How to Trim a Post

Although decorative posts aren’t really structural supports holding up your roof, they should be securely anchored. Here are some do-it-yourself tips to help you secure the post and trim them out beautifully.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

MATERIALS
-Concrete screws (4 per post)
-L-shaped metal bracket (2 to 4 per post)
-Wood screws (four per post)
- 1”x 6” base molding (four pieces per post)
-Quarter round decorative molding (eight pieces per post)
-Exterior paint & paintbrush
-Carpentry nails
-Finish nails

TOOLS
-Level
-Tape measure
-Safety glasses
-Concrete drill (you can rent this at your local home improvement center)
-Skill saw
-Electric drill
-Miter box
-Hammer

SECURING POSTS TO YOUR PORCH

STEP 1-
Using a level, first make sure the post is plumb. If it isn’t, position the post until it is level. With a pencil, trace an outline of the post on the porch to mark the level position.
STEP 2-
On one side of the post, place an L-shaped metal bracket with one side flush to the porch and the other side flush to the side of the post.
Using a concrete drill, drill holes into the concrete to match the holes in the bracket. Attach the bracket to the porch with concrete screws.
Attach the other flange of the bracket to the wood post with wood screws.
Repeat all of the above with a second bracket placed on the opposite side of the post.
STEP 3-
Measure the width of each side of the post. Cut four pieces of 1”x6” base molding to the appropriate length. Miter the ends so the four pieces will fit snugly together when positioned against one another around the post.
Cut eight pieces of quarter-round molding. Miter the ends.
STEP 4-
Nail a piece of base molding to the bottom of each side of the post. The base molding should cover the bracket.
Use finish nails to attach a piece of quarter-round trim to the top and bottom of each piece of base molding to finish the look
STEP 5-
Paint the trim and post with exterior paint.

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