How to Cover Basement Support Poles
Basement support poles are required for structural support, but you can cover them to hide the unsightly appearance. A box cover made from the wood of your choice creates an attractive surface that you can paint or stain to match the woodwork in the room. Wrap covers are made from vinyl or wood with a self-sticking surface, so no construction skills are needed to cover the pole. Choose the style that fits your design style and abilities. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- 4 wood planks, 1-inch-thick
- Saw
- Wood glue
- Hammer
- 2-inch-long finishing nails
- Sandpaper
- Wood putty
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Latex caulk (optional)
Instructions
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Box Cover
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1
Measure from the floor to the ceiling and subtract 1/2 inch for the height. Measure the diameter of the pole and add 2 inches to the measurement.
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2
Cut four planks to these measurements. Cut the long edges to create a mitered 45-degree angle so the planks fit together in a box formation.
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3
Spread wood glue along a long edge of one plank, and then fit another plank onto the edge. Hold the two planks together for about one minute, and then secure them together with four or five finishing nails pounded evenly along the edge. Spread wood glue on one of the long edges of these planks and fit a third plank in place to make a three-sided box. Secure the third plank with four or five finishing nails.
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4
Fit the box around the pole so it rests on the floor. Secure the fourth side to the box with wood glue and finishing nails in the same way as the other sides. Fit a shim in the gap between the top of the box and the ceiling, if needed, to secure the box around the pole.
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5
Sand the surface and edges of the box once the glue dries. Fill in any indentations or gaps with wood putty and let it dry. Paint or stain the planks to match the room decor.
Wrap Cover
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6
Measure the pole from the floor to the ceiling, and then the circumference. Purchase a covering that best matches the measurements.
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7
Hold the cover on the pole and verify the fit. Adjust the size of vinyl covers by cutting off excess vinyl that overlaps.
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8
Pull off the paper that covers the self-sticking adhesive from half of the cover and press it to the pole. Pull the paper covering off the second half of the cover and press it to the pole so it lines up with the first side. Use construction adhesive if the cover does not come with a self-sticking surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Wrap pole coverings are available for purchase on the Internet or a home supply store.
