How to Repair a Rotted Wood Post: Easy DIY Guide

[@timothylongmore7325]

I'm a timberframe repairman. There is a great reason why I've never seen this done before. Could just repaired it with liquid wood. Probably would've lasted longer. Kudos for trying though. Red some comments and there was some good suggestions. Replace whole post, use the right base, use correct species of wood, support the work. I would recommend if you had to fix the bottom of a post, use a 16" - 24" half-lap joint, bolted together, no shims. This joint will rot twice as fast as the original ( or faster). Don't mean to be "that guy" but this helps no one and may get someone killed. Hire a pro if you don't know.

[@budm9982]

I came here to say what you did. I've replaced the bottom of posts in the past. Cut in a half-lap. As I was watching the first few minutes here I wondered why he made the initial cut so low and didn't give himself some room to work.

[@timothylongmore7325]

@@budm9982 Good point. I appreciate anyone "who tries", but in this day and age you can easiley find the right way to do anything. I do barn beam post with a half lap for one reason. It's how the old timers did it. That's the school I learned from.

[@tedpeters9699]

Looks like crap

[@soundrew]

Pro tip: don’t make dangerous videos.

[@timothylongmore7325]

@@soundrew true that. Back in the day I didn't even want a cam-corder on site.

[@davidbarnett5777]

You are persistent, Sir! I’m too lazy to attempt that. I had a similar problem, so my answer was to replace the thing with a decorative steel wrought iron post. Kudos to you and your determination.

[@seriksson9721]

It seems easy or completely feasible when you show and explain in a good and clear way. Thank you very much.

[@WhiskyMonsta]

Great job, now to stain as close to the original as you can. Thanks for the video

[@sbreifers]

As a retired DIYer I’m all about saving $$ on new post even if repair takes longer. Thanks for posting this!

[@OscarRodSeedsofG]

TIME is always more valuable than money. As the saying goes: penny-wise and dollar-foolish

[@jp325abn]

@@OscarRodSeedsofG (penny wise and pound foolish) (:

[@SaltineCracker101]

Sure if you only charge 2.00 an hr. 🙄

[@halweiss8671]

Did you really say “posting?” Was the pun intentional?

[@OscarRodSeedsofG]

@@jp325abn, only if you are British.

[@jorgetorrico4604]

Great work, I have changed a post, instead of doing the massive work. it could be useful but requires all kinds of tools. I will keep this method as a good possibility.

[@warrenwatkins9650]

Being a painter for years, I suggest using a water sealer that soaks up into the wood. It will dry and keeps water out. Good quality sealer will last for years and can be recoated from time to time.

[@Johnny-dp5mu]

You must soak many coats into the end grain, 6+ would be reasonable... Plus the connection was poorly done and needed sealed glued. The fellow has good intentions but needs to be guided by an experienced Amish carpenter or equal... Cedar is weak relatively too. The metal base should have either been replaced or cleaned and treated with rust inhibitor. Oh well

[@Roger-il8iw]

Glues and epoxy work better than sealer. Especially the tight bond and shoe goo. Tight bond is the best glue and sealant for would on the market. The liquid sealer is cheaper for a reason.

[@LloydMorgan-l8w]

That was amazing wood workmanship and the end results spot on

[@jotocs3]

I probably would have replaced it with a metal post lol. Em 63 and thats too much work😅. But i get it. The woodworking lesson from this video is good to know. Thanks for posting.

[@nicholasgranat2999]

Nice job you did! Thank yo for your time!

[@SamRalls-ti1be]

You did a great job. I'm a welder as opposed to a woodworker. I think, I would have built an extension for the metal portion. After a good cleanup and some zinc primer, you could fit the upper portion as needed and attach it to the fresh cut on the support. Welders tend to over-engineer everything. Your method was a great way to do it and you displayed the patience to achieve your objective. Once again.....great plan, good job.

[@ytrew9717]

very interesting, do you have a video of it?

