Hey folks! I'm in the process of replacing the pillars on my front porch and using pressure treated 4x4 timber that's 8 feet long. I'm wondering if I need to put a barrier between the bottom of the wood and the concrete. Is this something that's essential, or can I skip it? Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
It's crucial to use pressure treated wood when it comes into contact with concrete, as concrete can draw moisture and cause the wood to rot over time. I recommend using a standoff post base, like a Simpson base, to keep the wood off the concrete. That way, you give your pillars a better chance to last longer.
I agree with others here! Not only should you have pressure treated wood, but it’s also a good idea to use ground contact rated wood. Holding the post off the concrete with a base is key, plus treating any cut ends with wood preservative will definitely help too!
You really should consider using a standoff post base—it's basically a must if you want to prevent rot in the future. I’ve been watching a lot of DIY projects, and those bases are commonly recommended because they keep your posts off the ground.