Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 8/29/2009

Question
We have a twenty year-old sunporch made with 4 x 6 cedar posts, with the windows attached to the posts.  In the process of replacing some rotten cedar siding, we discovered that several of the 12 posts are rotten at the base.  Do we have to replace the entire post or can we splice a new 4 x 6 in?  Could we replace the bottom sill which sits on the concrete slab with a 4 x 6 post and simply cut 4 inches off all of our posts?

Answer
Hi Beth, yes you can double up the bottom sill plate or replace it with a pressure treated 4x6 ..splicing the posts might be okay if you cut enough off.  In other words if it is just a few posts you can cut two feet off the bad post and then install a new two foot piece underneath.  Sandwich the post on each side with a stud of the same width as the post, 2x6 or 2x4, four feet minimum in length.  Nail at 4" on center in a staggered pattern.  I would predrill the cleat to keep it from splitting and with all the wood replaced make sure it is pressure treated (preferred) or cedar.