[@johnmansell5097]

I have seen someone do this with a chainsaw, remarkable job, he took the cut 2ft from the floor and used what we call a sky Jack to support the roof. Used the same method for jointing too, saved a heap of cash.

[@vinceedwards575]

Spends a week on a job instead of an hour with a new post. WOW

[@dalesumney8806]

It's obvious you aren't retired. LOL

[@erichsh58]

Right. You would waltz in there, do the whole job in one hour, and charge him $1500 for it.

[@iSharpGaming]

@@erichsh58you clearly aren’t in construction. You pay for experience. Not time. Clearly as you can see in this post. He has time. Not talent. 😣

[@erichsh58]

@@iSharpGaming He also did a perfectly acceptable job for about $15 worth of supplies rather than getting hosed by some crook contractor for 100 times that much.

[@timesham7538]

You did a very nice job... more than enough for what it is supporting. A new full size 8x8 post is expensive, hard to find and super heavy to maneuver.

[@davebarnes6672]

In reading the comments, I’m reminded of why I’ve not been OFF of FB for approximately 7 yrs now. Many negative comments from guys who I bet have probably never built anything and probably don’t even own a circular saw. There is more than one way to skin a cat, which is often missed by those who are critical and void of real world experience. I applaud your video , Great Job Sir!

[@DIYHGP]

How true. I just ignore the a**holes. Er trolls.

[@vinceedwards575]

He spent a week on a job that would take an hour with a new post. HELLO

[@Funky4me21]

@@vinceedwards575 My posts go through the deck and support my railing. And when the builders of my house built the deck they put the posts in the same way as his are sitting on the lower patio. After 24 years they are starting to show signs of rotting. I was wondering what I was going to do to repair them if I am still in the house at that time. Kudo's to him for showing me an idea.

[@bobbyhempel1513]

​@@DIYHGP there are many professional carpenters and builders such as myself who watch this video that aren't ignorant or assholes who still say that you did that in a very wrong and unsafe way and it is not going to last you should have done it right if you were going to do it.

[@erichsh58]

@@bobbyhempel1513 Considering he was able to support the structure with a pair of 2x4s and a car jack, considering how little weight that post is carrying, you tell me what is so critically unsafe about it.

[@guruofendtimes819]

See this Old House on repairing a post and use a scarf joint with timber screws. Might need a footing also.

[@jasonstarr6419]

I've been doing home repairs, painting, ground up construction in South Texas since the mid-70's, and you can label me as lazy. That said, I'd have either 1) replaced the entire post, coated the bottom with creosote or tar, put some sort of composite trim around the base after totally filling that 1" space with pool caulk, OR, 2) remove the post and do all that cutting on sawhorses. But, like I said, I'm lazy.

[@mymido4322]

Totally agreed 🤣👍🙏

[@dannyherbert67]

The saddle that’s installed is for a 4 x 4, first you should use the right saddle.

[@mikehoran9901]

Absolutely not, you should have used the left saddle.

[@roberthoy9922]

Wrong again. Should not have used a saddle at all.

[@Expedient_Mensch]

@@roberthoy9922 That's right, he needs a stirrup.

[@binkywarren21]

A saddle or a stirrup? Are you people on drugs? Clearly the man neds to install a bridle.

[@JerryXM991]

Too much trouble to put in the correct one...

[@Wqk14xhddv7]

Awesome Repair ..... I question the POST mount ?

[@martinl935]

Great job sir, 100 times better and safer now.

[@enginelite]

Good job bro!

[@woodconnection7899]

Better to do a lap joint. Or if going for a tongue and groove you should put the tongue on the lower piece facing up so you don’t have a water flow path and trap. This fix is going to rot fast…

[@pdloder]

I thought the same.

[@garrison8215]

Looks Good, Great Job.

[@longshooter457]

Just put a new post in. Simple.

[@jimneustadt2688]

Correct!!!

[@robertdiaz4962]

Thanks for the tip...I've got two 4x4 that have about two inches of wood rot at the bottom but you've given great ideas of where and how to start...thanks.

