How to Reinforce Newel Posts

Newel posts are both a functional and stylish part of any staircase. The posts, which are located at the end of the staircase on the last stair, are traditionally made of thick wood, and support both the railings and balusters. If the newel posts become loose or start to move, the staircase can become unsafe for people who rely on the railing while walking up or down the stairs. Reinforcing a newel post will solve any safety issues and can be done with just a few tools.

Drill
Screwdriver
5/16-inch-by-4-inch lag screw with 3/4-inch washer
3/4-inch diameter wood dowel
Wood glue
Paint or wood stain

Instructions

- 1
  Look over the newel post and try to find the pilot hole in the middle of the bottom of the newel post. The pilot hole is a small hole that is used to guide screws. Avoid any wood plugs.
- 2
  Drill a counterbore, or a larger hole where the pilot hole is located, into the wood with a 3/4-inch drill bit. The hole should be 3/4 inches deep and angled up.
- 3
  Drill a pilot hole through the middle of the counterbore you previously drilled and into the base of the stair. Widen the pilot hole so that it is 5/16-inch wide through the newel post, being careful to not go too deep, as the wood could split. Take a 4-inch-long screw and put a 3/4-inch diameter washer on the top of the screw. Place the screw in the pilot hole and tighten with a screwdriver.
- 4
  Fill the counterbore with wood glue and slide in a 3/4-inch diameter wooden dowel. Wipe up any wood glue that spills out of the hole.
- 5
  Paint the area you repaired after the glue has dried with paint that matches the newel post's existing finish. If the wood is natural, you can use a stain instead.

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