Replies

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Jun 11, 2009 04:28pm | #1

   Is it a post, or a column? Need lots more detail, such as what does the post/column hold up, what's it sitting on?... if it's a small (4x4) post and it's readily removable it probably is less work than trying to make a splice look good.  But fill in some blanks and we can give you a better answer.

   PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

1. 
   MBaybut | Jun 11, 2009 05:14pm | #2

   Thanks,
   It's a 6x6 wood post/newel. It's supporting a 3ft roof overhang. Sits on a concrete porch.
   Mike

1. 
   IMERC | Jun 11, 2009 05:18pm | #4

   how is it fastened to the concrete???

   suspect full replacement...

     

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

2. 
   PaulBinCT | Jun 11, 2009 05:24pm | #5

   If it's a simple 6x6 I'd just support the overhang and replace it.  If it's turned or fancier you can certainly repair it but hard to imagine it's worth the effort otherwise.  Just be sure that it's elevated slightly off the concrete to prevent a recurrence of the rot in a few years.PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

1. 
   MBaybut | Jun 11, 2009 07:30pm | #6

   Yea,
   Just come back from Lowes, they have a composite for $75. I'll replace with that.
   Thanks All,
   Mike

1. 
   KenHill3 | Jun 11, 2009 09:06pm | #8

   Composite, ie. decking material like Trex?Beware, that is not a structural material for posts.

2. 
   MBaybut | Jun 11, 2009 09:12pm | #9

   It is a load bearing post.
   Mike

3. 
   KenHill3 | Jun 11, 2009 09:14pm | #10

   I wouldn't do it.

4. 
   PaulBinCT | Jun 11, 2009 10:03pm | #11

   Yeah, not suitable unless there was some indication that it was suitable for structural use (unlikely).  I'd just get a PT 6x6, use fasteners rated for ACQ,  and keep the bottom off the concrete.  PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

5. 
   MBaybut | Jun 11, 2009 11:25pm | #12

   Thanks,
   Is load bearing different from structural?
   mike

6. 
   PaulBinCT | Jun 11, 2009 11:52pm | #13

   No, same same.PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

7. 
   MBaybut | Jun 12, 2009 12:17am | #14

   Thanks,
   I'll double check but I thought it said it was rated to 3000lb. Maybe it wasn't composite, it looked awfully glossy though.
   Mike

8. 
   PaulBinCT | Jun 12, 2009 12:41am | #15

   There are hollow steel posts wrapped in composite, maybe that's what you have.  If it's rated for 3000 lbs and the overhang isn't very large (or you live in Alaska with hundreds of lbs of snow) you should be fine.PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

2. 
   Shep | Jun 11, 2009 05:18pm | #3

   Just this week I repaired 2 porch columns, by cutting them off just below the turned portion of the columns. The lower part was 4-1/4" square, so I was able to get a cedar 6 x 6 and resaw that to the dimensions I needed.

   The old column was made from a square glue-up, with a 1-3/4" square hollow in the center. So I made a 1-3/4 " tenon on the new part, glued everything up, and re-assembled the column. Once I primed the new wood, you couldn't see that anything had been done.

   I also used a 3/4" piece of Azek as a separation between the wood and the concrete porch floor, to keep the moisture in the concrete from wicking up into the wood.

3. 
   YesMaam27577 | Jun 11, 2009 09:04pm | #7

   It's almost as easy to replace the entire piece, as it is to cut out the bad section and just replace a little of it.

   And even if you decide to just replace a small portion, how much real money is saved, since you'll still need to buy a post that is at least 8'.

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.