Replacing An Exterior Stair Post

By Robert Robillard on Decks And Porches

Replacing An Exterior Stair PostReplacing a rotted stair or newel postReplacing An Exterior Stair Post

Replacing a rotted stair or newel post means temporarily removing the railing as well as of the decking on the bottom step.

On this particular project the newel posts rotted and were no longer strong enough to support peoples weight.  [e.g. 200 lbs of force]

Replacing An Exterior Stair Post Steps:

1.  We removed the railing and cut out the offending posts.

2.  Cut new pressure treated 4×4 posts as replacements.

3.  When cutting the 4×4 post you need to remove 1-1/2″ of material from the post the length of the first step.  This is to allow the post to sit on top of the stair stringer.

4.  I use a circular saw to make this cut and finish the cut with a handsaw, cleaning any bumps or chucks with a sharp chisel.

5.  Once the cut is made I set the new post over the stair stringer and clamp it in a plumb position.

Replacing An Exterior Stair Post

6.  Many people use carriage bolts or nails to secure the post but I recommend using timber screws [i.e., LVL or Timber Lock structural screws]

7.  Four timber lock screws and some construction adhesive hold this post in place for many years to come.

8.  Add pressure treated blocking to lock the post in place, tie it to the adjacent stringer and provide nailing for the decking.

9.  Make a trim post to slide over the pressure treated newel post.

10. Secure it with finish nails.

11. Attach the railing and post cap.Replacing An Exterior Stair Post

12.  Tie in post moldings at base.

Duo-Fast Trim, siding, Decking and fence  Nailer

13.  Flash the top of the stringer prior to installing the decking.

14.  Replace the riser trim if needed.  In the pictiure pon the right I am using my Duo-Fast Trim, siding and decking nailer to install stainless steel nails the trim risers.  I also used it to install the fir decking.

15.  Install new decking.  Allow space between the deck boards for drainage and air flow.

16.  Overlap the deck board on the front of the step 1/2″ to 3/4″

Replacing An Exterior Stair PostReplacing An Exterior Stair Post

17.  Use stainless steel nails for best results.

18.  Finished!

RELATED POSTS:

Post Leveling Tool

Installing Porch Railings

Cutting Porch Balusters

Porch Repair

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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