Post preparation for setting in concrete

We recently built a Pergola (see the full post here) and I wanted to highlight how to properly prepare posts for setting them in concrete. Sure almost zero contractors do this but if you want your wood structure to last for years and years against termites, moisture in the soil, rot, water and the sun these steps are imperative! While most handymen and contractors have succumbed to "keep it cheap" tactics here at Temecula Construction we refuse to compromise.

As you can see in the first picture we filled all the cracks with quality filler to create a uniform surface for paint & primer to adhere to. This also eliminates a point of moisture entry. 

After filling all the minor cracks and dings in the wood and using bondo on the bad sections (see post here)

we proceeded to prime all sides of the lumber for our structure. Priming and painting all the lumber on the ground rather than after the unit is up will add 10-15 years of extra life to this Pergola compared to other units that get painted in place. The reason being that wood rots where water enters it. Almost every deck, patio, handrail and pergola that needs repairs will be at a un-painted intersection caused by painting after the unit was built.

Next we moved on to preparing the sections of the posts that gets buried underground. We coated all the ends with an asphalt coating that will protect the posts from deterioration.

The finished results speak for themselves. It will take moisture twice as long to penetrate into these posts than other non treated posts.