How to Cover a Black Drain Pole in a Basement

Wood Box

• 1

  Measure the height of the pole from the floor to the ceiling and the width across the pole.

• 2

  Take 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the height measurement and add 2 inches to the width measurement. Cut a 1-inch-thick wood plank to match these adjusted measurements.

• 3

  Cut each long edge of the plank to a 45-degree angle to fit the boards together. Apply wood glue along one angled edge and fit the angled edge on a second plank onto the glue. Nail three 2-inch finishing nails along the edge to hold the two planks together. Repeat the process to attach a third plank and create a three-sided wood box.

• 4

  Slide the box around the black drain pole. Glue the two remaining open edges of the box and fit the fourth plank in place. Nail each edge with three finishing nails to hold the planks together. Add two or three additional nails to each edge to secure them in place. Pound a nail into the ceiling at a 45-degree angle on the top edge of each box side. Pound a nail into the floor in the same manner if there is wood flooring or a wood base.

• 5

  Sand the four sides of the box and fill any nail or hammer indentations with wood putty. Paint or stain the wood box covering if desired.

Premade Cover

• 6

  Measure the dimension of the black drain pole to determine the height and width. Purchase a premade pole covering to fit the dimensions of the pole. These coverings are available at home supply stores or online.

• 7

  Affix one side of the pole covering by pealing off the self-sticking cover, or you can apply a construction adhesive evenly to the pole surface. Hold the second half of the cover around the pole to make sure it lines up correctly. Cut off a portion of the edges to create a perfect fit if needed. Affix the second half of the covering in the same manner as the first, pushing the edges flush against each other.

• 8

  Fill any gaps in the edge joints with a latex caulk for a plastic covering or wood putty for a wood covering. Paint or stain the covering, if desired.