On Sat, 4 Apr 2015 14:53:37 -0700 (PDT), Sonny
wrote:

We have two large exterior exposed cypress beams/posts, that are part of the structural wall and roof support of a breakfast nook area (back patio area) that have developed rotted bottoms. I've been putting off this repair because I'm not sure, exactly, what might be the best/proper repair. Obviously, moisture has wicked up the posts for some time, and the bottoms are rotten.
Left and right side posts, scroll left:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/16411478004/

We've started demolition of part of the back patio, for the construction of a pergola, spanning this breakfast nook wall area. I need to repair these posts, soon. I'm not sure how far/deep, into the wall, the rot goes, but I suspect maybe half way through the cross section of the post. I'll probe it, later. Before I probe (gouge out, cut into) the post, I would like to know what possibly might be best for the repair..... I wouldn't want to have removed something, if it could be part & party to the repair.

It would be very difficult to remove and replace the beam, since they are part of the support structure, but if need be, that will be done. I'd prefer to repair at least the bottom, for now, unless sunsequent discovery of very extensive damaged is found. There is no plinth under these beams.

I had thought of epoxy, since I more recently learned some of the virtues of epoxy use; I've thought of bondo; THought of patch-replacing parts of the beam.

I've thought of the wood hardening products, for rotted wood, like this one:
http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/...terminator.php
Home depot, Lowes and other outlets have similar wood hardening products, but I don't know anything about these products and I'm not sure which brand/product is the best for this kind of structural support, weight bearing use.

I'd appreciate any and all input, for this repair.

We have other posts on an side porch, that are supported on plinths, that have bottom rot, also. These posts can be easily replaced, but I'd prefer, for now, to repair the bottoms. They are stained with a paint-like stain, so bondo may be an option for repairing/filling voids, if need be. The porch roofing is cantelevered, but the posts do supply some support for the porch, because of heavy tiles (1500 lbs/square) on the roof. Any advice would be appreciated for this repair, also. Scroll left for another pic.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/438361...n/photostream/

Sonny
Support the structure with jack posts, Cut off rotted bottom 'till
you reach solid wood. Build masonry posts/supports from ground up to
wooden post. Prevent wood from directly contacting masonry so it
cannot absorb moisture.(using moisture barrier of some sort - best to
put wooden posts on metal (stainless or hot galvanized)saddles rather
than directly on concrete - put trim around post to "hide" the saddle
and cover the necessary gap.

DO NOT use "bondo". It is not structural, and polyester auto body
filler is not waterproof - it acts like a sponge - particularly the
normal talc-filled crap.

Epoxy is better, but filling rotten wood with epoxy still leaves you
with rotten wood..