Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Dec 27, 2010 10:17am | #1

   The radius on that first tread is limiting. The width of the box newel base will limit where you can fit on that first tread and still be in line with the wall where the rail will die. I would say, you are going to be pretty close to that second riser. Depending on your newel attachment method, you may end up attaching to that second riser.

2. 
   Piffin | Dec 29, 2010 07:17am | #2

   ouch
   This looks like a job somebody failed to do any planning on. That rounded first tread calls for a round newel with rail over, not a box.

   I'd have to cclose my eyes, plant the newel back about half onto the second and call it good, hoping that it passed inspection, and not admit that I had been there

3. 
   Clewless1 | Dec 29, 2010 08:35am | #3

   Piffin hinted at what I was going to say. You could do the newel post, but may have to run a handrail on the other side of the stair. You do need a continuous handrail all the way from the top tread to the bottom. If you intended to have your handrail die at the wall there, you'll still need one on the other side. Then I think you can do what you want w/ the newel post ... but I'm not a stair expert ... just dragged myself through code language a few times.

4. 
   junkhound | Dec 29, 2010 10:10am | #4

   From the pix, if my own house, I'd  forget a newel post and put a post on the outside of the stairs to the wood facing and up to the ceiling.  Only would need to be a 2x2 section of oak or maple to match the other wood.  Or even steel.

   Then a short rail to the wall intersect. 

   This leaves maximum stair width, and then allows a continuous rail on either side.

   Own stairs has the external posts and ballisters., when the kids were young they loved the post - come 'bombing' down the stairs, grab the post, swing around off the 4th step up and be into the hall without touching the floor <G>

   Still do that myself once in awhile yet.

5. 
   Snort | Dec 29, 2010 03:26pm | #5

   Boxed Newels?

   Man, that's why newels go in first! Are more going up top?

   Unless framing was prepped, and since you don't know where the newel is going I'll assume it's not, anchoring is going to be the bigger problem.

   Any way, I'd notch the newel  at the 2nd riser, and run it down to the floor on the skirt side. Front side would land on the starting tread.  You'll need to figure your baluster spacing so the backside of the newel falls in a nice looking spot. A 3-4" square newel with a base wrap might look ok. It doesn't look like the starting tread has a return, so a wrap might help hide that.

   Looks like an existing house, so I don't know about inspections, but if there is one, like others have said, you need at least one continuous handrail. That may tell you where the side to side placement needs to be.

   Did you do the stairs?

   Good luck!

1. 
   carpenter97 | Dec 29, 2010 11:12pm | #6

   "Did you do the

   "Did you do the stairs?"

   Heck NO!