Buzz
If you're not entirely satisfied with the appearance of your porch posts, wrapping them can offer a convenient solution without the need for replacements. This DIY project involves creating a box-like structure around the existing posts to enhance their visual appeal. Once completed, you can further customize your upgraded posts with paint or decorative molding for added elegance.
Steps to Follow
Adding Spacers to the Posts
Measuring the Height and Width of Your Porch Posts Start by measuring the height and width of each porch post. Use a tape measure to determine the dimensions, ensuring accuracy for cutting the wooden panels to fit perfectly. Note down these measurements for reference.
Cut 6 pieces of 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick wood to match the width of your porch posts. Use tools like a circular saw, miter saw, or portable table saw to cut a single long board into identical sections. The width of these pieces should exactly match the width of your porch posts, while the height can be 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) longer than the width, depending on your post dimensions. These pieces will serve as the initial spacers for your facades—one for each side of the post at the bottom, middle, and top.
Pro Tip: The taller your spacers, the more room you’ll have to securely attach the facade panels later.
Create a second set of spacers wide enough to enclose the first set and the post. Add the width of your porch posts to twice the thickness of the spacer board. Your second set of spacers should be wide enough to fit over the front and back of the posts with the first set of spacers in place on each side. This ensures that all edges will align flush with each other.
Position the spacers around the bottom, middle, and top of your initial post. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the back of the narrower pieces and attach them to the sides of the post. Repeat the process for the wider pieces, ensuring their edges align with the edges of the first set. Repeat this at the middle and top of the post.
Pro Tip: To ensure proper alignment of the middle spacers, mark the midpoint of each post as well as the first 2 spacers. Then, line up the marks to confirm that they are centered.
Secure the spacers using four 2-inch (5.1 cm) finishing nails. Hammer a nail into each corner of every spacer. Ensure that the nails in the corners of the wider spacer pieces are firmly embedded in the outer edges of the narrower pieces. Drive the nails until they sit flush with the wood surface.
Mounting the Wooden Panels
Trim wooden boards to match the height of your porch posts. Prepare 4 pieces for each post—one for each side. For stability, opt for longer boards than the height of your posts. Cut off any excess length from each board using a saw.
Cut your panel boards to match the new width of your posts. Use the widths of your spacer sets as a guide for cutting. Adjust the saw's fence to match the desired dimensions of each board. Cut the boards vertically to create panels that will cover the post exteriors around the spacers.
Fit the panels snugly around the post sides. Apply wood glue to each exposed spacer surface to prevent slippage while positioning the panels. Begin with the sides, then proceed to the front and back pieces.
Secure the panels using nails spaced 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart. Utilize a nail gun if available for faster installation, or use a hammer. Ensure symmetrical placement of nails along both sides of each panel. Use 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) finishing nails for a sturdy and discreet attachment.
Finishing & Painting the Posts
Enhance the appearance of the posts with decorative molding. Cut 1-inch (2.5 cm) boards to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in height for baseboards. Attach panel molding around the top and bottom of the baseboards using 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) finishing nails.
Fill nail holes with wood filler. Apply wood filler generously to each hole using a putty knife, then sand down excess filler with high-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface clean before and after application.
Seal gaps in the facade with polyurethane-based caulk. Apply caulk to vertical seams between panel boards and all horizontal edges at the top and bottom of the posts. Allow caulk to dry as per product instructions.
Color-coordinate your new posts with your home's exterior. Start by applying a layer of primer followed by 2-3 coats of water-resistant, latex-based outdoor paint. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next one.
Pro Tip: Save time and effort by using pre-primed boards, available at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
Helpful Hints
- Consider purchasing post-wrapping kits for a convenient, ready-to-install solution. These kits, often made from durable materials like cellular PVC, eliminate the need for measuring and assembly.
Materials Needed
Preparing the Posts with Spacers
- Measuring tape
- Pencil and notepad
- 1-inch (2.5 cm) wooden boards
- Circular saw, miter saw, or portable table saw
- Wood glue
- Hammer
- 2-inch (5.1 cm) finishing nails
Installing the Wooden Panels
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- 1x4, 1x6, or 1x8 boards
- Circular saw, miter saw, or portable table saw
- Wood glue
- Hammer
- 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) or 2-inch (5.1 cm) finishing nails
- Nail gun (optional)
Applying the Final Touches to the Posts
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- High-grit sandpaper or sanding block (120-grit or higher)
- Damp cloth
- Decorative panel molding
- Circular saw, miter saw, or portable table saw
- Hammer
- 1.5 in (3.8 cm) finishing nails
- Paintbrush
- Outdoor primer
- Latex-based outdoor paint
