Balustrade

Project 1 - To remove the existing cedar rails and replace them with pine handrails and balusters.  The newel post was retained, the top reshaped and fitted with a pine ball.  To achieve the off-set, the vertical handrail has a slight return  into the newel post.

Before and After.

Project 2 - To remove the existing raggedy balustrade and replace it with pine newel posts, handrail, baserail and balusters. The old newels were sawn off at the base and a 32 mm diameter hole was drilled deep down through the centre.  A corresponding hole was drilled into the bottom of the new newels and a big dowel glued into the hole with enough protruding to glue into the old stubs. Pressure was cunningly exerted with luggage straps, long sticks and carefully placed heavy toolboxes.  However, I have recently discover a supplier who sells chunky connecting bolts that can pull the old and the new posts together.

Before and After