[@bartmastin3272]

Impressive thorough job well done!

[@alwayssearching1882]

For goodness sake. The negative comments. It isn't like he is building a footing for a sky scraper.Nice job sir. It will work.

[@michaelbeury4751]

The negative comments are warranted. Everybody today wants a pat on the back for just trying. Sorry but right is right. This isn’t right. Doing things the wrong way is dangerous. Hire a pro if you don’t know. And I’m tired of people highlighting bad contractors. If you hired a bad one it’s most likely your fault. Don’t go for the cheapest estimate. Make sure they are licensed, insured and check references. It’s not hard to find a good one. There are plenty if you look. Funny how people don’t question the cost of their medical bills, dentist, mechanics, HVAC, Heating, Plumbing or Electricians but a.ways want to try to haggle with the Carpenters. Sorry for the rant but it’s all true.

[@erichsh58]

@@michaelbeury4751 I've been ripped off too many times by contractors to accept this argument. You guys all say the same thing as though paying top dollar guarantees great results. Horseshit. What this guy did isn't going to cause the kinds of disasters you're implying. He's not claiming to be a pro, he's not trying to set any land speed records, he's just showing how he did it and it will work just fine.

[@michaelbeury4751]

@@erichsh58 nonsense. You were ripped off because you didn’t do your homework. It’s that simple. It’s not about top dollar. It’s about references and making sure the company is legit. Clearly you failed to do that not once but multiple times. So I reject your argument.

[@erichsh58]

@@michaelbeury4751 In other words, homeowners beware of all the crooks and scammers in your industry, including HVAC and plumbers. And there are lots of them. I did find a good electrician once. Dealing with contractors is worse than getting a root canal.

[@dougmackey3696]

That’s social media for you. Everybody feels that being a jerk is their right. People comment like they would never do in person.

[@Uswesi1527]

Undoubtedly, but, ingenious assignment. Thanks

[@LilDirt12]

That was awesome!! Thank you for sharing.

[@Nepcat4-qt5kz]

Suggest using ground contact rated wood.

[@AndrewMaloney-zi3hi]

How did the finished joint have such a big gap? I thought it was all measured and test fitted to be a tight fit? What went wrong?

[@erichsh58]

He left that gap deliberately, assuming the post would settle down and close it once he removed that scissors jack. But that post wasn't carrying much weight to begin with. He could have removed the jack once he cut the bottom of the post out and it wouldn't have moved much at all.

[@Roger-il8iw]

Settling

[@juanrabago906]

Good job sir! It's your project 👍

[@ytrew9717]

Super! Would be great to have an example of how to use concrete instead of wood on the bottom part

[@philiptrump9590]

for all the trouble to cut & fit , also the way of support beam not worth to fooling around , just replace the entire column, safer , easier, and times saving,

[@JetFire9]

Even if you want to be a cheapskate, don’t be ridiculous, and take the darn post off to work on it in the shop. What a bozo.

[@missiontent111]

That's a pretty big piece of constructional timber ...... which is going to be EXPENSIVE. To buy a whole new length for the sake of a foot or so of rot at the bottom would appear to me to be extremely wasteful and certainly something I wouldn't consider for a moment.

[@robinthoms9980]

Yep and then put the repair up at top out of eye line

[@JerryXM991]

what is constructional timber? Never heard that before. Do you mean structural lumber?

[@albertwashingtonjr2089]

Lots of great ideas on the video. Thanx bud!

