How to Secure a Handrail to a Newel Post

A wooden stairway railing can add elegance and beauty to your home. When you install a handrail, you will need to understand how to secure the handrail to the newel post. The handrail is the top portion of a railing that you place your hands on. The newel post is the post at the ends of the handrail. The fasteners are typically concealed, so it may not be readily apparent how the handrail is secured, however, it can be accomplished by a homeowner as a do-it-yourself project.

Drill
Countersink drill bit
Screw gun
2 lag screws
Wood glue
2 wooden plugs
Sandpaper, fine-grit
Wood finish touch-up
Small touch-up brush

Instructions

- 1
  Drill two holes through the front side of the newel post at the height where the handrail will intersect with the newel post using a countersink bit. The countersink will allow you to plug the holes and conceal the holes. Space the holes 1 inch in from each edge of the post.
- 2
  Hold the handrail in place on the back side of the newel post with the help of a friend. Drive one lag screw through each hole in the newel post into the end of the handrail using a screw gun.
- 3
  Apply wood glue to the end of the wooden plugs. Insert the plugs with the glue end into the holes. Align the grain of the wood plugs with the grain of the newel post. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.
- 4
  Sand the wood plugs flush with the newel post using fine-grit sandpaper.
- 5
  Touch up the plugged areas of the newel post with matching wood finish using a touch-up brush.

How to Choose a Topcoat When Refinishing Cabinets

How to Sharpen a Table Saw

Woodworking