1. How do I install L.J. Smith box newels?
Most of our box newels are packaged with a mounting block and detailed installation instructions. The balance of our box newels are solid inside and can be installed using standard newel mounting methods.
2. What is the best way to attach a newel post? Which L.J. Smith installation product is more sturdy?
All depends upon the application and how it is installed. Generally, attaching a newel post to the structural portion of the floor system is strongest.
3. What is the "strength" of the stair?
Newel posts are the balustrade components that provide the strength of the stair. If they are not properly installed, a stair will not be stable. Newel posts should be placed everywhere a stair changes direction.
4. At what intervals should newel posts be placed on level runs?
On level runs over 10 feet, newel posts should be placed at every 5-6' interval.
5. What kind of newel post is used with a vertical volute?
A continuous rake newel with a taper top. Either LJ-4013PT or LJ-3513PT.
6. Is the newel post placement the same with a vertical volute?
It is common to place the post at the back of the tread in this application.
7. What is the size of the newel pin tops?
The top pin on Over-the-Post pin top newels is 3/4" in diameter. Continuous rake taper top newels (LJ-4013PT or LJ-3513PT) are 1" in diameter.
8. What numbers do the wood newels begin with?
Turned Wood Newels: LJ-4xxx, LJP-3xxx, LJF-3xxx, LJT3xxx or LJB-3xxx. Box Newels: LJ-4xxx
9. What are the top block sizes of L.J. Smith’s Post to Post Newels and what is their purpose?
5", 11" and 14 1/2" - also called face blocks - area where handrail is attached. 5" is generally used as a starting newel but may be used at landings with a gooseneck. Newels with 14 1/2" long top blocks are used at intermediate landings and the 11" block newel is used at 2nd floor landings when not using a gooseneck.
10. What is the advantage of LJ-line Over-the-Post newels in comparison to industry-standard dowel pin newels?
Doweled newels require drilling through the starting step and installing a lag bolt through the bottom of the starting step. Doweled newels also lock the installer into a particular handrail height. LJ newels require drilling only through the tread and all the assembly is done on top of the starting step. Because LJ newels have no dowel pin, they are easily trimmed for a variety of rail heights.
11. What is the advantage of LJ-line Post-to-Post newels in comparison to industry standard?
Most industry-standard newels do not have long enough blocks for some applications at current handrail heights. (13" versus ours of 14 1/2") Center turning lengths have also been adjusted on the LJ line to solve most installation problems.
12. What is the purpose of a utility newel?
This newel is generally used as the starting newel on all stairs and varies in height from 43" to 58" depending upon style. The utility newel is also often used on level runs.
13. What is the purpose of a Post to Post 2nd floor landing newel?
This newel has an 11" top block and a shorter turning length than the utility newel. This newel is 58" in height. It is used on a 2nd-floor landing when a landing fitting assembly is not used. Located at the point where a rake handrail and a level handrail intersect.
14. What is the purpose of a Post to Post intermediate landing newel?
This newel can be ordered with a 5" or a 14 1/2" face/top block. The 14 1/2" top block newel has a shorter turning length than both the utility newel and the 2nd floor landing newel. The intermediate landing newel varies in height from 58" to 78". Located at a point where the rake rails intersect.
15. What is the newel square size(s)?
Newel square size varies with style. L.J. Smith has 3", 3 1/4", 3 1/2" and 5" turned newels and three sizes of box newels: 3 ½", 4 ¼", 4 ½", 5 ½", 6 1/4" and 7 1/2". 4" square chamfered top S4S newels are also available. Iron newels are 1 3/16".
16. Is the moulding replaceable on the box newels?
We have known the mouldings or caps to be replaced but cannot guarantee that removal and replacement would be successful every time.
17. What determines the length of the utility newel in a Post to Post stair system?
For 30-34" rake handrail height, use the shortest utility newel. For a 34"-38" rake handrail height, use the longest utility newel. Select one for each side with handrail.
18. On a post to post system, should the top block face size on balcony newels match the utility, intermediate, or 2nd flooring landing newels?
Ideally, balcony newels should match the face size of the 2nd floor landing newels unless a landing fitting assembly is used throughout the system with 5" face utility newels.
19. What is unique about the LJ-4050 and LJ-4060.
Both newels are turned bottom (round) and are 2 1/4" and 2 3/4" respectively, in diameter. Ideally, they are only used as a starting newel. Half newels are not available in these two styles.
20. How far in height on the inside of the LJ-4091 is hollow?
The box newel is hollow up to the face of the newel.
21. What is the inside dimensions of the LJ-4092, LJ4093, LJ-4094, LJ-4095, LJ-4096, LJ-4097 box newel?
The inside dimension of the bottom block is 6", the center block is 4-1/2" and the top block is solid.
22. Is the molding available for the LJ-4092, LJ4093, LJ-4094, LJ-4095, LJ-4096, LJ-4097 box newels?
Yes. LJ-8078 is the profile for the top molding, LJ-9200 is the profile of the center molding and LJ-9201 is the profile for the bottom block.
23. Will LJ-4091, LJ-4092, LJ-4093, LJ-4094, LJ4095, LJ-4096, LJ-4097 box newels fit on the standard starting step?
Yes. All of these box newels will fit on the LJ8040, 8440, 8640, 8060, 8460, 8660, 8030, and 8050 starting steps.
24. What is the inside dimension of the hollow bottom of the LJ-4091?
4 ¾" x 4 ¾"
25. Where do you suggest putting newels?
At the beginning, end, and anywhere there's a change in direction. (For a run of 10 ft or more, we recommend putting a newel every 5-6'.)
26. Are the box newels solid?
No, most are hollow except the top block which is solid. However, the LJ-4075, LJ-4075-50 and LJ4391 are completely solid.
27. How tall is the shortest post-to-post utility newel?
48"
28. How tall is the longest post-to-post utility newel?
58"
29. What size are the top blocks of the Post to Post utility newels?
5"
30. What size are the top blocks of the Post to Post intermediate newels?
14 ½"
31. What size are the top blocks of the Post to Post 2nd Floor Landing Newels?
11"
32. Some newels are used for 2-winder or 3-winder. What does that mean?
Post to Post newels that are 78” long and Over the Post newels that are 73” long are used for a landing that has 2 or 3 winders. The winders are pie-shaped treads that make up the landing and also make the staircase a continuous rise. Because of the continuous rise, the longer newels are needed.
33. Does any hardware come with the Over the Post utility newels?
No, however, the LJ-3007HDWE kit is available separately and includes all the necessary items to install an Over-the-Post utility newel: 1 hanger bolt, 1 steel insert, 1 installer bolt, 2 installer hex-nuts, 2 lag bolts w/ washers, 2 wood plugs, 1 perforated metal strip, and installation sheet.
34. Is it possible to move the newel away from the stairs?
Yes, however, by doing so you will be changing the rake rail height. By moving the newel away from the stairs, the handrail height will increase. The handrail height will decrease if the newel is moved toward the stairs. Moving the newel 1" will change the rake rail height by 5/8" to 7/8".
35. How do you determine the newel centerpoints?
The newel centerpoint lies at the intersection of the balustrade centerlines.
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Izza Wei-Haas