[@boofuls]

Great video ..2 thoughts .. perhaps you could have prepped the metal seating cleaned it, antirust paint etc. ..that crack in the 🪵 what about some S shaped crimps( S - irons) that you hammer across the crack to stop it opening more

[@johnclarke6647]

The joint you are making is called a mortise and tenon😊

[@snteevveetns]

Ottoman castle joint? Good video

[@ronaldhamblin4615]

Nice piece of enginering worked out well kind regards to you

[@Expedient_Mensch]

Sure made a hard task out of a simple job, mate. Next time try a half lap joint, at least 12" long, 24" even better. Glue and bolt together with a minimum of two coach bolts, at least 3/8" in diameter, 1/2" better, with galv or stainless washers and nuts. Also cut the rotten wood away about three feet above the highest visible rot line, 2" just isn't enough, the fungus that causes the rot is still there, you just can't see it. And just for the record, Tite-bond isn't wood filler, it doesn't really work for that purpose very well unless you mix it with some sort of binder, like saw dust or talc. Next time, try epoxy putty, or even better, a new piece of lumber instead of the scraps you would usually cut off the end of your repair piece. Ironically, Tite-bond III would probably have done a decent job as an end grain sealer.

[@WeMe83]

All that an still wrong. Replace the post and use the right bracket. Anything else is a literal hack.

[@gary6137]

Structurally, this method weakens the post against lateral movement. The proper way to splice would be to use a 4 sides metal sleeve and cut the ends flat. Easier fix also.

[@embwee]

I learned a lot from your video. Since you had to go up higher, there is enough room to replace the Tico/ floor bracket with a bigger size. Thanks.

[@johnr.french4982]

He would never get the bracket off. The nut is rusted so bad to the bolt embedded into the concrete that he would shear it off. Wow, what a mess that builder left.

[@d.k.1394]

He did better than 99% of handymen!

[@abs828]

how do you know?? have you ever seen anybody do this, to compare to??

[@d.k.1394]

@@abs828 ok

[@VinhNguyen-ek5lr]

I belong in that 1% 😁😁😁

[@RudyTroy-k9j]

Also Thompsons deck seal from small 1 quart can poured in the crack also effective

[@manueltorres4111]

I think you did a great job mister 👏

[@laurafiler3760]

Very interesting repair.

[@edwardbright9434]

I did (2 posted like that all I did jack up old post I put (2 lag bolts up inside old one build a cement small form around the bottom poured cement even with the old post now cement on the bottom

[@b-lopez394]

I was thinking the same thing. Less than a bag of concreate.

[@bernardoirizarry8549]

I love how this project came out! Very good planning. Thank you for sharing!

[@JerryXM991]

It looks like shit.

[@nilesprattle423]

Nice work!

[@avengerman77]

I seen a few negative comments on here but I didn't come here to see a new freaking post installed. I came here to brush up on my mathematical, measurement, cutting and innovative skills. I guess I'm different.

[@georgedavall9449]

Nice intelligent and well articulated comment, thank You!

[@rjberes333]

That repair is short lived you will be faced with the same problem in short time just replace the pole

[@juanrabago906]

Growing up, I've learned to use Treated wood to avoid water damage. I don't like pine, or any of the regular home Depot products that won't work for longer lasting posts. Either, I'd use Redwood or Railroad lumber thats been treated. I'd even place a protective metal cover piece all around the post, then paint it. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, using regular pine or cheaper lumber cuts, forget it. Mind you, that's me, everyone has their own methods. I don't mind the video but, I know that brace won't last.

[@juanrabago906]

Perhaps another 7yrs of life. It rains a lot in Texas.

[@richardtrepanier228]

I did this the very same way. However for continuity I replaced the whole post no joint.

[@lawrencethompson465]

At 16:43, I see a black work table apparently made of plastic. Could you provide a name and perhaps a link to it? Many thanks. Really appreciate seeing this video.

[@DIYHGP]

Here is a link to one, amzn.to/47za2OI I dont think my model is made anymore.

[@lawrencethompson465]

@@DIYHGPThank you.👍

[@nancysmith9487]

First car jack to lift support with another pillar 2/4 then chain saw. Mold for concrete. Wooden box. Fill it. Let it cure. Lower reattach the shoe placed in concrete. Attached. BAM bam have you safe secured pillar. Inexpensive fixed

[@redpine8665]

That's what I would have done, but I'm not sure it would have looked so great. It would always look like a repair. If he fills in the seams with the same color as the wood and gets creative witha little stain and a rag, it can blend so not to be noticed eaily.

