How To Install A Newel Post Like A Pro | Step by Step Guide

David Hospodka
Oct 29, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Dec 12, 2024

Task Category: Stairs/Handrail

Skill Level: 3

A newel post is a sturdy, vertical post that provides foundational support at the start, end, and turns of a staircase railing system. It serves as an anchor for the handrail, ensuring stability and safety by preventing lateral movement. In residential construction, newel posts are essential to maintaining the integrity of the staircase, as they offer both functional support and a visually pleasing anchor point within a home’s design. Setting a newel post correctly is a critical step in the construction process; it establishes the initial framework for the railing system and ensures that subsequent railing components align accurately and meet building code requirements.

Tools Needed

Driver drill
Impact driver
Level
Pocket level
Speed square
⅛” drill bit
Hand tools

Supplies

Shims
Construction adhesive

Materials

Newel post
Newel post anchor kit (L-bracket style)

Quality Check Criteria

Post is square and plumb in both directions (front-to-back and side-to-side).
Post height is correctly measured to ensure rail height meets code (36” for guard rail, 34”-38” for stair handrail).

Process To Install A Newel Post

Preparation and Layout
- Review the railing layout and determine the height and exact positioning of the newel post according to the staircase geometry (reference layout guidelines as needed).
- Ensure the post is cut to the proper height to align with railing code requirements.
Inspect and Position Mounting Brackets
- Open the newel post anchor kit and verify that it includes four brackets, 16 short screws, and 12 longer screws.
- Position one bracket flush with the bottom edge and centered on one side of the post as a template for drilling.
Drill Pilot Holes for Brackets
- Holding the bracket in place, use a ⅛” drill bit to create pilot holes in each of the four holes on the post side of the bracket.
- Repeat this step for each of the four sides of the post.
Attach Brackets to Post
- Secure each bracket to its respective side of the post with the short screws, ensuring that the brackets are flush with the bottom of the post.
Set the Post
- Apply a small amount of construction adhesive to the floor at the post location.
- Position the post in place, aligned with the adhesive center.
Drill Pilot Holes in Floor
- Using a ⅛” drill bit, drill pilot holes through the center hole of each floor mounting flange of the brackets.
- Insert one of the longer screws into the center hole of each bracket, securing the post.
Check for Plumb and Adjust
- Use a level to check if the post is plumb. Identify which direction, if any, needs adjustment.
- For leveling adjustments, back out the relevant screw and insert a shim under the bracket to lift the appropriate side.
- Place shims to slightly overcompensate; tightening the screw will compress the shim, bringing the post to perfect alignment. This step may require trial and error.
Final Adjustment and Securing Screws
- Continue adding shims until the post is plumb in both front-to-back and side-to-side directions.
- Once adjusted, add the remaining screws into each bracket’s floor flange to secure the post fully.
Re-check Plumb
- Verify the post remains plumb after securing all screws. If further adjustment is needed, back out the screws, adjust shims as necessary, and re-tighten.
Install Wood Trim
- Attach the wood trim pieces around the base of the post to conceal the mounting brackets. Use wood glue on the trim’s mounting surface and miters for durability.
- Secure trim with a 23-gauge headless pin nailer, ensuring to avoid the bracket areas behind the trim.
Completion
- Repeat the above steps for each newel post in the railing system. Once all posts are installed, the setup is complete, and the system is ready for rail installation.

Production Reporting

For production tracking, each newel post installation is reported on a per-post basis.