Clad pressure-treated post..

[Styx]

We have built a porch where double 45-95 are load-bearing posts. But they don't look very appealing, so we thought about covering them with something to make them smooth and nice. What can you easily use outdoors, do you think 6mm MDF would work if you are quick to prime and paint it..? Or is there some handy outdoor filler you can use to make it completely smooth??

 

[Bror]

HDF in that case, it's the same type of board used in exterior doors. MDF is too sensitive to moisture. A waterproof plywood probably works well too.

 

[Styx]

Yes, I had thoughts on formplyfa - but how is it to paint..??

 

[Mats]

120X22 raw plank? Fill and sand before painting

 

[Styx]

Yes, it would have worked..
But the post is supposed to be kept down in thickness is the idea..

And spackling, what type of filler do you use outdoors..?

 

[Mats]

I have actually used plastic padding once. It hasn't come off so far anyway

 

[Styx]

Ok.
I think I'll try with formplyfa - unless anyone has any objections..

 

[TMB]

The property of formplyfan is that nothing should stick to it, so I think it will be difficult.
Possibly if you roughen the surface with really coarse sandpaper so the paint has something to grip.

 

[Styx]

Yes, that's what I was a bit afraid of too..
I will test paint on a small piece I have lying around before.. Otherwise, it will have to be regular plywood and make sure to prime it quickly - before it gets wet. How that's going to be done this winter/spring