Expert: Jamie Yocono - 5/6/2004

Question
-Hi Jamie--Thanks so much for you prompt and constructive (!)  and suggestions.  Interesting as always.  Hope when you move to LasVegas you'll still be willing to contribute to allexperts--good luck with your move.  Lorrie
Followup To
Question -
Hi Jamie--Remember how you helped me with a 4-poster bed project last fall?  I was delighted with your advice. Now, I want to "case in" the 2 outside corner posts on my front porch to make them look more substantial.  Have bought 1x6x8's at local mill & am ready to attack this project.  Vaguely planning to create 3-sided butt-joint  case, fasten to existing skinny post, add 4th side & embelish with moldings.  Any suggestions  for strength?  Do you know any reference sources for top/bottom design ideas to finish off?  Thanks once again!  Lorrie Lewis
Answer -
Hi Lorrie,

This is really outside the scope of what I do, but I do remember you and thought I'd try to give a few suggestions.

I think you're tackling 2 separate problems- making the post look more attractive, while at the same time, adding more support strength. I'm sure adding the 4 layers of 1 x 6 on the outside will add a certain amount of support, but you might want to consider adding more to the existing "skinny" support. I'm assuming it's a 2 x 4, so maybe you could add another 2 x 4 next to it, making it a (nearly square) column. Better yet- add a layer of 1/2" plywood in between the 2 x 4's and you'll make a 3 1/2" square column, which is nice to work with.

Maybe you can return the 1 x 6 x 8 material you already purchased for wider stuff?

You're correct in wrapping the column all the way around. Start with the side that will show least, and wind up with the side that will show most. That way it will be the most attractive. A simple way to dress it up might be to use rosettes as decorative top pieces. You could also wrap the bottom of the column in baseboard, which makes it look more "substantial" at the bottom. There are a variety of moldings that you can buy at lumber yards and apply to your flat column sides. Try applying some half round trim to the outside of your columns for a nice effect. You could even add 2 stripes of half round trim- run vertically- and it will make the column look like it's fluted. There are really a lot of things you can do, just check out the rosettes and the moldings.

Another place to look- in the department that sells deck parts, they usually have a variety of decorative moldings that have very nice architectural details. I would look there for some ideas, and even some wooden parts. You may have to pain them to match, are you planning on painting or staining the wood?

Anyway, like I said- this really isn't my area of expertise but I thought I've run a few things past you. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do fine, as this is a pretty easy project.  Write back if you have any other questions.

Jamie Yocono
www.wooditis.com
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Akron, OH (Soon to be Las Vegas)

Answer
Hi Lorrie,

Glad I could help out.

Yes, I'll still be volunteering with All-Experts after I move.  I may need some help myself, as there's a lot to learn about when you move into a new home. The experts there have helped me before, with stuff like choosing a dishwasher, tax questions, and pet questions. It's really a great service.

Thanks again, good luck with your posts.

Jamie