Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 9/9/2011

Question
Hello Bruce,

I'm building a deck and not sure how to frame in the 4 posts that will have a stone veneer on them.
If I have a 4x4 post and want to end up with a 12x12 colum.
I was trying to figure how to box around the 4x4s and then nail plywood to the exterior?
Not sure
Thanks for your help

Answer
Hi Bret , the easiest way would be to attach a 2x8 on two opposing faces of the 4x4.  The 4x4is 3 1/2" wide, the 2x8 is 1 1/2" thick x 7 1/2" wide so you will need to add a strip of 1/2" plywood on the post underneath the 2x8.  So effectively you are creating a H whose outside dimensions are  7 1/2" x 7 1/2".  If you then sheath this with 1/2" cement board or 1/2" pressure treated plywood on all four sides  you now have a wrapped column  eight and a half inches each direction.  Add in the thickness of your stone and you should be in the ball park.  To tweak your thickness you can increase the thickness of your sheathing or double it up to accommodate a thinner veneer. I hope this info helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely Bruce Johnson. Bejohnsonconsulting.com