How to Install Newels on Stair Handrails

Lay the newel post on its side on a work surface. Measure from the top end of the newel post down to the bottom end. Mark the post at the railing height required for your local building codes. This ranges from 36 to 42 inches.

Place the newel post flat on the table of a miter saw. Line the pencil mark up with the blade of the saw. Pull the saw down through the wood in an even motion to cut the post to length.

Position the post on a work surface with the bottom end facing you. Center the post mount onto the bottom end of the post. Drive the included screws through the holes in the mount into the end of the post with a screw gun.

Set the post into position at the end of the stairway railing. Place a level on the side of the post. Slide wood shims underneath it, as needed, to level the post.

Drive the included screws through the mounting holes in the mount into the floor or stair tread with a screw gun.

Fit the four parts of the trim kit around the four sides at the base of the post. They should fit together like a picture frame around the base.

Hammer two evenly spaced finish nails through each end of the four pieces of trim molding into the base of the newel post. Center a nail set on each nail head and tap it with the hammer to set each nail approximately 1/16-inch below the surface.

Fill the nail holes in the trim molding with wood putty applied with the tip of a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry for 24 hours.

Sand the putty flush with the surface of the molding with a fine-grit sanding pad. Touch up the filled holes with a matching wood finish and a small paintbrush.