Sealing deck rail and post

[suds]

Winter is fast approaching in eastern Wa state and I need to get the deck rail and post sealed from moisture. I was going to miter some small molding to fit around the post after caulking the joint. Any better suggestions/ideas.

 

[tjbnwi]

Straight on picture please. I’m probably going to tell you not to caulk that.

Tom

 

[suds]

“Straight on picture please”?  Not sure what you mean.

 

[tjbnwi]

“Straight on picture please”?  Not sure what you mean.

I want to see how the post is mounted to the rim.

Tom

 

[suds]

The post is secured to the deck and hold up the pergola. The cedar rail is just notched and it is attached using a Kreg jig from underneath so no holes in the top of the railing.

 

[wakyct]

Great view! I imagine you'll get some heavy weather rolling through there. How old is the deck and is it still raw wood?

 

[tjbnwi]

Don’t caulk it. Take a brush, seal the end grain well. When you trim the post leave it a little loose and do not tack it to the post, that way you can lift it and resale the end grain.

Tom

 

[suds]

The deck is 35 years old. Mostly cedar and redwood. It is all stained except the Pergola which will get stained shortly.
I did use Anchorseal on the ends of the railings as well as on the bottom of the railing. Would wood trim around the post where the rail meets be of much protection or more of a gathering spot for water?  I would really douse it with the Anchorseal before fitting it around the post.
Why would you not want caulking?

 

[tjbnwi]

The deck is 35 years old. Mostly cedar and redwood. It is all stained except the Pergola which will get stained shortly.
I did use Anchorseal on the ends of the railings as well as on the bottom of the railing. Would wood trim around the post where the rail meets be of much protection or more of a gathering spot for water?  I would really douse it with the Anchorseal before fitting it around the post.
Why would you not want caulking?

You plan on trimming the posts, this can be a collection spot for water. By not caulking there is a drainage plane.

Tom