newel post to string

[nathan]

I'm fitting a newel post at the top of my new closed string loft stairs.To fit the post's center in line with the front of the riser of the top step,I need to cut the string back substantially to form the tenon into the post,this leaves very little string sat onto the trimmer joist,is this acceptable?Or should I set the newel further back leaving more string to support the stairs?Any advice anyone?

 

[9fingers]

If I have visualised your application correctly, I'd be tempted to cut as little of the stringer away as possible even if it means a larger mortice in the newel post and breaking the normal 'rule of thirds'
However I could be wrong
Bob :wink:

 

[Deansocial]

why are the new stairs in without the newel?

 

[nathan]

yeah I was thinking along the same lines,have an over sized tenon to keep the strength.the stairs were fitted with the loft conversion and just need finishing off. I've been looking at lots of stairs,and the string that meets the newel post does seem very short and overhang onto the top floor only a little. Anyone else have experience of how it should be done? would there be a problem with leaving the string long and not housing the newel around the first step?

 

[Deansocial]

the newel should be on the stairs when fitted as it is housed over the trimmer thus supporting the string

 

[9fingers]

Given that you are where you are with these stairs, you need a way of getting the newel in as rigidly as possible without weakening the string. Maybe depending on the way the hand rails run off that newel you can use them to increase the rigidity.

I had something similar when I had to add one more riser to a staircase to bring it up to the level of a new floor to fix a bodge by a previous owner (long story!)
I attached the newel to the stair string as best I could and put a second newel 50mm away but fixed to the floor joist. At the top of the two parallel newels, I made a decorative spacer and bolted through the newels and spacer. The result was good and strong if a little unconventional. The BCO was happy with as well despite being a real misery over other matters!

 

[toolsntat]

Been a while since I did this but as a rule the newel is drawbored onto the string and the other side cut away to the same level as the last riser/tread to allow it to sit onto and against the trimmer.

This is usually done before fitting.

You can get away with very little string hooking onto the trimmer as the stairs don't hang ,they lean (if you know what I mean ).

Any pic's of your dilemma could make it easier to advise


Andy

 

[Alex]

Post some pics .............................here's an assumption solution for now.
Don't remove any of the string other than squaring the top to fit into mortise in newel. Now my approach is to open floor, cut newel to lap over joist and mortise out for full width string to saddle over string. Then completely in case it with 7x2 or what ever your joist are, below floor, making it really sturdy. You could drawbore the mortise and tenon joint as well. Use loads of glue and screws/bolts to in case newel.