horizontally centered. Mark the screw holes of the bracket on the stair tread and the face of the post. Drill 1/8-inch pilot holes in each marked location. Drive a 1-inch wood screw through each hole to attach the brackets.
3. Measure the faces of the post. Cut baseboard molding to fit each face, mitering the corners at 45 degrees, so the miters run toward the back of the molding with the long ends overlapping the post at the corners to match up to the other pieces, forming a square trim frame, covering the brackets. Nail the trim in place, using three finish nails in each piece.
Hollow Box Posts
4. Measure and mark the position of your posts as outlined in the previous section. Measure the inside hollow of the bottom of the post. Cut a 2-inch thick block of wood to fit inside the base. Place the block into the bottom of the post to check for fit. Trim the edges as needed for an easy fit.
5. Drill pilot holes through each corner of the 2-inch thick block. Position the block centered in the post outline on the stair tread or floor. Drive one 3-inch treated deck screw through each of the four corner holes to fasten the block to the floor.
6. Fit the hollow base of the post over the block. Drill a hole in the bottom edge of each face of the post, centered horizontally and 1 inch above the floor. Drive one 3 inch screw through each hole into the edge of the block underneath to anchor the post firmly in place.
7. Cut and install base trim to cover the screw holes around the post as outlined in the previous section.
Tags: attach, newel, post, through each, each face, screw through, screw through each, stair tread, 2-inch thick, 2-inch thick block
