Our puppy chewed one of our stair bannisters. My wife is out of town and I need to replace it before she gets home. How do I replace a bannister? To make sure I’m using the right terms, I’m talking about the 4×4 post at the end of the stair, not the spindle.
HELP!
Thanks–Erik
A standardized approach, quick-to-install hardware, and a simplified design make building custom casework cost-effective.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
You have a job ahead of you. Worst case, it might be attatched to the side of a joist below the floor. Pics would help. Age of home as well.
"It is what it is."
Home is 2 years old. I've unscrewed the 3 screws that hold the bannister to the rail, and to the first stair, but it still seems like it's attached at the base. Do I pull the carpet and remove the base moulding?I'll try to get some photos up soon.Erik
it is a newel post. They are normally anchored deep in the floor framing.If this is a painted one, it would be easier to fix it with bond filler, sand and re-paint than to replace it. That would require getting into the ceiling down in the basement and then repairing it too.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I took a look at your profile to see where you are."36, and young enough to know I still need to learn more."Looks like this is your big chance to learn!Sorry - gotta take our humour where we find it.;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
If it is that young I would bet that the post is attatched with something like "L" brackets hidden by base trim around the post. If this is the case you are golden!
"It is what it is."
Here are the photos
Look under the base trim for brackets. It looks like a big box store special.
"It is what it is."
Shazam Mike! That's what it was, 3 brackets held in by 4 small panhead screws each. And yes, I can definitely get this replaced at the orange or blue big box store. However, I might try the millwork house down the street first. Better quality stuff.My wife and son are due back next week, so I've got the time to do this right. Many thanks to all for the quick responses!Erik
No problem. Good luck. Last bit of advice, from the color of the wood, it appears to be an oil based finish. This will yellow over time, so if you want it to look as though it was never replaced, finish it outside and let it sit in the sun between coats. You could also buy a piece of oak? and finish it to compare.
Edit was for spelling.
"It is what it is."
Edited 6/24/2008 10:49 pm ET by ChicagoMike
That doesn't look like Oak to me.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Yeah, I'm not sure. It was just a guess. It is the wrong color for oak. What do you think?
"It is what it is."
My first impression was Maple, but that seems odd for a cheapo style installation
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
could it be ash???
judging by the damage the finish may be some sort of glaze or a 1 step finish like polyshades...
the OP needs to take that newel with him to some place better than a a big box to get a read on the final...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Like Mike says, take off the trim. I would be suprised if the newel goes through the floor, its probably screwed to the floor and the riser.
I would not replace the newel. why not take off the bottom trim and then skirt the damage with 1/2" ply. Top it with some trim."Perfect is the enemy of Good." Morrison
Could you give us a picture?
That part of a stair system is typically called a newel post. But it sounds like stair nomenclature is the least of your problems. Replacing a newel post takes a bit of skill, and maybe some special tools depending on how it is attached to the floor, and how the railing is attached to the post. If it's paint grade and otherwise in sound condition, you might consider an epoxy patch and repaint to match.
How long is your wife away?