I have a 9′ 6×6 treated yellow pine porch post that is 1″ out of plumb. That is, viewed from a slight distance, the post appears to have a curve in it. The post was relatively dry when I put it up, so I am surprised to see so much deflection. I am going to dress the post with 3/4″ 1×8 #1 yellow pine, but before I do, I have to straighten the post, or give the illusion of being straight. Here are my questions:
(1) Is this a structural issue? [Shouldn’t be. The porch roof is not that heavy.]
(2) Can it be remedied by simply cutting a slot on the concave side of the post and wedging it?
(3) When I dress the porch, should I simply furr out to hide the bend?
(4) Should I replace the post, and, if I do, what’s the likelihood that a replacement post will sag as well?
Replies
I don't know your location, but here in louisiana we have that problem with 6x6s all the time. We started using a 6x6 that is hollow. That is, it is made from 4 2x6s into a 6x6 box. We have not had any problem with these new posts.
I know where there are a few posts that have gotten worse with time. There is a restaraunt down the road that has 4 posts. All of the posts are warping and the worst has about an 1-1/2" bow. If the bow gets to severe then it will start getting shorter from top to bottom which could cause problems. I would check on the hollow posts or make your own. I would just glue and screw the fool out of them, and if there are not going to show they don't have to be perfect.
Kyle,
Thanks for the tip. I will follow your advice. I figured the stouter the post, the less likely it was to bend. I'm in central Texas, so we're probably seeing the same phenomenon.
barn