What can I do instead of getting whole new columns?

[Anonymous]

this is from rain

[AviatorTom]

I agree with the guys. That looks like 1x2 wood pieces wrapped around whatever is inside that supports the column. You should be able to replace the rotted 1x2s. Using a plastic material instead of wood, as @exitseven suggests, would prevent future rot.

[WindAtMyBack]

I can't see much from that picture. But I seriously doubt if you need a new post. That looks like a thin wood wrapping that's purely aesthetic.

I'd tear off that wood wrap and see what's behind it. That rot in the wrapping won't hurt anything. So you need to see behind it to see if there is anything structurally wrong.

[Staximus]

He's right, there's probably a concrete footing under that wood. If not, you can just replace the bottom part. Easy money

[WindAtMyBack]

@Staximus
I don't know if there is a footing under that post/column. If that column is load bearing, I think the footing would be poured first, with the walkway poured around it rather than on top of it. So the column would be sitting directly on top of the footing.

That stucco wall is probably bearing the weight. The eave or second floor is probably cantilevered out over the walkway. Unless there is something going on up above that we can't see, that column might be carrying very little or no weight at all.

I can't tell from the picture what material that column is. It might be wood instead of concrete. If you look closely at the trim it looks like there might be small finish nails, which are probably going into wood.

Bottom line is that the entire column might be purely decorative.

[genericname85]

i bet that bottom part is just ornamental and doesn't carry weight. so i would assume you could just rip them off and replace them with 4 pieces of plywood. however this is really a construction error. wood can't be placed straight on undrained ground. it will rot again, cause it's never drying out properly. you need a moisture barrier there.

[exitseven]

The rotted part is just a covering for the concrete block that is actually carrying the weight. It is easily replaced. I suggest using PVC to replace it and it will never rot and will never need painting.

[msc545]

Yes. A moisture barrier and treated wood, Or a concrete base that is sealed.

[dustybiker]

Can’t really patch wood rot.

[Likes2drive]

Just replace the wood around it

[KrakenAttackin]

Sand, paint, caulk.