Replies

1. 
   LRutherfor1 | Jun 25, 2002 07:08pm | #1

   It sounds like you've got you "problem"  figured out.  I made my own post caps for my redwood picket fence similar to the ones you describe and all the neighbors have great comments about them, and the best compliment of all: they wanted to know where they could buy some like them.

   The one thing that I can tell you is not to do what I did the first time. I made them    1 1/2" larger than the posts (3/4 reveal) and they just looked too big.  I reduced them to 3/8" reveal and they look better.

   Good Luck,

   Len (Len's Custom Woodworking)

1. 
   wcjennings | Jun 25, 2002 08:19pm | #2

   Len, I didn't understand the size issue.  Wouldn't the widest part of the cap be more than 3/4 wider than the post?

   BJ

1. 
   LRutherfor1 | Jun 26, 2002 06:47am | #3

   Yes, the first I made were 1 1/2" wider than the post.  It just looked too large, and I reduced it to 3/4" for a 3/8" reveal.  It look much more in proportion. 

   Len

1. 
   wcjennings | Jun 26, 2002 02:04pm | #4

   Len, thanks so much for taking the time to respond to a novice.  Most caps I have seen have a large square surface in the middle that has a pyramid on top and molding or something smaller below.  The molding is often added on.  Is the molding area what you are talking about being only 3/4" bigger than the post (i.e., each side having a 3/8" overhang)? 

   Do you think it makes sense to not use molding but make the whole cap out of one piece?  If the post is 7" x 7", then the piece could be, say, 8 1/2 x8 1/2 at its widest point but only be 7 3/4 x 7 3/4 at the point it covers the post?

1. 
   LRutherfor1 | Jun 26, 2002 06:31pm | #5

   I've had problems with mouldings under the caps.  They tend to warp in the sun, but you have to remember here in Las Vegas, the sun is brutal.  Also, when the lawn sprinklers hit them, the moisture checks the wood after a few months.

   I'll try to scan a picture in the next few days and post it, or send it to you.

   Len