Wood Address Post DIY Guide

Wood address posts are a great way to add a personal touch to your home's exterior. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.

A standard wood address post is typically 1-2 inches thick and 3-4 feet tall. This size is suitable for most residential areas, but you can always adjust the size to fit your specific needs.

To ensure your wood address post is durable and long-lasting, choose a type of wood that's resistant to rot and insect damage, such as cedar or cypress.

To ensure your wood address post lasts long outdoors, condition the wood first with a water-based Pre-Stain to prevent blotchiness.

Apply the Pre-Stain with a paint brush and let it dry for about an hour before moving on to the next step.

For a top coat that's specifically made for outdoor wood items, use a clear water-based top coat like SparUrethane, which is UV protecting, seals out water, and resists mildew and mold.

Cedar is a popular choice for address posts because it's naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it a great option for outdoor use.

Western red cedar is a good choice because it's durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Pressure-treated pine is also a popular option, but it requires a clear coat to protect it from the elements.

Pine is a softwood that can be prone to warping and cracking, but it's also relatively inexpensive.

Cedar and pine are both good options for address posts, but they have different aesthetic qualities - cedar has a distinctive, pleasant aroma and a warm, rustic color, while pine has a lighter, more neutral tone.

Redwood is another durable option that can withstand the elements, but it's also more expensive than pine or cedar.

Ultimately, the right wood for your address post will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

When choosing a design for your wood address post, consider the style of your home and the surrounding neighborhood. A rustic design with a distressed finish is perfect for a country or rural setting.

A classic design with a simple, clean look is ideal for a modern or suburban home. You can also add a personal touch by incorporating your family's name or initials into the design.

The type of wood you choose will also impact the design of your address post. For example, cedar is a popular choice for its durability and resistance to rot and insect damage. It's also relatively inexpensive and easy to work with.

You can also add a decorative element, such as a metal or wooden finial, to the top of your address post. This can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home's exterior.

Before you start preparing the surface, make sure to clean the address post thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or old finish. This will give you a fresh canvas to work with.

Use a wire brush to scrub away any stubborn debris, paying special attention to any areas with deep grooves or intricate carvings.

To stain and seal an outdoor wood sign, start by conditioning the wood with a water-based Pre-Stain.

This helps ensure the stain goes on evenly without blotchiness.

Apply the Pre-Stain using a paint brush and let it dry for about an hour.

Then, use a water-based wood stain in your chosen color, such as Smoke Gray, and apply it with a clean rag.

The stain needs at least a couple of hours to dry before moving on to the top coat.

For the top coat, use a clear water-based SparUrethane, which is specifically made for outdoor wood items and provides UV protection, seals out water, and resists mildew and mold.

Apply the SparUrethane with a clean paint brush and let it dry completely.