Repair Wooden Porch Post

Regularly maintain your wooden porch posts to avoid repairs.

Wooden porch posts can be repaired rather than replaced in order to maintain the historic integrity of your home. Porch posts are exposed to the weather and often need repair toward the bottom where they join with the porch decking. Posts with minor surface damage can be repaired with wood epoxy. A rotted post can be repaired by cutting off the bottom section of the post and replacing it.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• 1/4-inch drill bit
• Chisel
• Wood epoxy
• Poly brush
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Reciprocating saw
• Section of 4-by-4-inch post
• Miter saw
• Wood glue
• Damp rag
• Primer and paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Drill into the bottom portion of the post with a 1/4-inch drill bit in the areas in need of repair to determine the extent of damage and rot to the post. If the wood beyond the first inch of the post is in good condition, the repair can be made with epoxy.

2. Chisel out the damaged areas on the post. Mix the primer portion of the epoxy. Apply the epoxy primer to the damaged area with a poly brush and allow it to dry. Mix the filler portion of the epoxy and apply it to the damaged area with a putty knife. Allow the filler to dry.

3. Sand the epoxied area flush with the surface of the wood.

4. Apply primer to the repaired areas and allow it to dry. Apply paint over the primer. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Saw off the damaged post at the point where it transitions from square to rounded using a reciprocating saw if the post cannot be repaired with epoxy due to extensive damage or rot. Remove the cut-off portion of the post. Measure the post and cut the replacement to length with a miter saw.

6. Apply wood glue to the ends of the replacement section of post. Insert the replacement section into position under the existing post. Wipe off excess glue that seeps out with a damp rag. Allow the glue to dry.

7. Sand the joint where the replacement post was installed. Apply a primer and paint to the repaired post. Allow the finish to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain the paint on your wooden porch posts to avoid extensive repairs or replacement.

• Wear eye protection when working with wood.

References

• Old House Authority: Historic House Wooden Post Repair
• Binky's Woodworking: Rotted Post Repair

Resources

• This Old House: Rebuilding Porch Columns