Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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.

This post is linked up to:



TDC Before and After

Savvy Southern Style

5 comments:

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

This is amazing! What a huge impact your new newel posts have!

Unknown said...

Hi Trisha! I emailed you awhile back, but I'm thinking my email must have gotten caught in the email vortex :) I work with Cassity over at Remodelaholic, and we'd love to feature this tutorial! If you're still interested in being featured, drop me a line at hello@remodelaholic.com and we'll discuss the details. Thanks and have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

I LOVE LOVE this. We have had the exact same issues with our builder grade stairs. We have changed out our spindles to metal but I wanted to know about your newel post wrap. (that is what I am calling it) I see you used 1/4" MDF in your list of wood, but then in the instructions you are referencing 1/8" MDF. Can you tell me what you really used. It seems that 1/4" would work for our space but I want to be sure I don't go to big.
Thanks

LoveFindsYou said...

This is fabulous!! I cannot wait to do this to my banisters.

LoveFindsYou said...

Great job!! I love this!! http://www.lovesthefind.com/