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[freddy]

The newel post at the botom of my stairs is sitting directly upon a supporting joist with the floorboards fitted around it. In this position the stairs and post are completely level. I have been advised that thisis incorrect and that the newel post needs to be sitting on floorboards however this would mean lowering the existing height of the floorboards which would leave problems with other areas in the house. Is it uncommon for newel posts to be fitted to joist and is this acceptable?

[col4321]

Hi Freddy, its not uncommon for stairs to be fitted this way as when the property was built it was probably measured up and fitted before the floor was covered, you may also find that the newel has a halving joint extending down the side of the joist as well. As for changing this to sit onto the floor covering this would prove no benefit as you would have to shorten the newel, riser and wall string to the thickness of the floor boards and also provide some other method of securing the stair at the bottom to prevent slippage. Hope this helps.