Easy DIY Porch Post Wrap Concepts

Looking to add some affordable curb appeal to your home's exterior? Wrapping existing porch posts with new materials is an easy weekend project that can instantly give your home a stylish facelift. This simple DIY trick protects your porch investments from the elements while complementing your home with custom colors and textures.

We'll cover creative wrap ideas using wood, faux stone, brick, metal, and fabric. Get measurements, material tips, preparation steps, and installation instructions to completely transform ordinary posts into beautiful design features.

Benefits of Porch Post Wraps

Before diving into the how-to, let's review why porch post wraps are so popular:

• Protect wood from sun, rain, and snow
• Instantly update the look of your porch
• Very affordable way to refresh your home's exterior
• Easy DIY projects for a weekend upgrade
• Lets you add unique personality and curb appeal

Wrapping existing posts breathes new life into tired architectural elements without the cost of full replacements. Regardless of your design style, you can choose colors and textures that enhance your home.

The Many Wrap Material Possibilities

From natural wood grains to sleek metals, let your creativity run wild! Painted finishes allow total control over the color palette. Or opt for faux textures like brick and stone for added dimension. Outdoor-rated fabrics introduce eye-catching patterns to your posts. Read on for more examples of potential wrap materials:

• Painted wood boards
• Faux brick
• Faux stone
• Corrugated metal
• Salvaged wood
• Fabric

Planning Your Post Wrap Project

Careful planning ensures your finished wraps have clean lines and seamless transitions. Follow these tips before visiting the home improvement store:

Take Measurements

Wrap dimensions need to match each existing post's size and shape. This prevents gaps or overlapping seams. Use a soft measuring tape to find the width and height. For rounded columns, wrap the tape fully around the circumference. Note measurements for spacing between posts as well.

Calculate Materials Needed

Use your measurements to tally up linear feet of wrap required. Most wraps require joining multiple boards or panels. Account for extra inches if patterns need aligning. Purchase enough materials to cover all sides without stretching pieces too thin.

Choose Design and Materials

Select your preferred wrap aesthetic to complement your home. Painted woods keep costs down while allowing color customization. Faux stone or brick replicates traditional masonry textures. Corrugated metal creates an industrial feel. Salvaged barnwood introduces rustic whimsy. Fabrics infuse big personality when used alone or layered over other wraps.

Ensure finishes suit outdoor exposure without fading or deteriorating prematurely. Pressure-treated lumber withstands moisture. Exterior-rated paints resist chipping. Removable vinyl films, metal sheets, or acrylic stone materials won't crack in extreme temperatures. UV and waterproof fabric works best.

Envision Color Palettes and Patterns

Determine a color scheme and optional decorative details. Contrasting colors help wraps stand out while tone-on-tone palettes blend with existing features. Repeat patterns, vary textures, or introduce special touches like corbels for extra appeal. Sketch concepts to finalize the aesthetic.

Preparing Posts for Wrapping

A smooth, clean surface allows wraps to fully adhere across the post. Follow these steps to prep each post:

Clean Surfaces

Use a stiff brush and mild detergent to remove surface debris, dirt, mold, and mildew prior to wrapping. Let all surfaces dry completely.

Sand Away Rough Areas

Smooth over peeling paint, splinters, or cracked corners with medium to coarse sandpaper using even, gentle pressure. Dust surfaces afterward.

Fill Holes and Gaps

Inspect posts closely and fill divots, old screw holes, large cracks, or gaps using exterior-grade wood putty. Allow ample drying time before continuing.

Apply Protective Coatings

Spray wood posts with exterior primer followed by exterior stain if the original color will show through thinner wraps. This protects from future moisture damage and inhibits decay beneath your wraps.

DIY Porch Post Wrap Ideas

The design options are endless! Use these creative wrap ideas as inspiration or jump-off points for your own custom creation:

Painted Wood Wraps

Stained wood or painted solid colors transform ordinary posts affordably. Choose durable outdoor woods like cedar or redwood cut into planks. Assemble into boxes with finish nails and wood glue before encasing each post. Consider adding carved designs, exterior wood moldings, or crown trim details for extra personality.

Faux Stone Wraps

Replicate the natural look and texture of stacked ledgestone or blocks of quarried stone. Use rigid foam insulation boards carved into stone shapes then painted and sealed for longevity. Be sure to cut precision angles and properly stagger each "stone" layer like real masonry work. Chisel realistic texture into the foam or affix separate brick/stone appliques on top.

Faux Brick Wraps

Turn ordinary posts into structural-looking brick columns with these wraps. Use rigid foam sheets cut into rectangular bricks and distress tools to notch "mortar lines." Paint the foam or adhere brick veneer appliques. Add brick-patterned wallpaper inside the boxes for cheaper shortcuts. Line up brick patterns carefully for the most authentic look.

Corrugated Metal Wraps

Introduce modern farmhouse or industrial edge using corrugated galvanized roofing panels. Cut sheets to size allowing generous overlap, bend them around posts, then secure overlapping seams with exterior screws. Paint metal wraps any color or let natural patinas develop over time.

Fabric Wraps

Infuse serious personality into blah posts with vibrant outdoor fabric coverings! Use acrylic-coated patterns that replicate cotton prints but withstand weather exposure without fading. Encase posts in fabric fully stretched and stapled at the top/bottom edges. Or wrap stretched fabric like gift ribbons over temporary plywood forms for crisply gathered detailing.

Note that not all fabric options are made to endure long-term outdoor exposure. Carefully check labels before purchasing yardage. Search descriptors like "outdoor," "all weather," or "water resistant."

Installing Porch Post Wraps

Once materials are cut and prepped, it's time for installation. Follow these pro tips for seamless endings:

Use Adhesive for Easy Assembly

Assemble wrapped planks or panels around posts using exterior-grade construction adhesive instead of nails or screws. Liquid nails-type glues bond wraps firmly to posts while allowing slight flexibility over time. Use screws sparingly through the inner plywood layer only.

Check Alignment as You Go

Ensure wrap seams meet precisely without uneven overlaps or gaps. Continually inspect from all angles to keep wood grain patterns aligned and brick/stone lines staggered accurately.

Seal Edges Thoroughly

Weatherproof wrapped posts by sealing all exposed foam edges and seams with exterior acrylic caulk. Water ingress under wraps causes lifting, mold, and faster breakdown over time. Let caulk fully cure before exposing wraps to rain or sprinklers.