Landing banister DIY question

[keef32]

I'm in the process of DIYing my hall, stairs and landing.
The bottom 3rd of the stairs under the banister is thin panels of wood sandwiching some spindles, easy to take out and replace.

But on the landing, same piece under the landing banister seems solid like its been concreted up.

Does anyone have any idea what it might be made of?

Beyond drilling it I don't know how I would find out?

Cheers

 

[Comfortably Numb]

It could be brick/blockwork. Is it about 5" thick?

 

[broc]

Does it sound hollow if you knock on it? If it does, it could just be plasterboard over a timber frame.

 

[JohnX]

Drill into it. You can always fill the hole.

 

[sirch]

Photos? How old is the house? Could it be a lintel?

 

[keef32]

It could be brick/blockwork. Is it about 5" thick?

I'd say it's about 2/3 inches, it's no wider than a standard banister rail

Does it sound hollow if you knock on it? If it does, it could just be plasterboard over a timber frame.

As per OP, sounds solid

Drill into it. You can always fill the hole.

That's where it's heading.. it's coming out either way.. might have to get sledgehammer out

Photos? How old is the house? Could it be a lintel?

It's just a waist hight "wall" i can get a picture later but probably won't hell. Built in the 40s/50s I believe. Could be, think I might just have to drill it


It's an old council house if that helps