How to fit a newel post

Here is a quick run through on how to fit the newel post on your staircase, all posts have been dry fitted by us before the staircase leaves our workshop. This guide will show you the fitting process along with a few images, click image to enlarge.

Step #1

All newel posts which hit the floor will have 'ffl' (Finished Floor Level) marked on them. This is where your floor level should be, if your posts are sitting straight on the floor we can cut them through at this point. Follow this procedure on all newels which go to the floor. Now onto the next step - fitting the posts.

Step #2

The posts have all been dry fitted in our workshop, providing you have them in the correct place they'll go straight on! All posts are numbered as the drawing on your delivery note. Once you are happy the newel fits correctly, apply glue to the tenon and dowel the newel into place. The dowels will pull the newel into place, now chisel the tops of your dowels off. If you are fitting an oak newel you will need to fix the oak plugs provided into the dowel holes.

Step #3

Before you can fix the risers any additional treads or winders need fitting. If you have a bullnose step you need to glue and screw it to the newel post as well as wedging it into the string trenching. Before you fix this make sure the newel post is square to the tread.

Step #4

You can now fix the risers, use a generous amount of glue when you wedge and block it. Always allow the glue to set before using the staircase!