best way to clean up 6x6 posts with a PVC trim board?

[jpcjguy]

So on our porch, we have 6x6 columns and on the outside is a 3/4" pvc trim board. We did not wrap the columns as we did not want them to increase in size. Most are pretty well aligned and I am filling/sanding to get them pretty flat and smooth (not perfect as I know they are wood). The columns will be painted.
Here are two areas where the board is bigger than the 6x6 - do I fill/feather with wood patch? Router? Hand plane?
Any suggestions?

 

[larry4406]

I’m thinking you will have paint adhesion failure on pressure treated wood.

Sorry I can’t help.

 

[PCustoms]

So on our porch, we have 6x6 columns and on the outside is a 3/4" pvc trim board. We did not wrap the columns as we did not want them to increase in size. Most are pretty well aligned and I am filling/sanding to get them pretty flat and smooth (not perfect as I know they are wood). The columns will be painted.
Here are two areas where the board is bigger than the 6x6 - do I fill/feather with wood patch? Router? Hand plane?
Any suggestions?

Router with flush trim bit. Slip a piece of sheet metal on the 6x6 if you can, otherwise you might pick up on the ripply texture

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I would measure the over hang difference at the top, middle and bottom. Then come up with neutral measurement top to bottom to run through a table saw

 

[PCustoms]

Also how old are the posts?

I.e. have they shrunk yet...

 

[AEAdam]

So on our porch, we have 6x6 columns and on the outside is a 3/4" pvc trim board. We did not wrap the columns as we did not want them to increase in size. Most are pretty well aligned and I am filling/sanding to get them pretty flat and smooth (not perfect as I know they are wood). The columns will be painted.
Here are two areas where the board is bigger than the 6x6 - do I fill/feather with wood patch? Router? Hand plane?
Any suggestions?

How old are the 6x6s? The coefficient of thermal expansion of pvc is multiples of the pine 6x6s. So whatever filler you use, the pvc will move with temperature and the 6x6s will continue to shrink and crack.

 

[JohnX14]

Why not remove the PVC board and paint all 4 sides? I'd either to that or wrap all 4 sides in PVC. Looks more like a 4x6 column, with a 1x4 PVC board on the 3 1/2" face leaving 3/8" reveal (although that could be the camera angle) not that that changes my response. How many posts are there?

 

[AEAdam]

There are really thin column wraps you can slide over 6x6s. Not 3/4” thick boards.

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[jpcjguy]

The posts are already installed and have been in place for five months. So I cannot sleeve them. I need the PVC board on the outside to have a cleaner install of the track for the screen rails. The board creates a flat surface all the way around

 

[AEAdam]

The posts are already installed and have been in place for five months. So I cannot sleeve them. I need the PVC board on the outside to have a cleaner install of the track for the screen rails. The board creates a flat surface all the way around

Gotcha. Trying to fare the pvc to the wood won’t work. Those surfaces will continue to move relative to each other. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. It really comes down to what is acceptable to you. I think a router with a flush cutting bit would be what I would try using to fare the 2 pieces together. Or a block plane if it’s really minor.

 

[PCustoms]

I don't think PVC will work with a block plane well, I can't see it peeling off like wood does

I had previously suggested router, just be aware that a cut edge will look substantially different then the factory edge

 

[308guru]

100% - Router with a flush trim bit.

 

[Jayman17]

There is also thin composite decking material boards for covering beams that could be used. I want to say the thickness is around 1/4"

 

[dnschmidt]

Check out the latest video from STUDPACK. They are doing this exact thing.

 

[jar944]

Wrap them... plenty of places make a open side column that installs on existing posts.

I made these out of 1/2" pvc sheet, with one open side and installed after the deck was built.

 

[PCustoms]

There is also thin composite decking material boards for covering beams that could be used. I want to say the thickness is around 1/4"

Wrap them... plenty of places make a open side column that installs on existing posts.

Well...

We did not wrap the columns as we did not want them to increase in size.

Maybe consider PVC/aluminum trim coil

 

[jar944]

Well...

Yep, saw that, unfortunately you can't always get everything you want.

 

[Bert_]

I’m thinking you will have paint adhesion failure on pressure treated wood.

Sorry I can’t help.

Best to wait 6-12 months before painting. I have used treated lumber for several exterior trim projects. I think I did most of it 4 years ago and the paint is holding up excellent.

Regular modern lumber rots with the slightest hint of moisture. I think it's a poor choice for exterior, even if painted

 

[AEAdam]

I don't think PVC will work with a block plane well, I can't see it peeling off like wood does

I had previously suggested router, just be aware that a cut edge will look substantially different then the factory edge

You can hand plane it just like wood. Needs a sharp iron, but otherwise works just like wood. I do it all the time.