Jason Strauss
06-17-2009, 10:04 PM
This isn’t a fine woodworking question, but more of a trim issue.
My wife and I served as the GC on our custom build house - finished about a year and a half ago. I did 95% of the trip work myself and found that I really loved it. In fact, I now wish I would have known some of the things (techniques, styles, etc) that I know now. I’ve really gotten into woodworking since then. Over the last year, I’ve been slowly completing some the “not necessary to move in” items (final paint colors, porch rails and steps, some built-ins and custom furniture). Which brings me to my question…
I’m going to start on some tapered columns this weekend for the front and back porches.
I’ve constructed a jig/sled for the TS as per some useful info I found on Gary Katz’s website: http://www.garymkatz.com/TrimTechniques/tapered_columns.html (http://www.garymkatz.com/TrimTechniques/tapered_columns.html)
I’ll be using ¾” MDO plywood with plenty of waterproof adhesive, biscuits, and stainless steal screws. Obviously, they will be finished with some exterior grade paint. However, I’m not sure how to make the transition between the finished columns and stone piers. I’ve heard/read somewhere that it might be good to use treated lumber to serve as the base of the column, but I’ve also heard/read that the finished wood should not rest on or otherwise touch the treated. I have no clue why this might be.
As you can see from the pictures, we have quite the overhang on our front porch. Therefore, the columns don’t get too much direct moisture.
So, what’s the best way to make the transition between the stone caps of the piers and the columns? Any and all help would be very much appreciated!
The deer trotted into the yard while I was taking the pix for this post. Thought there'd be a few who would enjoy!
My wife and I served as the GC on our custom build house - finished about a year and a half ago. I did 95% of the trip work myself and found that I really loved it. In fact, I now wish I would have known some of the things (techniques, styles, etc) that I know now. I’ve really gotten into woodworking since then. Over the last year, I’ve been slowly completing some the “not necessary to move in” items (final paint colors, porch rails and steps, some built-ins and custom furniture). Which brings me to my question…
I’m going to start on some tapered columns this weekend for the front and back porches.
I’ve constructed a jig/sled for the TS as per some useful info I found on Gary Katz’s website: http://www.garymkatz.com/TrimTechniques/tapered_columns.html (http://www.garymkatz.com/TrimTechniques/tapered_columns.html)
I’ll be using ¾” MDO plywood with plenty of waterproof adhesive, biscuits, and stainless steal screws. Obviously, they will be finished with some exterior grade paint. However, I’m not sure how to make the transition between the finished columns and stone piers. I’ve heard/read somewhere that it might be good to use treated lumber to serve as the base of the column, but I’ve also heard/read that the finished wood should not rest on or otherwise touch the treated. I have no clue why this might be.
As you can see from the pictures, we have quite the overhang on our front porch. Therefore, the columns don’t get too much direct moisture.
So, what’s the best way to make the transition between the stone caps of the piers and the columns? Any and all help would be very much appreciated!
The deer trotted into the yard while I was taking the pix for this post. Thought there'd be a few who would enjoy!