DIY Porch Post Repair Fix Your Rotted Wood Post

[@bobbyjones7922]

How do you determine, which one post is a load bearing post?

[@regdad3272]

This video motivated me to do my repair on my porch post columns. Thanks for the tips. I wanted to post photos of my results, but I'm not sure how to do it. Thanks again!

[@CarveTools]

Hi Reginald, Sounds like you did a great job. I have no idea how to post photos either and I think that would help others. I don't have much spare time but need to research that. So glad this video helped motivate you! I'm not afraid to tackle most any repair since it's already damaged or broken already the worst thing would be it can't be fixed anyway. Thanks for the comments!

[@regdad3272]

I like your video, it was very helpful. It took two days for me. I'm not a fast worker. Thanks for posting it. My columns were in very bad condition and desperate need of repair.

[@CarveTools]

So glad this helped! Thanks for the comments!

[@josephkerner4727]

Terrific video. Excellent craftsmanship, excellent presentation and video quality, very well done overall. Thanks for this.

[@jdjd2059]

Man, I was thinking I am the cheapest guy on earth when it comes to home repairs, till I watched this. :-) . Good job.

[@CarveTools]

I could have easily spent a thousand bucks on this repair. Only fix what is actually broken whenever possible.

[@egibbons76]

I would have used pvc.

[@srercrcr]

Adding the 1 X 3s make it look classier. Those thin filler strips are gonna need watching. Any water in the crack will lead to rot. Maybe filling it with epoxy would be most prudent. The base molding.....wood never lasts. PVC trim board is the way to go.....waterproof. Thx

[@zhippidydoodah]

Very nice. My exterior newel posts are rotting. I might use your style there, pretty, simple and clean :)

[@meliz124]

How did you figure out those posts were not structural? Was the porch roof cantilevered with beams going into the roof? I would make the repair as if it was structural in any case. And used plastic composite shims instead of wood. Thanks for sharing.

[@CarveTools]

Great observation, My reasoning that these columns do not actually support the roof was 1) I've see the porch framing from inside of the attic. 2) The rotted column would swing from the top not touching the porch floor. 3) The 3/4 inch cedar made into a box is not strong enough to support anything. The best way to repair this would be to replace the entire column but I was more interested in a low cost repair. Thanks for the comments!

[@equip2survive]

Awesome video! PERFECT explanation for a job that I need to do badly!! Thank you!

[@shawnosborn3712]

Where to find finger jointed cedar in 2024? The lumber yards here don't carry it. I know it was common years ago but I haven't seen it in a store for years.

[@CarveTools]

I recently needed some finger jointed cedar for another repair, none can be found at any lumber yard. I went to a specialty lumber yard and purchased some 1x6x12' cedar, rough cut on one side and smooth on the other. My local home centers only have expensive low quality building products. These porch posts are still standing with no issues. Thanks for the comments.

[@PROJECT_936_dot_NET]

Admirable Presentation You have inspired me to work on my channel, thanks. 🐼

[@CarveTools]

Thank you, I have a long way to go. My channel is kind of accidental and I work on it when time permits. I like to share things that can save people money by DIY.

[@mingzhu8093]

Damn! I should have watched a little long pass 50 seconds. Now half of my roof is on the ground.😁

[@jamescc2010]

I have some water or dry rot damage at the bottom of my patio post where that was the metal piece mounted to it. It’s not too bad. Can I use some chalk of to fill and protect it?

[@roypoulos1378]

You are good at that repair.

[@CarveTools]

Thanks Roy. This was an inexpensive fix.

[@rudybetta]

Remember the old saying measure twice cut once ? Maybe you should have bought your replacement materials before you cut away the old and then you wouldn't have had to use fill in pieces. I know it's hindsight and I learned the same lesson when replacing old decking boards, just not the same boards from 20 years ago.

[@CarveTools]

Amazing how much money lumber mills save reducing 1/32” in the thickness of lumber and plywood. I was trying to save money too and not replace the entire post. Thanks for the comments!

[@worcesterexchange554]

I thought you did a very nice repair. You obviously know what you are doing. Don't take any notice of that rude carpenter. He might have a point to make, but there is no need to throw insults around. If that column was under any load you would have seen it and it would have collapsed long ago with the rot at the base.

[@bobbyjones7922]

Thank you for the presentation👍👍👍

[@bijuvarghese7034]

Good video. But what about the tools that you used? I need to buy them all

[@CarveTools]

Hi Biju, I don't exactly remember the tools I used on this repair. Many of the tools I have were purchased over time. Some of my power tools are 30 years old and I do have a selection of new tools also. This repair could be done with a few tools like a circular saw or even a hand saw, some sort of square, tape measure and a hammer. Thanks for the comments!

[@ej-fr5xg]

Great job bro.... left side trim is slightly higher than the right......Still good work.

[@CarveTools]

Thank you!

