I'm trying to install a handrail on a small set of concrete stairs. I drilled/chiseled two 3 inch deep holes for the newel posts. Do I simply put the posts in and add the cement? My fear is that once the cement dries, the cemented newel post quot;plugquot; will not adhere and be able to be pulled out of the hole. Do I have to do anything special to make sure this doesn't happen?
use a non shrink grout and slope it away from the posts a bit...
The answer depends in part upon what type of soil you have. If you live on the Gulf Coast where the soil has a large clay characteristic to it, you need to bury the post 3' deep. This is because the soil will shift as it expands and contracts with the moisture content. When this happens the fence will sag. Look at your neighbors fences to see if this is a problem with their fences. If they are leaning......then deeper is better.
Use a low shrink mortar mix made for under 1/2 inch of cement. and you will not have a problem. If you have a tight fit. You can get a 2 part epoxy, looks like chaulk tube, for achoring bolts into concrete. It is expensive though.
A non shrink mortar will do the job, but if you want to ease your mind you can screw a few screws into the sides of the newel posts and leave the heads sticking out a bit so they get trapped by the mortar, nails will also do, just make sure they are below the top of the concrete , in your case about 2 from the end. Good luck. By the way you can also get an expanding mortar, myself I prefer hydraulic concrete.
I would probably cement an anchor into the hole you have carved. It looks like a metal rod with some ears to keep it from being pulled out, and a bracket on top that a 4x4 post can be bolted in to. Once you have your wood post secured to this, buy some 1 wood trim (like a couple 1x4's and a couple 1x6's)to cover the structural post. Glue with liquid nails and secure with a few brads or finish nails. Now you have a decent looking post that is secured to the ground and will probably take quite a hit before you could break it off. Finish the top with some type of decoration of your choice.
