Before & After: Rotted Porch Post

A rotted porch post is more than just an eyesore, it’s a safety issue that needs to fixed.

If a porch post is rotted, it’s best to replace it. However, this isn’t an easy DIY project that can be completed without a host of tools and know-how.

If you are attempting this project, always temporarily brace the porch structure while removing the old porch post and installing the new post. And it’s important for everyone’s safety that the porch is a no-go zone for the family who lives in there, just to be extra sure that everyone stays safe.

So what happened to this porch post?

This porch post didn’t decay overnight. Water has been wicking up through the end grain over a long time. Water may have started to work its way up the wood porch post when it was installed about 20 years ago.

How did we fix it?

With a temp post placed to keep everything from moving, I made a new post from pressure treated lumber.

I used the router, table saw, miter saw, and narrow crown stapler to create new post. And, I fabricated the new post exterior from PVC that I got off the shelf at Lowe’s.

What do you think of this before-and-after? Have any questions? Ask in the comments below.

• Porch Design
• Our front porch renovation project
• How to install a porch light
• How to place a perfectly plumb fence post
• What is the Tiffany paint color? I want to paint the porch ceiling.