How to Attach a Stair Post to Tile

Attaching a stair, or newel, post to tile can be an intimidating process. A newel post has a hollow base that is fitted over a block of wood to install it. Installing the block on the tile is the challenge. That's because cutting through tile to install fasteners requires patience and the right tools. Additionally, the process used to create most tiles makes them incredibly tough but brittle.

• 1

  Position the stair post where it will be installed on the tile and mark the outline with a pencil. Measure the inside of the bottom of the stair post and cut a block of 2-inch-thick lumber to fit inside it. Drill a pilot hole in each corner of the wood block with a 3/16-inch bit. Countersink each hole slightly.

• 2

  Tape along the inside of the outline on the tile with 2-inch-wide masking tape. The tape will help your drill bit to maintain its position without slipping. Center the wood block inside the outline you marked on the tile. Use a 3/16-inch diamond-tipped rotary mason's bit to drill down through each pilot hole and score the tape.

• 3

  Remove the block and drill down through the tile in each marked location. Dip the tip of the mason's bit in cutting oil. Flip the speed switch on your drill to low and only squeeze the trigger enough to keep the bit turning. Apply gentle, steady pressure and re-oil the bit every 60 seconds. Do not allow the drill to speed up. High speeds result in broken or chipped tile.

• 4

  Continue drilling until you cut through the tile. Then drill into the substrate until you reach a depth of 1½ inches. (You can wrap a piece of masking tape around the bit beforehand to mark this depth.) Blow the dust from the holes.

• 5

  Reposition the block and drive a 3-inch-by-1/4-inch tapcon-style concrete screw through each hole in the block. Drive the screws in until the heads are flush with the top of the block and the block is snugly pulled to the floor.

• 6

  Fit the hollow base of your stair post over the block. Bore two 1/8-inch pilot holes through each face of the post and into the wood block 3/4-inch above the tile. Drive a 1 5/8-inch treated deck screw through each hole in the post and into the block behind. Run the screws in until the screw heads are flush with the face of the post.

• 7

  Cover the screw heads with the base molding that came with your stair post. Nail each piece in place with two finish nails.