How to UPGRADE Boring Wood Posts (Genstone Pillar / Column Wrap Installation - Easy & DIY Friendly!)

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Product and Materials 🛠🧰 Needed for this Project: amzn.to/3RpQgQz
Genstone Artic Smoke Pillar Wrap Product: bit.ly/3R40VPr
I reached out to GenStone about providing a discount to my audience and they noted that if you call their project coordinators at 303-876-4333, they may be able to hook you up! Let me know down in the comments if they were able to provide you with a discount! **Note - I am NOT being paid by GenStone.
In order to upgrade wood posts with a GenStone stone veneer column / pillar wrap, you will need to follow these basic steps:
1. Shim / "Furr" the existing wood posts to 7-3/4" x 7-3/4"
In order to install the GenStone Pillar Wrap, you will need a post column that is approximately 7-3/4" x 7-3/4". If you are working with a 4"x4" or 6"x6" post (like me), that means you will need to "Furr" out the post to achieve the desired column size. In order to Furr out my 6"x6" post, I installed a 5/8" fence picket and a 1/2" strip of plywood on each side of the post (both the pickets and the plywood were pressure treated and rated for exterior use). After attaching the pickets and plywood to the posts, I was left with a post thickness that was pretty close to 7-3/4" x 7-3/4".
2. Install the Pillar Wrap Product
After furring out the wood posts, you can begin the pillar wrap installation. It is recommended that you first mark a level line on the post to indicate the top of the pillar. Since my pillar height will be 48" tall, I marked this height on the post and then I positioned the pillar panel in place. After confirming level, I secured the pillar panel to the wood post using exterior rated deck screws that were similar in color to the pillar panels (grey). I also used exterior rated construction adhesive on the back of the pillar panels for extra holding power. Next, I interlocked the next pillar panel with the panel I installed first, checked level, and then screwed it in place. I then repeated this process for the rest of the post wrap project.
3. Install the Pillar Wrap Post Cap
To install the pillar wrap post cap, you will first need to cut it in half. I cut my post caps in half using a hand saw. Next, you will need to mark the cut out for the 6"x6" post and then cut out the penetration in the post cap. To do this, I used a hack saw and a coping saw. After cutting out the penetration for the post, you will need to mix up the color match caulk that will be used to attach the two halves of the post cap back together. Mix up the color match caulking according to the manufacturer's instructions and then apply it to both sides of the pillar cap. You can also use construction adhesive to help glue the pillar cap to the post and the pillar panels below. Place both halves of the post cap in place and press them together. Secure them to the posts using screws and also screw the two halves of the post caps to each other. Clean up any excess color match caulk using a paper towel. Finally, caulk between the post and the post cap to ensure a water-tight seal.
Overall, installing this GenStone Pillar Wrap Product was not too difficult and I think this project can be tackled by the average homeowner. I am pretty happy with the final result and I can't wait to show you all the Gable Porch Overhang that these posts are supporting!
Thanks so much for watching and I will see you on the next one!
- Andrew
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Thank you so much for watching!
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements KZbin channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.

[@keningilbert]

I enjoyed your clever post cover up idea. Here are some tips to consider: 1) Using a planer would allow for the outer layer of pressure treated fence pickets to be thinned to desired thickness rather than risking moisture damage to plywood. 2) IMO skip adhering brick to space panels since the screws and caulk in interlocks are plenty and that will make it easy to modify this in future. 3) To better center the wafer block exact true to center, drill pilot hole for a screw from under the cap at center point and another in center point of wafer. Then simply place wafer on top of cap and screw it from top down into the cap. This will allow for exact center and easier to scribe the edges of the wafer block. 4) Caulking the joints were the Genstone interlocks to each other seems critical to keep moisture out. 5) Use blue tape along top edge of the cap seams to eliminate caulk showing on top surface. 6) Using a piece of blue tape for each screw used to hold the cap in place, make a hole in piece of tape equal to the size of the screw head. Then place over each screw head on the cap to once again eliminate any extra caulk on the cap. 7) Caulk the screw threads before inserting as another sealing point.

