How to Rebuild Porch Columns

Repairing Splits

• 1

  Probe the wood with an awl to determine that it is sound. If the pick of the awl penetrates beyond 1/4 inch easily, the wood is rotted and the column cannot be rebuilt, but must be replaced. If the wood is sound, sand the area with 100-grit sandpaper to remove loose splinters and paint.

• 2

  Inject a professional quality, exterior rated wood glue into the cracks with a large syringe. Allow the glue to completely fill the crack, until it oozes onto the surface. Wipe away excess with a wet rag. Fill all cracks that you can see.

• 3

  Wrap webbing strap-style clamps around the column. One should be placed at the top of the damage, another at the bottom and one centered on the damaged area. Tighten the clamps, wiping any glue that oozes onto the surface and allow them to sit overnight to harden.

• 4

  Remove the clamps and sand the face of the damaged area with 150-grit sandpaper to remove any hardened glue. Apply two coats of stain and finish all-in-one or semigloss latex paint to the damaged area in a color that matches the existing finish. Apply the finish with a soft bristle brush, with the grain. Spread the finish evenly to prevent runs and drips. Allow the label recommended time between coats.

Replacing Damaged Trim

• 5

  Probe the column as outlined in the previous section to determine if the wood at the base or top of the column is sound. Pry molding away from the column with a pry bar and hammer.

• 6

  Use a tape measure to measure the column and cut pieces of baseboard molding in a similar profile to the original to fit each face of square columns, mitering the ends with 45-degree miters. Nail the trim to the column, with the mitered corners matching on all four sides. Use at least three finish nails in each piece.

• 7

  Wrap a string around a round column, measure the string and divide by 3.14 (pi) to determine the diameter of the circle. Use a compass to draw a circle to that diameter on a piece of 2-inch thick lumber. Draw a second circle 1 1/2 inches larger. Cut the larger circle out on a band saw. Install an ogee bit, with a bearing, in a router and run a detail around the edge of the circle you cut. Cut the circle in half on the band saw and cut along the inside circle halves to complete the new molding.

• 8

  Fit one half of the circular molding to each side of the column and nail in place. Apply finish to the repaired area as outlined in the previous section to complete the rebuild.