I just built a fine newel box based on the November 2000 FHB. Now I have to attach a horizontal railing and balusters etc. to it and the wall. This may sound like a dumb question, but what’s the best way to attach the railing to the newel box and the wall? Pocket screws from underneath? I suppose I can bolt it to the box from inside, but not the wall.
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groundhog: You can attach the railing a few different ways.
If you dont mind the look of a plug on your newel...you can bolt through the newel and hiding the bolthead with a plug.
A better way is to place a railbolt into the newel...and bolt it into the rail. The one inch plug can be place on the underside of the rail.
Stan,
Thanks. Not sure I know what a rail bolt is. Is that the same as a hanger bolt, ie. lag bolt on one end, threaded to recieve a nut on the other?
In any case, I think I may have solved my own problem. Since the newel box is open on the inside, I think I can screw a pair of hanger bolts to the railing and then use nuts on the inside. On the wall, I guess I'll just screw the railing to the wall from underneath and then plug it.
Thanks again
That would be a hanger bolt as you described it.