[@handyrus]

By sealing the bottom, there is no escape for water. Instead, leave the bottom free of sealants,etc. so water can escape.

[@migstwo5591]

noticed your fence posts are not the "normal" 4x4s - good idea - did the HOA approve? Mine calls for 4x4s.

[@mudderman8620]

Ok, nice work. I’ll be hiring someone to replace mine.😮😮😮😢😅😅😊

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

On my gazebo, I just cut 3 inches off the bottom of each post which made the whole thing a little lower. To slow down rot I soaked the bottom of each post in borate wood preservative dissolved in old antifreeze.

[@brockturner1559]

That was cool

[@pdloder]

I've never seen a spirit level used like that - bubble part way through the line and call it level 😂

[@mig7287]

👍Nice video of your work. And it seems to atract all the experts in the comments.

[@philiph1234]

Good work. Nice job. What’s your opinion of using a multitool for some plunge cuts?

[@kmonyt]

Bought a multitool recently, and use it everywhere!

[@d.k.1394]

Wow everyone here is an expert

[@joedejesus6363]

Nice job on replacing that rotted support post. The problem I'm having is locating the same jack you have there in the video. The jack you have on your list is an ordinary scissor jack for an automobile, what I'm worried about is what kind of support that will give me when having a 4x4 suspended right above it? Where can I purchase a scissor jack similar to the one you have there in the video?

[@alltogetherplaytubefingerf6045]

In the rotten tennon use wicking epoxy to get the strength you desire. Doing all the cuts in place is difficult. Perhaps set up a temp support, remove the post do all the necessary joinery. Then replace. Easier on the back & knees.

[@mitchrhodes]

Perhaps a Shou Sugi Ban treatment on both upper and lower sections then a good soaking penetration of a liquid wood preserver before assembly. I'm a believer in using both belt and braces (suspenders) ;-))

[@mikebreidenbach9549]

Find or buy a concrete solid block and cut old post to fit above? Make a form and pour it if needed?

[@plainwhitepaper3898]

6x6x8 45 bucks Replace the post.

[@Johnny-dp5mu]

He had an old scrap piece of post that wasn't the best had a spit... Showed how limited his knowledge was...should have keep his video private... All the very best. Cedar clear wood posts are very very expensive... In the multiple hundreds of dollars today

[@plainwhitepaper3898]

@@Johnny-dp5mu Not sure how long all that took, but I just changed out two posts in a couple hours. 45.00 was a reference to Doug fir posts. Never considered the type of post. I am not knocking the man in the video, being able to overcome obstacles speaks for itself.

[@jamespeterson686]

You haven’t bought lumber lately have you!

[@Drewdown1]

I like it!

[@thomasmeng1921]

Good job and thanks for sharing

[@aubrey5939]

Nice work. However, since timbers are vulnerable to rot after few years, why not use laminated post for bottom section?

[@ronniesmith9717]

I cringed...I laughed...I shook my head. I've read most of the comments....the good news is, there WILL be a PART 2 to this.. : )

[@rodneyyoung8096]

Reciprocal saw. Its the most used tools ive owned 👀 .

[@tunapig]

nice one

[@gypsy2007]

I am a total newbie at this stuff. But I am confused that you are using a replacement wood block that is old and it has a big split already. Doesn't seem safe, doesn't seem like it will last too long. After all this work, wouldn't you want to use brand new wood?

[@DIYHGP]

The old block is an actual cut off from the original construction. I used it because it was the exact size of the post massage. It’s hard to buy 2 feet of a 8 x 8 post and I didn’t wanna pay for the whole 8 foot section. Being resourceful is something that’s necessary in a DIY project.

[@JerryXM991]

Great point.

[@BruceW.-hs9qq]

Cool, I would coat and Epoxy with "West System Epoxy"

[@stevewhitaker1474]

With all the labor involved it very likely would have been more cost effective to just replace all the posts. However, if it is your house you may choose to do it yourself and save a few dollars.

