Awning Post Repair

[opinion free]

Hi All,

I have one of those Aluma wood awnings over my driveway. It is attached on one side to the home and on the other side it is supported by eight 6 x 6 posts. The posts owe me nothing. They have held up for almost 40 years. I have no idea if they were just a good Douglas Fir or plain old pressure treated. To avoid awning failure, I want to replace the posts. They are rotting at the bottom and the sun has caused some rot on the sides. These posts are pricey.

Question: would you use pressure treated or Douglas Fir posts? We get very little rain, but 8 months of intense sun and heat. The guys at HD said use Douglas Fir. The guys at Lowes said to use pressure treated. Couldn`t you just guess that they would have opposing opinions? Also, the posts sit on these cast iron 'L' shaped things. They are about 1/2 an inch of solid cast iron. They keep the posts off the ground. Does anyone know of a better solution? I guess they worked but the rot on the bottom of the posts seems to be from water, so the 1/2 inch they raised the posts off the ground wasn't sufficient to prevent rot.
Thanks in advance.
Dave

[Greg]

Since they lasted 40 years I would stay with a wood 6x6. I doubt that Pressure treated would make much difference since they are above ground. I would use a UV blocking stain. Either way it might be a safe bet that they will outlast you!

Greg

[Mark440]

Have you considered steel posts with wood covering? I enjoy working with wood - but there is something to be said for the strength and endurance of steel especially when it is in contact with the ground.