Update a Column

I'm remodeling my parents old house... 30 years of memories and a family neighborhood turned rough. I moved them closer to me and swore I would put all my own resources as well as every last ounce of energy I had into it if they would just agree to move. They did- and I have finally completed the inside and moved to the exterior.
Not wanting to purchase new columns I came up with a plan.

1. 1/4" plywood sheet- (I used pine)
2. Nail gun (pin nailer would work too) and compressor.... Or good ole' hammer and nails...
3. Wood glue
4. Wood filler
4. Trim of choice
5. Paint
6. Miter saw
7. Jigsaw or reciprocating saw or table saw
7. Finishing sander with 60/120/220
8. Measuring tape and pencil

Measure your column. Height and width. Add 1/2" to the width to allow extension of 1/4" on each side. I measured one at a time and cut because you have to take into account the width of the blade you cut with- and if you measure all at once you will end up with smaller pieces and have to cut new ones.

I used a nail gun with 2" nails to attach the plywood to the existing column. Then used a pin nailer with 1/2" pin nails to nail the butt joints together. The plywood is so thin... It wasn't possible for mitered edges (for me) and kudos to anyone who can do that!!

Glue the nail holes. I promise you...you will be glad you did this. Then fill nail holes with wood filler as well as the areas at the butt joints as needed.

I did a rough sand with 60 grit just to get any rough edges under control and moved to a 120 and finished with a 220 grit using the finishing sander.

Trim in itself is a preference. I used some left over trim from the inside and a 2x2x8. I Mitered the edges according to the new measurements at the base of the column using a miter saw at 45 degrees and used the pin nailer with 2" pin nails and repeated prior steps of glue, filler, and sanding with 120.220...(no 60 on the trim). I also glued my joints.

Finally... I did an oil based primer in flat white, sanded with 220 and painted. Will do another top coat once the other one is complete!

You can spend less money...but more elbow grease in trying to remove old paint and refinish. Sometimes spend more money in attempting to use strippers or whatever else. I just decided to do this to update the look as well as the paint.

Total cost for materials for both of mine... $25 with tax for sheet; Probably 5-6$ for trim wood; 4$ glue; $15 for paint- and plenty of paint left over- this would be if you had zero supplies to start with.... Few bucks for nails and sandpaper.... I had these and buy them in bulk so I can't really give a great estimate on that.... Overall- inexpensive. Especially if you have most of this lying around from other projects like I did!:)

As you can tell.... I still have the other column and facia to replace... But I hope this can be helpful for some of ya'll out there!:) Happy renovating!!!!