Newel Post Strength

[TheScullster]

Hi all

Probably worrying unnecessarily here but... I have a 1970s ranch style bannister arrangement. The planks of the handrail etc are jointed into the newel posts and look like they may be giving quite a bit of rigidity to them. If I cut out the planks and replace with spindles and handrail, will the newel posts be too weak to handle the impact of 2 teenage kids? The posts are 90mm square which seems pretty standard from what I have seen.

Phil

[Bob Minchin]

Rout some groove along the post and let some steel bar in to strengthen the post? Alternatively use the steel bars to beat the teenagers into being careful around the house?

Bob

[Roger Mills]

I did the same thing a few years ago - and my newel posts were still rock solid with the rails removed. If yours are like mine, they'll be 'built' into the house!

Are you keeping the whole of the original posts, or cutting them off and fitting new top sections? Some systems have an expanding dowel to join the two bits together. I've no idea how rigid *they* are.

I used the Burbidge 'Fusion' system in which heavy metal sockets bolt onto the top of the cut-off newel post, to take the (almost) circular section wooden posts. I made mine extra rigid by using Gripfill inside the sockets - in addition to the normal fixing screws.

If it's of any interest, you can see 'before' and 'after' photos at:

and

[TheScullster]

"Roger Mills" wrote

Thanks Roger Photos very useful. I intend to keep the posts as they are, just strip, renovate and paint them, but have wood handrail/spindles in-between. Bit of a compromise but avoids cutting down/replacing the originals which I don't have the confidence to do well :(. Also, a builder informs me that the posts are not high enough to take a handrail that conforms to the current regs. My top newel is built in similarly to yours from what I can see. Having a

180 degree return on the stairs, I have an intermediate newel which goes right down to ground level. So they should hopefully do the job.

Thanks again

Phil

[EricP]

I have just looked at mine and consulted The Oracle of SWIMBO, and our opinion is all out, new in, too weak for alteration.

[TheScullster]

"EricP" wrote

Have you looked at Roger Mills' photos? My newels are built in like his - are yours? Is your house more recent and therefore not as solidly built perhaps?

Phil

[EricP]

I did try to interpolate the photo to my situation and think your reasoning may be valid. My newells appear much narrower and if yours are more robust, you have room to play with them. Either way they are all rooted in the bowels of hell and a major job to remove at base level. :((

[John Rumm]

The trick is to remove them above the base, and use the bottom bit for holding something pretty!