Asked on Jul 12, 2017

Help with rotting boards

Elaine Reed
by Elaine Reed
This is my gazebo. The only thing holding the roof up are the support beams. However, as you can see by the pics, they are rotting. Also the boards on the concrete between them are rotting. Can I make concrete molds and pour over the rotting boards? What is your idea?
  6 answers
  • Debra Debra on Jul 12, 2017

    Yes, I would put them at the other structure ends. Like lift the weight off one's shoulder if you will? I wouldn't want to replace ontop off rotting wood because mold and illness can cause weaking in the new. ? Good luck.

    If I may, painting it Lemon chiffon yellow with white trim and ship lap the new beams if you do decide to cast mold them. Good luck

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Jul 12, 2017

    Wood should never touch dirt or cement without proper sealant. I'd replace one wall at a time, removing the vertical studs and frame, then replace each one with pressure treated material starting with the frame. Best of luck.

  • Norris720 Norris720 on Jul 12, 2017

    Elaine Reed - If you have a level floor you can replace the post with pressure treated 4x4 post. To ensure that your post do not rot due to contact with the concrete I would use 4x4 stand off post anchors. They will require you to anchor them to your concrete floor with concrete anchors( tool need: hammer drill masonry bit) You would start at one corner and work your way to the next. At the top of each post use a 4x4v Post Cap , makes nailing/screwing easy. As you replace post level all beams as you go along. ( may need to be jacked up to level) From the picture if this is to be screened in you will need 2x4 pressure treated anchored to the floor to secure your screen.

  • William William on Jul 12, 2017

    I agree with Diana! All the rotten wood needs to be replaced. Nothing you can do to repair or salvage.

  • Cynthia Whitney Cynthia Whitney on Jul 13, 2017

    Don't try to save rotted wood. You'll have termites. If your roof is good and you don't have termites, jack it up and replace everything with pressure treated wood. Or knock it down and build new. I just tore down an old building with rotted wood and termite damage. It was a royal pain! We finally had to put a rope on it and pull it over because it was too dangerous to work on. Better to get rid of it before you have this kind of problem! We replaced it with a pre-built pressure-treated building. Before it went in we thoroughly sprayed the old foundation with termite killer.

  • Ret Grant Ret Grant on Jul 13, 2017

    Just a thought. My gazebo posts are mounted on concrete with a 1/2 inch bolt extending from it into a metal bracket with a spacer plate the keeps the 4 x 4 from touching the ground or sitting in water. You can get them at Home Depot or Lowes. You might check to see if you can brace the corner then make a hole and insert the bolt to use the metal brackets then replace the studs.

    Or Brace the corners cut off the rot and pour a higher concrete post support.

    You just need to get the wood off of the ground and keep it from the moisture.

    Always use treated lumber anywhere that will be exposed to the elements.