How to Install a Wood Newel Post

What Each Drill Bit Is For

Bit	Where	Why
1-1/2″	Side of the newel, near the bottom	Access hole so you can reach the nut with a wrench
5/8″	Up through the center of the newel bottom, into the access hole	Lets the newel slide down over the lag bolt
3/8″	Floor, at the center of the newel spot	Pilot hole for the lag bolt

Step 1: Cut and drill the newel

Cut the newel post to length. Drill the 1-1/2″ access hole in the side of the newel first, near the bottom. Then drill a 5/8″ hole straight up from the center of the bottom until it meets the access hole. That gives the lag bolt a path up into the newel and lets you reach the nut from the side. See Figure A below.

Put the access hole on a side that won’t show much, like the side facing the wall or the stairs.

Step 2: Install the lag bolt

Mark the center of where the newel will sit on the floor and drill a 3/8″ pilot hole. Screw the lag bolt into the floor. It has to bite into solid blocking or framing under the floor, not just the subfloor. If there’s nothing solid under that spot, add blocking first.

Tip: Lock two nuts together on the top of the lag bolt to make a temporary head, and drive it in with your wrench. Take the nuts back off when it’s in.

Step 3: Set and tighten the newel

Lower the newel over the lag bolt. Reach in through the access hole, put the curved washer and nut on the bolt, and tighten it down with the 3/4″ box end wrench. Push the post hard in every direction and re-tighten until it doesn’t move. Check it with a level as you go.

Step 4: Plug the access hole

Put construction adhesive in the access hole, tap in the plug, and sand it flush with the newel. Once it’s stained or painted, it’s hard to tell the hole was ever there.

Next step: attach your handrail. See how to install a wood handrail and rosette. Not sure which newel you need? Read the different types of newel posts.