Architectural Details Direct - 903-356-2158

(Also see Planning & Placement and General Post Installation)

Exterior Post bottoms must be protected from water damage. If Posts are allowed to sit directly on the porch floor they will eventually get the dreaded "soggy bottom rot"! This is caused by moisture working its way into the space between Post and floor and then remaining there for long periods of time due to limited air circulation.

The solution is two-fold. First, completely paint the Post bottoms (2 or 3 coats) prior to installation. Then use our Base Mounting Blocks or Plates to elevate your Posts above the porch floor and help protect them from water damage.

RAIL INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Handrail must be attached to the bottom square portion of your installed Posts. Keep this in mind if you need to shorten your Posts. To attach Rails, first pre-drill into the Post.

PAINTING
Wooden Porch Posts need to be painted for exterior use. Please follow finishing instructions that came with your order.

PORCH POST INSTALLATION
1. Measure height where Post will be installed, then use a bottle jack (available at Wal-mart) to place a temporary support that lifts porch structure just slightly higher where Post is to be installed. Be sure temporary support is secure. Normally, Posts can be installed one at a time with only a single jack.

2. If using Handrail, check local building codes for minimum rail height. Handrail should fit entirely on the bottom flat area of Post. Decide how much is to be trimmed from each end of Post. Keep in mind you need to leave enough top flat area for any intended decorative items and you need to allow for the height of your desired Installation Accessory. Base Mounting Block is 1-1/4" tall in PVC and 1-1/2" tall in Cypress. Aluminum Mounting Plate is 1" tall.

3. With the above considerations in mind, trim Post at top and/or bottom.

4. If you will be using the Base Mounting Block, attach it to bottom of Post now. If you will be using an Aluminum Mounting Plate, have it ready to position.

5. Using a plumb tool, find and mark bottom position of Post on floor.

6. Slide Post into final position. Check for plumb and then remove temporary support while keeping Post in position.

7. To secure the tops of your Posts, pre-drill and countersink through the Porch Post at an angle into the soffit or beam. Secure the Post tops with rust-resistant screws. Repeat for each side of the Post.

Installing Base Mounting Blocks

Installing Aluminum Base Mounting Plates

HALF POST INSTALLATION
Half Post are NOT intended for structural use. The backs of Half Posts should receive two or three coats of paint (as should all surfaces of wood Posts) prior to installation.

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Traditional Wood Porch Posts
Installation Accessories

Architectural Details Direct - 903-356-2158

Wood Porch Post Installation

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