How to stabilise a newel post

A wobbly newel post is annoying and can lead to further damage on your staircase so it's best to sort out the problem when you first notice it. Here's a step-by-step guide to fixing your newel post.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Newel post metal mounting plate
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Thin wedges of wood
  • Glue
  • Balustrade clips
  • Bolts
  • Power drill
  • Screw driver

The steps to follow

Here are three ways to stabilise a new post.

Stabilising a newel post with a mounting plate

  1. To secure and stabilise a newel post on the floor, attach a metal mounting plate to its base. It should be slightly larger than the base of the post and have four corner screw-holes.
  2. At the bottom of the post, drill a hole in the middle. Make sure that the plate is squared with the post, and drill a hole on all four corners of the post and screw in the mounting plate.
  3. Shim the gaps between the floor and the mounting plate with thin wedges of wood and glue the edges of the mounting plate.
  4. Drive screws into the floor through the mounting plate screw holes to fix the post to the floor.

Stabilising a newel post with balustrade clips

  1. You can also stabilise a newel post with balustrade clips.
  2. Place the balustrade clips on the location where the newel post is to be stabilised.
  3. Mark the fixing holes on the ground and drill the holes with a power drill.
  4. Screw the clips firmly onto the ground.
  5. Attach the newel post to the clips.

Stabilising a newel post with bolts

  1. You can stabilise the newel post to the framing by tightening bolts
  2. Drill two bolts on each side of the newel post framing. You can to use bolts that are long enough to reach the newel post.
  3. Tightly fasten the bolts to the newel post and framing.

Related articles

Don't want to DIY? Get recommended carpenters and joiners for your home improvement job.

Please note that all our DIY guides and 'Expert answers' advice have been written strictly for reference only. Rated People do not accept any liability for any damage caused to an individual, property or anything else as a result of following our DIY guides and using our 'Expert answers' advice.