Newel post base broken

[bevn74]

Hi,

Any advice would be gratefully received. I have a newel post which has been chewed by a puppy and the base which the newel post goes intto has snapped when a bed base was wedged onto the newel post when moving furniture around. Is it safe to remove the broken part then drill down into the part that is still intact then install a new taller newel post so it can connect safely to the rest of the landing staircase? Puppy is now not allowed upstairs to stop this happening again! Also soppy teenager who moved furniture will be paying for parts needed!

[moderator7]

I've moved this the the Carpentry forum.

[ayjay]

I would look first at repairing the broken part. If the two surfaces will mate together cleanly, then glued (either PVA or a polyurethane wood glue) and cramped (until the glue is completely dry) is the simplest method.

if you still feel that you need to drill it out deeper you need to be aware that drilling into end grain isn't easy and will require a properly sharp bit, you also don't want to be drilling into the stair-string if there is one that is morticed into the newel.

[bevn74]

Thanks for that. Its broken right at the same level with the top of the stairs. Im assuming it will go into the joists. It’s a silly flimsy not so new newbuild so everything breaks. I will have a go at your suggestion. If that doesn’t work does than mean a new staircase?
Thanks again.

[ayjay]

Thanks for that. Its broken right at the same level with the top of the stairs. Im assuming it will go into the joists. It’s a silly flimsy not so new newbuild so everything breaks. I will have a go at your suggestion. If that doesn’t work does than mean a new staircase?
Thanks again.

A photo would help.

[bevn74]

I have attached photo. It has been filled on one side with filler. Which is the second photi.

[ayjay]

Well, what we can see looks a mess, but the idea of a photo was to help advise whether drilling a deeper hole was an option, we'll need a wider shot to try and establish that. Ideally the confluence of the newel, the string and the floor.

[bevn74]

I agree it is a complete mess. I will try and get a better picture and upload it.