[@worcesterexchange554]

For someone who does not live in the US please can you explain why a 2 x 4 should measure 1 1/2" by 3 1/2". From the name I thought that it might be 2 x 4?

[@CarveTools]

Greetings, and thanks for the comments! The best answer I understand why a 2x4 is actually 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 is the lumber at the saw mill has a lot of moisture when cut and it shrinks after being kiln dried to remove the moisture.

[@worcesterexchange554]

Thanks for the reply. Here in the UK most measurements in the construction industry are metric. (They are all supposed to be), but a lot of people still use feet and inches.

[@STeeLothabestrapper]

It was a really good rebuild though...

[@msroni9819]

How would you do it if it was load-bearing Columns?

[@CarveTools]

Hi Veronica, If the column is load-bearing meaning it is holding up the weight of what's above then you definitely cannot remove it without an additional support next to it. Normally a jack post or even another wood post can be used to support the weight of the above structure then the column or post to be replaced can then be removed. Whatever jack or additional post is being used it must be able to support the weight until the original is replaced. Hope that answers your question and thanks for the comments.

[@queenjane7054]

All the new wood needs to be primed and painted especially the bottom so no water absorbs into it. TRUE STORY

[@CarveTools]

I agree! Just doing a quick and cheap repair job on my own home. Thanks for the comments!

[@Jadistk]

Hey thanks for posting this video.

[@zynS2000]

how do i know if my column is load bearing?

[@CarveTools]

A load bearing column or post is actually supporting the structure and must not be removed without a temporary support. Might be hard to tell but in my case I could see the ceiling joist framing inside the attic which is supported by the outside walls.

[@pbrown6097]

I think I would have gone with 1x6 pvc and not had to remove so much of the original wood.

[@STeeLothabestrapper]

He mentioned in his headliner he live in a area where there are no building codes are regulations..WoW..but funny his home is still standing and level

[@CarveTools]

Yes, the neighborhood in my county has no building codes or inspections and our houses here some are around 15 years old and still standing. I think the reason this post rotted was actually due to one of my sprinkler heads out of adjustment for several years. Thanks for the comment!

[@ViduallyChallenged]

Good job on the substance but why why WHY the totally OBNOXIOUS BACKGROUND MUSIC???!!! WHERE do You tube creators get this idea that it's necessary or desirable? IT'S JUST NOISE - ESPECIALLY AS ONE RAISES THE PLAYBACK SPEED!!! YOU MADE A GREAT VIDEO. LOSE THE NOISE/MUSIC, LET YOUR GOOD WORK SPEAK FOR ITSELF! - THANKS AND ALL THE BEST

[@CarveTools]

Thanks Kevin, you are absolutely correct about the background music, it’s horrible. I no longer add any background soundtracks and just try to get straight to the point. Thanks for the comments!

[@tazzess]

nice work

[@CarveTools]

Thank You! Inexpensive repair for a rotted column.

[@raz3032]

Music is annoying

[@CarveTools]

Thanks for the feedback. I occasionally get this one.

[@moondawg3693]

Stick your fingers in your ears and grow the heck up. Stupid people are everywhere.

[@texaskeller]

This was very helpful. Thanks!

[@Driving4bangers]

Nice

[@jenniferjohnson6082]

Yeah I can't do this. My dog piss must be acid because the back yard patio Pilar is rotten.

[@stoneyj1a1]

Mickey mouse work. Good idea tho

[@CarveTools]

Yep. This was just a cheap repair. I can't believe it's still holding up. Thanks for the comments.

[@MicahJKelly]

That's not repairing that's replacing. And that's not a post.

[@edwardk3]

those 1/4 inch filler pieces and the little cedar wedges will be the first to go. Not a great repair.

[@CarveTools]

Jamie, you are correct! This was an inexpensive DIY repair I did for myself and would not do this for a customer. This would have cost about $500 in material alone to make it like before.

[@PappaArt]

Idk about this guys work ... I’m not a expert but it just seems a lil off to me on some steps he takes... and for that reason I’m out no deal. 😂

[@CarveTools]

This was a very cheap repair on my house. I could have spent around 1K to replace both columns so they would match. Thanks for the comments!

[@lviolet7733]

NO!!! You have broken up those posts with trim and it has negatively affected the curb appeal of your house. You should have spent a little extra and maintained the seamless look of those posts. This is a travesty - kneecapping your previously beautiful and soaring entry post. Such a shame.

[@CarveTools]

Thanks Violet. This was just a quick and cheap repair. It's getting close to time to repaint the exterior of the house and I am going to be replacing both columns with something new.

[@lviolet7733]

@@CarveTools You entry is still of course grand but if you utilize the same unbroken columns as the original design it will be so much more beautiful and dramatic. :)

[@Moyaspainting]

Ur so dramatic sheesh 🙄 🙄🙄

[@georgegreb3087]

Two BY four. Not two B four

[@CarveTools]

Go it! Thanks for the comment!