In article ,
"Bill Grumbine" wrote:

Hi Roger
I would like to add to Bill's excellent advice.
Do not caulk around the bottom but instead allow water to drain by
cutting 1/4" x 1/4" grooves across the end grain of the bottom of the
post.
What ever wood you choose make sure you apply a paintable wood
preservative (preferably by immersion) to the bottom 2-3 feet of each
post before painting.
If you go solid with laminated stock splitting should not be a problem.

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