[@hackattack7811]

Great job. You can even paint the exposed 4x4's black to match your railings. That might look nice

[@isidrogonzalez3190]

aggree

[@ppomm]

Nice job Andrew. Fun to see real-life application of some of these newer products. You do good job making the video entertaining too.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it! Thanks for The support 🙏👍

[@user-mu9zn6ty7j]

Nice job on that. Really dresses up the front entry.

[@MidwestMotor]

Thank you so much for the idea! We have 2 boring wood posts for our front porch also whilst the neighbors have these beautiful, massive real stone pillars - so we've been trying to figure out how to "dress up," up boring wood pillars. Thanks again!!!

[@mylifeed360]

This guy is awesome I hope one day I can buy a house and do some of these projects 😅

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate the support and good luck on your home buying journey 👍👍🙏

[@sarahmckay5856]

Hi from South Australia (Adelaide) , What a huge difference it made, looks like a trip to Bunnings our hardware store. Thank you for the easy step by step. Love it. 😍😍

[@alanademers6579]

Hmmmmm…..can’t see the whole reveal with the overhang too which I understand you will video later. Wondering if you should have done a shorter and wider stone face at the bottom then wrapped the wood in azak white board. Too bad you didn’t take the front steps off totally and done a slightly wider stoop coming out a few more inches on each side. This would have allowed a little more room when you open the front door. You did a super job on the sidewalk and front landscaping! So wonderful to see you take a house and fix it up yourself. Many men your age are clueless……..LOL!

[@jebbiekanfer8843]

I love it when someone takes an old house in disrepair and completely transforms it.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! It’s coming along 👍

[@LEELUNK-IS-A-HUNK]

THAT LOOKS REALLY NICE, GREAT JOB WITH THE DETAIL WORK

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thank you very much!

[@ssteereify]

Looks very nice and I appreciate your attention to detail.

[@mikelallo4004]

Again love your videos, just bought a house and your videos will be very helpful. Can't wait to start. Thanks again great job 👍

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Mike! Good luck with all the projects and congrats on the house!

[@beagleandme]

Wish Andrew lived closer to me. At least I'd be hiring someone who I already know does amazing work. Good work is hard to find nowadays!

[@rohmichael2894]

Outstanding job with attention to detail. Thanks for sharing!

[@Wyrnikh]

It’s amazing how those panels take the look of that front door area from “nice amateur” to “professional.” Love the look.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it!

[@robd4526]

very nice. modern n elegant. adds value to the property. thanks for the video

[@judichristopher4604]

SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL Thank you for sharing this video

[@jockeypicker]

Great job as usual. I really like the attention you give to detail. I don't miss any of your videos,.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks! I really appreciate the support! 🙏

[@PimptatoPCs]

Each 11.25" x 24" panel is listed at $44.99 on the website that you linked in the description. Am I reading that correctly? You used a total of 16 panels, 8 per post. So it will cost me $720 for the panels not counting the furring material, adhesive, screws, and pillar cap. That is an absolute ridiculous price for this "upgrade".

[@patsampson6990]

Pillars look great! New to your channel and enjoying following you.

[@briha3142]

I think that if you cut that ‘cap’ on just one side of the triangular section, then used a jigsaw to cut in the square hole for the post, then it wouldn’t be cut on three sides, and you could’ve put the cut quarter section towards the back side of the post (towards the house), instead of cutting the cap in half!

[@shereemorgan1430]

It looks amazing! I love your attention to detail!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Sheree! Thanks so much for watching 🙏👍

[@leslieapplegate65]

Adds a really nice touch to the entrance.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it!

[@jeanlawson9133]

Paint post same color as railing or stain. Honestly awesome transformation.

[@alancummings5651]

Excellent job

[@robertring91]

Nicely done! Very informative. Thanks!

[@Jeremysjones73]

Use a grinder with a cut off wheel to cut the cap. Would be faster for ya. Good job on the project

[@bigjacdaddy]

brilliant transformation , the widow of bigjac

[@skeeburton3360]

Wel done and very nic included the forgots...cord pugs in, cuts out make one not feel alone

[@RA82828]

Fantastic job. Love the rake shake on the house as well. Classic. Might I suggest using a solid color black stain on the posts to match the railing and shutters? Just a suggestion, keep up the awesome work.