[@d.k.1394]

Nice

[@jasonmershon3941]

Use the proper size bracket to secure the thing. Simpson makes a 6” post bracket.

[@fishingpier6092]

Since the post is a main load bearer, I would make a more stable structure to lift/support the whole structure before the repairing. The bearing capacity of the 4x4 seems not bad, but just not stable to me, pretty dangerous.

[@lwalto]

I guess it'll work, but it looks like a lot of work to do it better for more money. Like the tie is for a 4x4 and its connected to a 6x6. Just seems like making it all the way new might make more sense.

[@w3jdr]

Turn the post upside down and put the good end down. Cut the top to fit where it has to fit and bolt a "sister" it if necessary to,support the load. About a 2 hour job.

[@DIYHGP]

@@w3jdr that’s a very creative solution

[@cliffelliott9331]

Remember, measure once, cut twice...and I'll be darned it's still too short!

[@tomsommer54]

For Christ sake, change the post. LOL

[@denniskaufman326]

Not sure about your uplift is ok on the roof above?

[@brucepoole8552]

Very good technic for that light bearing, a true diy project.

[@DIYHGP]

Thank you very much!

[@kirkyorg7654]

i would have used my chisel to split the wood around the nails rather than try to hammer them out i would have left them up a 1/2 to an inch originally to stopped water wick and trimmed the bottom with a small decorative baseboard that was well waterproofed but still a good repair that gives a few more years life to the posts

[@okupchurchiii7850]

did you add a spacer? looks like a ¼" spacer on one side

[@JerryXM991]

Yeah, or there would have been a quarter inch gap on one side. No bueno.

[@charlessheldon5328]

If you ever decide to re-approach this project, you might want to consider using a scarf joint. You might end up using a longer piece, but it would be a stronger repair that will allow for replacement if it rots again. Just my 2 cents or is it 5 with inflation?

[@chrissubleski200]

I stopped the video and made some popcorn!

[@JerryXM991]

you didn't miss anything.

[@rudetoy8264]

Slightly jack up the roof, remove and replace with treated post will last much longer and safer.

[@3percent247]

As a repair man with 38 years experience this is not the right way. You should chip away the rot and use spray foam. This material is water resistant and does not rot. Do the job the right way and never worry about it again.

[@DIYHGP]

Kyle, thanks for your opinion, but since this is a lightweight bearing post, I wanted to replace it with wood. I would not trust it with foam.

[@whisperweed]

Wow, 38 years of screwing things up with spray foam. At least you made a lot of work for someone else to fix after you. Only the closed cell foam is waterproof & that is definitely not load bearing.

[@kkutube1972]

This is definitely for someone who enjoy doing things the long and tedious way and not waste any type of wood. I would just replace the post because saving time much more important to me.

[@kkutube1972]

Not rich, my time is important and I can reuse the old post for another project. Imagine how much it will cost me to do this for a customer. They don't appreciate the amount of time to fix some or skilled involved, they just want it done. If you calculate $50 an hours times the amount of sweat and time put into that post vs replacing the post and repurpose the post for another project.

[@richardroyles1423]

Thanks for the tip. God bless.

[@bendredge6947]

Good idea, but I think I would fit a new post or build a concrete peer.

[@LantanaLodge]

Its an interesting approach, though realistically the whole post should be replaced, and the saddle needs to fit it. Moisture will get in the joins, and rot it quickly. As its only a pergola not much wind pressure/weight, but it still may be a bit unsafe rather than a properly fastened single post.

[@828enigma6]

Id have , in addition to the Titebond glue, have put some large bolts across the crack.

[@tomjensen618]

I put a piece of tar roofing tile on the metal saddle. Metal gets condensation on it so all wood touching metal needs to be coated.

[@DIYHGP]

That’s why the bottom of the post was coated with Shoe goo

[@bubbapate5740]

When you use Shoe Goo, it is glued forever!

[@en2oh]

One caution around the use of “shoe goo”. This adhesive is often polyurethane based. Over time, moisture and time will hydrolyze the PU. Not the best choice here, in my experience anyway.