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Repairing rotted 4x4 deck posts

13K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  stadry 
#1 ·
My deck 4x4 posts are (25 yrs. old) approx. 10 feet in heigth. They have begun to rot at the top. Do I have to dig up and replace the whole posts or would it be OK to cut the posts off just below floor board level and top this with a new section of 4x4?
If I add a new section do you think the seam will hold up against weather and rot? In the future if we decide to sell our home do you think this would pass a homebuyer's inspection?
 
#3 ·
I'm no engineer, but I'm pretty sure that replacing the top of the posts won't fly. Sistering a new post the full height may be strong enough, but I doubt it would pass any type of inspection. Maybe replace the top like you suggested, then sister a 2x4 to both sides of it, with plenty of through bolts. But I doubt that would pass an inspection, either. If it's rotted at the top, it's probably rotted near the ground, too.

When I built my deck, I poured footings in those cardboard tubes, the used steel ties between the footings and the posts. The posts run from the steel tie to the bottom of the rim joist (band). You could do that, next to the existing posts, then dig out the old ones. The only challenge would be the corners.
 
#4 ·
yes, of course you could,,, BUT, since you have to support the deck while you making that repair, why not do it right ? put in conc bases to support the weight & install new supports,,, it will be done right & you won't give the home inspectore laughing fits :laughing:

ps - if there's ever a problem w/collapse & someone sues, your insurance co will have the last laugh :yes:
 
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