[@lw1419]

Great video, and a great finished product.

[@joeblow3939]

Window flower boxes. 👍👍

[@RA82828]

haha, might as well go for a picket fence too 😂

[@chemlung5368]

Looks. Awesome. Thinking I would of wrapped to the top to make stone pillar look

[@ElizaDolittle]

Very nicely done - for my own personal preference I would have made the stone bases a little thicker, but it still looks very nice.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I hear ya on the thickness! Thanks for watching 👀

[@DS-ni1ed]

I think u made it look easy... looks great

[@cadayx]

Another great video, Andrew!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! 🙏🙏

[@Rafaelgarcia-hb4ch]

Nice work

[@SonTimba]

The thing about plastic elements is that they look good on video, but in reality they tend to look cheap. Do this with real stone cladding

[@WhiteQuan]

Beautiful job!!! Awesome

[@mcongmail7278]

I need to do the same on my newly built patio posts. Thank you for making this video.

[@marydoan6831]

Cool. Looks good Andrew. Again...learning lots

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it, Mary! Thanks for watching!

[@AxelfoleyTheGreat]

This is nice. Good job bro.

[@AnnapolisAudit]

i love that ive seen the overhang projet from start to finish but i just found out its a secret haha. cant wait to see that video to brotha

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Please don’t leak 😂😂 and I appreciate it bro!

[@E.Pierro.Artist]

The faux stone came out good but I'm not sure how I feel about the bare wood pole on the top half. It would have been nicer looking if you skipped the cap and just did the stone design all the way up, in my opinion. Thanks for making this video and sharing this with us

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I hear you! I think I may end up staining it or something 🤷‍♂️

[@E.Pierro.Artist]

@AndrewThronImprovements that's a good idea. Could even do some simple wood carving in it

[@nawtyshygirl6468]

It’s beautiful, great job.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@candypickert7625]

love the posts job.

[@LanaFauxFauna]

The trust issues comment at 1:16 killed me 😅

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Haha thanks for watching!

[@JoseAlvarez-rz6sl]

Fantastic work 👏

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks a lot!

[@nabsux]

If you had the time and patience, I would have formed up a mold around the post and made a concrete pillar cap In situ. I've seen foam molds that give the concrete a natural stone look and you could even add some color to the concrete. Would look and feel much better and eliminate any cut lines. Could do it before or after installing the pillar wrap depending on how messy you are with pouring concrete.

[@djf8619]

Looks good. Gives me ideas.

[@seandenny1553]

Looks way better great project!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Sean! Appreciate it!

[@attheworktable]

Nice touch!

[@shipj091]

Very nice job. Oscillating multi tool would make those cuts in the top very easy and clean.

[@chrispugh75]

Looks great man

[@loismaddux4800]

Unbelievable! I love it!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I really appreciate it!

[@pamelajones6243]

nice and simple. good job!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Pam!

[@minecraftygd685]

If you're tired of boring wood posts, this KZbin video is a must-watch. The Genstone Pillar Wrap installation is broken down into simple steps, making it accessible for anyone wanting to upgrade their outdoor space. The enthusiasm and easy-to-follow instructions turn what seemed like a daunting task into a fun and achievable DIY project.

[@Mawyman2316]

ChatGPT generated comments be like

[@lindasells4476]

Great job

[@deborahaustin583]

Looks awesome!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thank you!

[@vinsbargains5920]

Did you consider putting the wood wafer on the underside of the cap and using a center hole in the wafer to line up on a nail through a screw hole in the center of the cap ? Tracing the edges would give you a simple and precise cut line which would be accessible to cut once you halved the cap. It looks great, but the cost around $700 seems too high.

[@lauro9766]

I think is better to use hardy plank instead of treated wood to fill the gaps, is my opinion.But definitely I like how the post looks with the panels.

[@farivera2815]

Looks like it's a lot of work but the end result is amazing

[@inthekitchenwithangelalee]

Lot of good ideas.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!!

[@victorgutierrez5826]

CHINGON!!! GREAT JOB !!!!...

