Porch Post Base Water Damage Options

[Ryanbabz71]

Not the best design having wood/composite type material on the concrete finishing off the porch post. The post itself isn't rotted but some of the "trim" pieces are damaged due to water getting on the concrete and the wood sitting on the concrete.

Anyone have any suggestions how to correct this or make it look nicer? Have seen pvc/brick wraps mainly for 6x6 posts. These are 4x4. Also seen actual brick not sure if I have enough room on the ends to pull this off.

Example of the ends (4 total posts)

Other posts (2 total)

Best overall photo of the porch I have on my phone


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[Dirtydan69]

Use the galvanized post bases like the use for decks. Then when you install the collar trim around the bottom hold it up 3/8" to 1/2" off the concrete. If you can't stand the gap the caulk it. Make sure you caulk the top edge also. Leaving a weep hole would be a good idea too.

 

[larry4406]

Use the galvanized post bases like the use for decks. Then when you install the collar trim around the bottom hold it up 3/8" to 1/2" off the concrete. If you can't stand the gap the caulk it. Make sure you caulk the top edge also. Leaving a weep hole would be a good idea too.

+1

On the porches we build similar to these, we use the post anchors and then the post trim. Our post trim is typically PVC or fiberglass.

 

[Ryanbabz71]

I don't need to replace the posts themselves just the trim wood around them.


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[Bottlecapdigger]

I did what Larry shows. Even used a SS lag into the concrete. Then use PVC to cap and cover the galvanized base. Use caulking to seal and keep out water and insects. Done. BCD

 

[theoldwizard1]

If possible, cut about 1" off of the base of the post. Slip a PT 1by under the post. Size it so that it is about 1/2" bigger in all direction than the post and the trim. Replace the trim and paint.

 

[lakeroadster]

The post itself isn't rotted but some of the "trim" pieces are damaged due to water getting on the concrete and the wood sitting on the concrete.

We had the same issue at our last home.

It had the galvanized stand off so, as you mentioned, the actual structural post was fine, just the lower trim looked bad from wicking in water.

What we did was removed the lower trim pieces. Then cut back the 4 sided post fascia pieces so they were about 2 inches off the concrete, then replaced the lower trim pieces with composite decking material, then painted the decking to match the column trim.

 

[6768rogues]

If the posts are ok and you only want to replace the trim, buy some Azek material and put it on.

 

[chaosracing]

Lowes sells both Azek and Royal pvc trim. The Royal is cheaper than the Azek, and it comes smooth on one side and wood grain on the other side. You can get screws and pvc plugs to hide the screws and then paint over them to match your posts, or whatever color you like. No special tools needed. You use the same wood working tools you would use with wood trim.

 

[dfiler2]

Either replace the trim with PVC or find some cement siding scraps, make your own trim pieces and paint. Also, if the post covering, behind the bottom trim, goes all the way down, I would trim that by 1/2".

 

[kbs2244]

I would go with the remove and replace with plastic idea,
but what does the exposed "end grain" look like on those plastic boards?

 

[johnyg]

does pvc move like pt ??? maybe you could get away with miters. i did a pt base like that and left it 1/4 inch bigger so it floats..... water drains ,air circulates and when he hits it with the leaf blower any trapped stuff can come out. doesnt look to bad either like a shadow line. good luck....john.

 

[rburke65]

Just use the PVC and miter the ends.

 

[alexb2000]

In addition to the above solutions the basic problem IMO is that the trim doors etc. all get hung or installed and then painted. I bet when you pull that trim off the bottom and back is bare wood. So common on homes today.

We used to have to prime all the hidden surfaces, cuts, etc. Everyone was carrying around a can of spray can primer in their nail bag.