Prettier Posts with PVC Wraps

A new PVC column-wrap system comes in a range of realistic woodgrain finishes that make attractive decorative columns out of standard lumber posts. A PVC wrap system makes installation easy and saves maintenance in the long term.  

“By combining the maintenance-free performance of premium cellular PVC with the warm personalities of natural woods, new Canvas Series Versawrap offers builders, architects and homeowners a wider-than-ever range of creative possibilities,” says Versatex President Scott Van Winter. 

Less Labor

“With Versawrap, one worker can snap a beautiful, weatherproof shell around an unfinished wooden post in just a few minutes, instead of cutting and fastening four mitered corners for every column,” says Rick Kapres, vice president sales and marketing. “I’m happy to announce we’re supplying 6x6-in. by 10-ft. Canvas Series Versawrap in three colors: Kitami, Turner Oak and Natural Amber, with matching accent wraps and base moldings.

“With Canvas Series Versawrap, you can install column wraps that give you natural wood charm without the worry of re-staining or refinishing, ever again,” says Kapres. He notes that color-matched touchup kits are available for purchase, plus the wraps are also available in the original solid white.

Preparation

Always reference local guidelines and be sure to use materials that comply with building codes.

Note that if you’re planning to wrap a new pressure-treated wood post, first allow the post to dry (which may take several months).

Versawrap column wraps are individually packaged in a cardboard sleeve, and the canvas surfaces are folded inward to protect the exterior faces of the wrap. Be careful when handling the individual wraps to prevent damage to the canvas face. Keep the wraps in their

original packaging until installation.

All Versatex Canvas Series products must be handled like a stained piece of mahogany, walnut, or any other premium wood and not like dimensional lumber. The laminate

boards should never be stored on the ground, asphalt, or any rough surface face down or in standing water.

Boards should be removed by lifting at both ends. Friction between the laminate and the backside of the boards may cause minor markings. (See the cleaning tips below).

Make sure the post you’re planning to wrap is structurally sound and straight. It may be necessary to install thin furring strips, shims, or spray foam insulation (formulated for windows and doors). Be sure the outside dimensions of furred/shimmed strips are no wider than the inside dimension of the Versawrap column wrap.

For Spray foam insulation, spray four 1-in. beads leaving 12 inches at the top and bottom without foam. (The foam will expand and fill in the gaps between the column and the wrap.)

If using shims, attach them evenly to all four sides to maintain equal spacing around the column/post.

Pro tip: For newer posts, the use of spray foam vs. shims can help manage post

twisting as it dries.

 Installation

Test-fit the column around the post before installation. If the locking miter joint is too tight, consider wrapping a piece of 320 grit sandpaper around a paint stick, ruler, or shim and run it through the groove to slightly open the joint.

Use a thin-bodied PVC glue that offers enough cure/working time to be applied in the four joints and wrapped around the structural column/post before curing. PVC glues with solvent work well, provided you apply them quickly.

Keep solvent-based PVC glue from contacting the canvas surface because it may damage the laminate. If PVC glue contacts the laminate surface, be sure to clean it off immediately.

Apply the PVC glue into the four joints using a plastic squeeze bottle with a thin, tapered nozzle applicator, like a ketchup bottle or a 5-ounce tube of adhesive. Avoid using thick two-component or single-component adhesives, which will keep the lock-miter corners from fitting tightly together. Remember to apply the adhesive to only one surface of the miter joints.

For the easiest installation, glue the two corners opposite male and female panels, forming a “U”. Wrap the “U” around your post, apply spray foam (if used) and glue the remaining two corners of the wrap. The column panels may need to be temporarily held tightly together by using tape, a strap, or square clamps until the PVC glue cures.

Be sure to use only low-tack tape (painters’ tape) and clean off any residue using a recommended cleaner.

Note: Four Versawraps can be glued using one 5-ounce tube of adhesive regardless of column length.

Secure the column wrap to the structural column using stainless steel nails that penetrate through the furring strips (if used) to the structural post.

 Cleaning Tips

Versatex recommends wiping the material with the recommended cleaner Cosmofen 20

(CL-300.140 by Weiss) and a soft cloth. Avoid the use of abrasive scrub pads like Scotch Brite pads, pumiced-based cleaners, or any solvent like acetone and toluene, which will break down the laminates and dull the surface.

Overview

Made of cellular PVC with three pre-mitered grooves, the Versawrap column wraps fold around a structural post and lock together with a friction-fit, locking miter joint. Just apply your PVC glue, fold the wrap around your structural column, and secure in place. This method provides an easy, low-maintenance way to enhance the look of ordinary posts.