How to Add Finishing Touches to a Portico

Host Fuad Reveiz shows how to create column capitals and bases and also shows how to add a coat of paint.

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Time
Several Weekends
Price Range
$500 - $1,000
Difficulty
Hard

In this Project you will:

Create the Base
Join the Pieces Together
Attach the Last Piece
Nail the Unit
Create the Capital
Nail the Sides
Add Top Capitals
Caulk the Seams and Corners
Sand and Paint the Columns

Step 1: Create the Base

To create the base around each column, measure three sides of the post. Transfer these measurements to a 5" base trim molding. Cut 45-degree angles on the molding for the corners.

Step 2: Join the Pieces Together

Add wood glue to the corners of three sides of the molding, and join pieces together. Assembling three pieces will allow you to dry-fit the pieces and check the angles. Add the three pieces to the column.

Step 3: Attach the Last Piece

Measure for the last piece. Cut, test fit, glue and nail it to the other three pieces of molding.

Step 4: Nail the Unit

Use a torpedo level to make sure the entire trim box sits level on the post -- not the porch. Nail the entire unit to the column using the trim nailer.

Step 5: Create the Capital

Create the capital at the top from 1 x 4 stock. Clamp a board to the work surface, and use a router to cut a decorative edge into the wood to create an ogee profile.