[@user-uo4yv2or5q]

Nice indeed !

[@paulafisher7775]

Looks great

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thank you!

[@edwinpalacios5272]

Fantastic 😊

[@drew_idea]

Very impressive!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Drew - Appreciate it!

[@aracelisoto8417]

Excelente trabajo!! 👌👏♥️

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@jeffseto6272]

Looks good!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@keno101]

Nice job. Now you can color match some exterior paint and hit the upper part of the posts.

[@lindahines6061]

Love it!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it!

[@chafrajayfra32]

It came out amazingly good. 👍🏾

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Chantell!

[@ROBSOLUTELY]

Nice!!

[@waltk9492]

Good job!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!!

[@channingrhodes6756]

Looks great! Is there a reason you didn't use real stone? Is real stone not good for outdoor use? Nice job in matching the paint for the silicon!

[@barbarahoover3941]

Very nice like it

[@gloriahernandez405]

I lake berg beatufful this it a good idea god job

[@bradmason8334]

Interested to know if this is a time saver vs real stone/concrete?

[@patricksmith3135]

Well Andrew, this is yet another stellar performance. I absolutely love the detail. Will you stain the remainder of the post above? Will this be a part of the yet-to-be-released show detailing the roof of the entry? Merry Christmas to you guys and to your family too. I am looking forward to the next video. Best. Patrick

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Patrick! I’m still contemplating staining - TBD. Thanks for the support and Merry Christmas to you and your Family as well!

[@marygoldnicholson7574]

Can you make a video how you put those rails? I’m trying to find out how to replace in my front porch

[@regina15ful99]

Great job, but one thought. To prevent water from seeping through to the wood, why didn't you caulk the sides together, in addition to the center back part?

[@MrJecanne]

It's a pretty cool upgrade. Not sure I would have gone through all the work to color-match the caulk, since it was a fairly neutral color, I would think there is something that coud be purchased that would match rather closely. But if you're picky I guess it makes sense.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

The color match caulk came with the kit. But if it didn’t, I would agree with you 👍

[@gabrielaguevara1349]

I love it. Where do u get the material and cost

[@Jon-kg6hm]

This is more work than just doing masonry

[@pragmatic111]

Looks great! I'd paint or stain the top of post though

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks! I think I am going to stain it.

[@janetwells6034]

Nice.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@concreteartist777]

Raise the wood off the concrete, always

[@spacewolfjr]

These look nice, it would have been nice (but more work...) to make a little ledge for a pot to sit on as well.

[@wml4928790]

Nice work man! The only thing that I would do different is I would stain the 6 x 6 boards the color as the word on your address numbers

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

That’s a good call. I will be staining soon!

[@justus9069]

Are they made out of plastic? And how sharp are the corners? Asking because I have little ones. Thanks

[@speakeasy911]

My final thoughts on the final results: Man I wish you lived near me❤

[@tilleryinnovations592]

They should make different size inserts to fill void between different size posts and the covers.

[@drewmillhollon7921]

You should totally put that faux stone around the skirt of your house

[@att2976]

Where u buy those pillars ?

[@nw6gmp]

next time drill a hole in the center of the cap and wood wafer, flip the cap over and put the wood wafer on a dowel and down the hole on the cap.

[@keyisme1356]

Looks amazing!!! I'm just curious if there's a piece of furniture you're never gonna be able to take back out of your house, now... Haha. I've seen that happen too many times.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! And I think I’ll be ok 🤞

[@Rick-tb4so]

Is there a rule of thumb for the height of the bricks?

[@Evadization]

Looks great. Recently subscribed to your channel. In the end, do you think this was truly easier than just doing a real stone veneer?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! Overall, probably a bit easier. I personally think that cutting stone and working with mortar is a pain, but you probably get a better look (or at least more authentic look in the end). This is definitely a bit more DIY / Average Homeowner friendly though, I would say.

[@Evadization]

@@AndrewThronImprovements I appreciate the honest feedback! I find working with mortar for a stone veneer is pretty easy, even for a beginner. You might consider doing that a future video. I think it would go over well.

[@kennethlocke2649]

What do you think it it would cost per post including contractor fees to do a project like this?