DIY Stair Banister Tutorial - Part 1, Building Around Existing Newel Post

The Before:

The After:

Here is how I did it for $150...The existing newel post (the large post on the end) was super strong and sturdy and I didn't want to disrupt that.  I also didn't want to pay $100 for a new Craftsman style newel post; however, they do have them at Home Depot if you decide to go that route.  I decided building around the existing newel post would be the best option, it would keep it strong and keep the cost down.  

I cut out the following for one newel post:

(x2 of 3/4" MDF) 4" x 18"

(x2 of 3/4" MDF) 5.5" x 18"

(x2 of 1/4" MDF) 4" x 32"

(x2 of 1/4" MDF) 3.5" x 32"

(x2 of 1/4" MDF) 3.5" x 4"

(x2 of 1/4" MDF) 4" x 4"

Start by placing the 1/8" 32" long pieces around the base of the newel post.  I liquid nailed the edges and added supports on the inside with wood scraps and paint sticks, then nailed them to the post from the outside. 

Next I enclosed it and used clamps while the glue dried (make sure you nail it into the existing post as well). -

Next add the 3/4" 18" long pieces to the bottom, glue and nail in. -

Then liquid nail and clamp the small 1/8" pieces together.  After it set and dried for a while I added some small finishing nails to the sides for a little added strength. -

I purchased this cap in the outdoor fence section of Home Depot and liquid nailed it to the top of my box. - 

Then, I added some more glue inside and nail gunned it to the "ball" on the top of my existing newel post.  Now you are ready for molding! -

The molding for the two middle pieces, I used a cove and panel molding.  Here is the specific info for both of those:

Panel SD186 HEM 1/2 x 1 -1/16

Cove WM100 HEM 11/16 x 11/16

This small molding below I found in those little bin sections with other small molding that comes about 3 feet long. -

I added it below the base of the top box. -

Now with all the molding on you can caulk and use wood filler to fill in all nail holes and wood seams. -

Part two - I will show you how to replace the spindles and what I used to finish it.

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