Newel Base removal and replacement.

Hi. Im face-lifting stairs with new full newel posts, base rails, hand rails spindles etc. I'm fine with doing the base rails, hand rails and spindles.

Been looking at the upper and lower newel bases (which I plan to replace with full posts, needs to be all oak. I have queries on removal of the bases before I start.

1) up stairs newel base moves a lot already quite easily in fact so should come out easily and unlikely structural.
2) down stairs one seems to have first bull nose step in the way. can see base is cut out and resting on 2nd tread. Seems to be only nailed from inside but could have a dowel into floor? No signs of side anchors, I've drilled out the empty plugged areas.

Also stairs are supported by a breeze block wall mid way (full width of stairs) and a 3x2 timber frame on the newel side.

Q. Hoping that first step could be removed out to give access to lower newel base for removal in opposite direction where nailed. To avoid too much cutting out of Base.

Pictures added below.


Advice/comments/suggestions all helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Update.

I've now removed all upstairs base rail handrail and spindles. As well as the main handrail, Base rails and spindles on the string. Cleaned up string nice and smooth all in good shape.

Further investigation on the upper newel. Seems that yes they are tenon joined and doweld. Should be able to drill out the dowels, Match a new tenon joint and tap n glue new dowels in the new full post. Upper newel resting a little bit on the angled support frame under the string and not much else really. Probably why upper one wobbles a lot.

Update 2

After losts of hassle managed to remove lower newel base. (had to come out in peices though, 3 things connected together interlocking). Then removed first step out sideways, removing wedges in step first. Step was nailed to floor and not obvious.

Channelled out post for a matching tenon joint. Taken off a little to bring step to correct angle. Then channelled out for edge of step. Dowelled new post to tenon. Lower post in at last, hoorah. Upper post a lot easier.

Baserail and handrail easy once angle was worked out at 42 degrees.

Bit of patchwork have the half newel a decent surface to go on.

Now just mainly spindles and spacers to go.
Useful site:
https://www.blocklayer.com/centerslevel.aspx

hi skippy
i know this post is a bit old now but im doing the same thing as you and your stairs look to have a similar set up to mine. If possible could i pick your brains regarding how to go about this?
thanks

When I did mine, you could buy a video from Richard burbidge and claim it back with a receipt for bits.
It is now on YouTube.
It isn't hard for an ok diy'er but measure twice cut once

Tigercubrider said:

When I did mine, you could buy a video from Richard burbidge and claim it back with a receipt for bits.
It is now on YouTube.
It isn't hard for an ok diy'er but measure twice cut once

Click to expand...

Did you replace the full newel post or cut and dowel the new ones?

Replaced
The original owner had sawn off the stair handrail and newel to stringer level
Not too safe

I used a chisel to split the remaining "stump" then created a slot in the new newel base by drilling a series of large holes and chiselling them out. A plunge saw might have been good for this
I can't remember exactly what I did but think I did some screwing from inside out aand also made dowels out of left over timber and sanded them down after

ok thanks. im going to dismantle my existing stairs over the next couple of days and will post back here as to what i find in hope of some help