Reveal depth for porch columns – advice?
I’m wrapping 9 porch posts (3 sides of a pool house) with SYP boards to form 6″ square columns. Due to cupping with the boards, I’ve given up on my original plan to rabbet in boards to form a clean square — risk of joint separation is just too great given the condition of the boards. (I posted previously about choice of stock and ended up with untreated SYP — seemed most cost effective at the time, now . . .)
Plan B is to include a reveal to provide some visual leeway to the inevitable joint separation.
My question is how to size the reveal — balancing visual (all columns visible from seating areas) vs. joint strength.
1. Best design = common 3/8″ reveal on all corners. Issue is 3/8″ rabbett depth — Is it enough?
2. Stronger joint = 1/2″ deep rabbet creating 1/4″ and 1/2″ reveal at each corner. Greater surface area to rabbet, but uneven corners.
I’d appreciate thoughts on these options, or a better suggestion.
Thanks for the help.
Ken
Replies
Ken, you're using the wrong material. Face it. I know you already have it, but cut your losses now. Get something more appropriate and start over.
Somebody had to tell you.
Mike
3/8 is plenty strong....but Mike is right. You should be using cedar, redwood, cypress, mahogany...Aezac(sp?) board.
Ugh. Truth hurts -- and is costly -- but I appreciate the candid advice. In my area (Georgia), clear redwood or a manufactured board is the best solution. Appropriate cedar or cypress is hard to find.
If anyone has thoughts about salvaging the current setup, please let me know before I throw in the towel.
BTW, my long boards (1x8's) ripped to 1x6 are close to flat. The problem is with the 1x6's ripped to 5 1/4 -- they are significantly cupped. In addition to the "reveal" idea, I was thinking about replacing the cupped boards with 1x8's ripped down to 5 1/4. (Please ignore all this detail if you think I should simply switch over to another stock).
Thanks again.
Ken
Ken,
Have you considered using MDO Plywood for your wraps. The stuff is used by sign makers and is great for your application.
Thanks to all for the pointed advice.
Decided to throw in the towel and go with the right stock -- combination of clear RW and Windor 1 where I can install it with good ventilation and moisture avoidance.
Lumber yard willing to swap with no restock fee, etc. Still have to "discuss" whether they will credit at all for already ripped and cupped 1x6's that started this whole thing.
I guess moral of this story (yet again) -- penny wise, pound foolish, etc. etc..
Thanks.
Ken
Ken, you'll be happy in the long run. If you install cupped boards, or boards you know will rot, you'll notice it and think about it all the time. You'll soon forget the pain of changing over to a more appropriate material, and will be proud of your craftsmanship. Good work!
Mike