A Complete Guide to Buying Wood Post Caps

Whether you are building a new deck or updating an existing one, your design will not be complete without the right wood post caps. They are a classic favorite that combines elegant design and a lasting charm. Post caps are also a great way to express your personality in any outdoor space.

You can use wood fence post caps to top a traditional wood baluster or add texture to a more contemporary deck design. They are a great final touch to any deck because post caps can be both decorative and protective. By shielding your railing posts from insects and the elements, they are a great way to prevent rot and decay.  

There are many types of post caps available on the market today. These include wood, metal or glass. If you buy from Deckorators, you will also get the chance to choose from a wide range of designs. In fact, the company offers a bigger library of styles than any other brand. As a result, you will be able to choose from a huge selection of finishes, colors, and sizes.

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Types of Post Caps

Think of your deck as a blank canvas, just waiting for you to add things that will make it a perfect reflection of your style and personality. And post caps are the perfect way to do this. They offer that extra zing that makes your wood post fence stand out.

It’s amazing how a simple post cap can transform the look of your whole deck. Whether you’re going for a bold, modern look or a more traditional affair, you can find the perfect finial to suit your tastes.

Decorative post caps turn your deck into a statement piece. You have the choice of at least four types of post caps to bring your design ideas. Whether you want the more conservative steady look of wood caps or the more trendy style of glass and metal, Deckorators has all the bases covered.

The various types of post caps include:

1. Wood

Wood deck post caps are a beautiful addition to any wooden posts. They are easy to install and designed to last for a long time.

Wood post caps from Deckorators are made from heat-treated cedar or pressure treated lumber. This ensures that the caps will not wear down even after long exposure to the elements. Some can even provide you with high or low wattage lighting for your deck, depending on your preference. They are a great choice when you add lighting to your deck because they are hardy enough to protect the lights and wiring inside.

Apart from their strength, these post caps are also highly functional. They are made to protect the top end of wooded posts from adverse weather conditions that could cause the wood to rot. They also protect your posts from insects, which would otherwise damage the wood and compromise the structural integrity of your deck.

As with any other wood product, it is recommended that you cover your wood post cap with a coat of high-quality exterior finish. This will help preserve the wood’s natural beauty and ensures that it will last for a long time. Make sure to apply the finish to all wooden areas before installation, including the underside of the cap.

Apart from that, you won’t have to prepare it in any other way. Wood post caps from Deckorators are already kiln dried, so they won’t require an additional drying period before you can apply your preferred finish. They are also treated with Copper Azole Type B ( CA-B), a strong pesticide that will keep termites away from your wood post cap and protect it from decay.

Wood post caps are available in a variety of styles, including flat top, pyramid, and round. However, round wood post caps are the most popular option.

2. Metal

Metal post caps are a great choice. They are durable and give you value for money. They protect your deck posts while creating a modern, contemporary look that is hard to beat. They are available in a number of sizes and finishes.

These caps are usually made out of aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. They are also available in a wide range of colors, ensuring that you have a great variety to choose from. These caps can be used with wood, metal, or composite railings.

Metal caps are a great choice for a variety of reasons. They break the monotony of any wooden deck railing by adding an unexpected decorative element. They also don’t rust, even after long exposure to all types of weather conditions.

3. Glass

Durable and elegant, glass post caps add style and color to any deck railing. They are made from very thick glass to protect your post tops from the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the weather. They also add a stylish touch of color that can transform your deck into a beautiful, whimsical haven.

Glass post caps are incredibly easy to install. All you need is a touch of silicone adhesive to add them to any 4×4 or 6×6 wood post.

4. Solar

Solar post caps are an innovative addition that have made waves in the decking industry. They are usually made out of wood, metal, glass, composite, or vinyl material. The best thing about these caps is that they offer a very convenient way to add lighting to your deck.

Solar deck post caps are designed to convert solar energy into lighting. They create a soft, dim glow that can enhance the look of any deck. After sitting in the sun all day, you can use these post caps to create warm, white ambient lighting at night.

Charge and runtimes depend on the season and your location. However, the longer the post caps are exposed to sunlight, the longer they will provide lighting at night. Solar post caps from Deckorators come with rechargeable batteries that can last for at least one year.

Wood Post Caps

Apart from differences in material, wood post caps are available in a wide variety of sizes. Thes include:

1. Wood Post Caps 4×4

These post caps are designed with openings that are meant to fit onto deck posts that measure 3½”x3½”. From cedar to hardwood and pressure treated lumber, there are all types of 4×4 post cap options to fit any style and budget. Each cap’s inside dimensions measure 3-5/8”x3-5/8”.

2. Wood Post Caps 6×6

These 6×6 wood post caps are the perfect choice for any 6×6 cedar, redwood, or treated deck posts. They are made to fit on posts that measure 5½”x5½”. The inside dimensions measure 5-5/8”x5-5/8”.

3. 4×6 Wood Post Caps

4×6 wood post caps are designed for more rectangular deck posts. They can fit onto posts that measure 3-5/8”x5-5/8”.

Wood Post Cap Price

Wood post caps are some of the most affordable options that are currently available on the market. Depending on the style, their price usually ranges between $5 to $40 per cap.

Pros and Cons of Wood Post Caps

When you use wooden posts for your deck, you can look forward to a number of challenges. First up is the problem of water damage, where moisture seeps into your posts over time and causes splintering and cracking. Then, there is the issue of insect such as termites, which can burrow into the wood and cause a lot of damage.

So, it is clear that if you leave the top of your posts unprotected, you will lose your deck sooner or later. That’s where post caps come in. But a lot of people have started buying decking supplies without this important accessory to cut down costs. Here are some key benefits to keep in mind when planning your next deck project:

Pros of Wood Post Caps

1. Resistant to Rot and Insects

Most wood post caps are treated to prevent rot over time. So it is great news that the same chemicals used in this process make wood post caps repellant to insects like termites too. This ensures that your wood post and caps can stand the test of time without rotting or crumbling.

2. Protects against Water Damage

Since wood post caps are designed to sit on top of a deck post, they play an important role in preventing water damage. They cover the post tops, which in turns keeps rain, snow, and moisture from seeping into the wood.

3. Awesome Warranty Terms

The best thing about wooden products is that most of them are sold under a long-term warranty. This generally covers protection against termite infestation and fungal decay.

4. Very Affordable

When it comes to cost, wooden post caps are more affordable than those made out of other materials like composite, vinyl, and glass.

Cons

1. Discoloration

Wood is a natural product. This that means that wood post caps can be affected by weather conditions, especially prolonged exposure to the sun. So if the wood is not treated properly, it can cause discoloration over time. Luckily, all Deckorators post caps are heat-treated. This reduces the chances of this happening.

2. Requires Regular Maintenance

As with all wooden decking material, wood post caps can stand strong for 30 years or more. But for this to happen, the wood must be maintained well on a regular basis. This can involve staining, pressure washing, and applying sealant and stains regularly. Unfortunately, the cost of such upkeep can add up over time.

3. Environmental Concerns

Some manufacturers use chemicals that are harmful to the environment to treat their wood post caps. Buying these accessories from these companies could do your outdoor space more harm than good.

But that is not the case with Deckorators. The company uses industry-approved substances to treat all post caps. This ensures that your new post caps will be able to protect your posts while causing no damage to the environment.

Conclusion

If your deck feels like it’s missing that little extra something, adding wood post caps can be a fun way to add a bit of style and personality to your deck. It is a great accessory that is affordable, beautiful, and durable. You will definitely get value for your money with these wood post caps.