New House - Project

[bigwelshgfunk]

Hi all,
New to this forum, but have been an interested reader for years.

I have just purchased a property which requires me to get my hands dirty and fix certain aspects. Nothing major - just elements here and there, but enough to keep me busy.

Not being a DIY expert, I'm hoping this forum and the experts can offer me some sound advice.

The first aspect that requires addressing is the wooden porch. It is an inverted "V" shape roof with two wooden posts (6x6inches by 5foot (ish) tall) going to the ground. The porch has listed somewhat over the years and requires jacking up and the rotten wooden posts replacing.

My question is - should I go for softwood posts or hardwood posts. The posts will be treated and have metal "shoes" fitted where they touch the ground. The porch area is suseptable to a bit puddling during heavy rain due to our driveway being on a slight hill. I think thats where the current posts have fallen foul - they seem to have rotted from the ground up.

Given the run-off of water near that area - I am tempted to go with hardwood and do the job properly first time, even though they seem to be alot more expensive than the softwood option.

Grateful for any thoughts.

Gareth

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Hardwood I suppose if you can afford it and you think you or the property will benefit long term. Will you still be there in 25 years’ time? If not then softwood. You will have a multitude of better things to spend your hard-earned on.

 

[foxhole]

Short stone pillar at base would keep post clear of water.

 

[bigwelshgfunk]

Thanks for your replies - much appreciated.

Think I am going to spend to save in the future and go for hardwood since we've only just moved to the house and the issue of surface water in that area during heavy downpours.

Hardwood, with a couple of coats of Cuprinol and some metal shoes should do the trick.

Thanks again