DIY Wood Wrapped Porch Posts
Last year, we decided to wrap our existing porch posts in wood. The original posts were just a simple white metal-ish post, that wasn’t really giving any sort of wow. Wrapping them in wood really updated the entire exterior of the home, and it was a rather easy DIY! I’m telling you, you guys can do this! But, I can’t stand the posts that give an entire life story before the recipe or directions, so I’ll just say I love them… and let’s just get right to it!
What you’ll need, per post:
4- 1×6 boards (we just used common board pine)
*Two of the 1×6 boards we ripped down to 4.5 inches
1- 1×8 board
Wood glue
Nails
Stain- we used Minwax Early American
Sealant- outdoor safe polyurethane
Step 1: Attach Boards Around Existing Columns
Measure the height of your porch columns and cut 4- 1x6s to that size. We found it easier to partially construct it off of the existing pole. We attached three pieces together, creating a U shape. Two 1×6’s on the outside with the ripped down 4.5 in the middle. We attached them using both glue and nails.
Take this 3 sided piece and place around your existing post. Next, you’ll take your remaining 1×6 to enclose the front, using both glue and nails once again. Feel free to use clamps while the glue dries.
Step 2: Attach Trim
We chose a simple look to create our craftsman inspired posts. We simply cut a 1×8 into 6 inch pieces to add to the top and bottom of the posts. Glue and nail just as you did with the column. There are many different ways to finish out the posts- some prefer the simple trim we did. Others prefer to box out the bottom half. Take some time to peruse the internet and see which style you like best!
Step 3: Sand
We used a simple Dewalt hand sander to smooth the edges and corners. I guess this step isn’t completely necessary, but it definitely gives a more polished/finished look to me, and only added a few extra minutes to the process!
Step 4: Stain and Seal!
We chose the stain Early American by Minwax. Once you again, you want to be sure to seal well, as obviously these need to hold up to the elements! An outdoor safe polyurethane is best. We have some pretty harsh winters here in Michigan, and these have held up to all seasons well!
Note- you could absolutely use treated outdoor safe lumber. However, we found it not truly necessary, but we do reseal these with a coat of poly each spring!
Questions? I’m happy to answer them! Of course we didn’t have just two posts like most people, we had twelve, lol. But this was still just a weekend project and a really simple way to update your homes exterior and give it some fresh curb appeal!
