When shimming newel stands on a solid balustrade, the shims should be as what?

When shimming newel stands on a solid balustrade, it is crucial for the shims to be wide and long. This choice provides the necessary stability and support required for the newel post. A wider shim distributes the load more evenly across the surface, reducing the risk of stress points that could lead to shifting or damage over time. Additionally, longer shims help provide a better fit and alignment with the newel post, ensuring that it is held securely in place and can withstand the forces applied to it.

In contrast, thinner or shorter shims may not offer sufficient support, which could compromise the integrity of the installation. If the shims are too narrow, they could fail to provide the required load distribution, leading to instability in the newel stand. Similarly, short shims may not reach the necessary height to align the newel effectively with the balustrade, potentially affecting both functionality and safety. Thus, using wide and long shims is the best practice for ensuring a secure and stable installation of newel stands.