Quick and easy guide to replacing Newel Post Caps
If you’re looking for a quick, affordable and relatively simple way to improve the look of your current staircase, replacing the newel caps a popular solution. Equally they are perfect to finish off your new staircase project.
We stock a wide range of newel post caps in both wooden and metal, meaning we are sure to have something available to suit your traditional or modern staircase.
In this article we provide you with a step-by-step installation guide for some of more popular newel post caps, including wooden flat newel post caps and Forge metal flat newel post caps.
Replacing a square newel post cap with a flat newel post cap:
Step one:
Before you start, you need to check if the current newel post cap is either screwed or glued into place. If you find that none of the following are applicable and you do not feel confident in removing the newel post cap we would recommend speaking to a joiner for advice.
For screwed newel post caps, it is likely there will be a circular shape on the top of the newel cap that is noticeably different to the surrounding wood. If cap is painted and screwed on, there could be a circular bump on the top of the newel cap.
For glued newel post caps, there should be no noticeable marks around the post, which makes it easier to replace.
Step two (skip this step if your newel post is not painted):
Using a sharp chisel or craft knife, carefully run around the edge of the newel cap where it joins the newel post. This will help to ensure the paint does not split when removing the newel post cap and maintain a good finish.
Step three:
Carefully hit the underside of the newel post cap using a small hammer to loosen the cap before removing it. Any glue residue left over on the newel post should be removed to leave a flat surface. If there is a significant amount of glue, or slight damage to the top of the newel post, you should sand and fill to ensure the surface is totally flat.
Step four:
After checking that your newel cap fits the top of the newel post, apply a small amount of wood glue to the centre of the flat surface, which will ensure none leaks down the side of your newel post. Then firmly place the cap on to the glued surface and hold in place with masking tape to ensure it is not disturbed while the glue sets.
Replacing an acorn/ball newel post cap with a flat newel post cap:
Removing this type of newel cap can be problematic due to the peg and amount of glue that has been used.
Step one:
The vast majority of ball newel post caps are held in place with PVA glue, while they also have a peg that slots directly into the newel post. If you do not feel confident in removing the newel post cap we would recommend speaking to a joiner for advice.
Step two:
The simplest way to remove ball newel caps is to cut straight across the newel post to create a flat surface ready for the new cap. To make sure it is flat, first measure where you need to cut and then use a spirit level to mark where you will make the cut.
If the newel post is painted, use masking tape to protect the surface. You will also need to sand and potentially fill the top of the newel post to ensure the surface is totally flat before you fit the newel cap.
Step three:
After checking that your newel cap fits the top of the newel post, apply a small amount of wood glue to the centre of the flat surface, which will ensure none leaks down the side of your newel post. Then firmly place the cap on to the glued surface and hold in place with masking tape to ensure it is not disturbed while the glue sets.
