**Filling Gaps between Wooden Posts & Stakes

Sir BoD

Well-Known Forumite
**I knew the classy thread title would tease you in!

Hi folks.

I have a number of wooden posts and post stakes. However, the posts are slightly too small for the stakes. Even after I tighten the stake, it still leaves gaps and the post wobbles.

What I had in mind was getting a sheet of wood that can withstand outside weather conditions and then cutting it up so I can slide the pieces inside the four sides of the stake, to pad it out to stop the post wobbling.

The thickness of the wood needs to be 3mm (to fill the gaps, but that's the problem. I can't seem to find a weatherproof sheet of wood in that thickness in the usual suspect shops - Wickes, B&Q.

Could I use plywood but use some type of wood sealant? I'm just worried that when it rains, it'll get inside the stakes, will have nowhere to escape and rot the ply?

Any ideas folks, please? Ta muchly.

 

Martin

Well-Known Forumite
You'll struggle to find 3mm timber. Firstly the post anchor your using should have a bolt on them so you can tighten them up. If you wanted to fill the gap in, you could try making a wedge for them and then cut it flush to the top of the anchor. Just remember that wood is like a sponge it will soak up the moisture and then dry out in the hot conditions.

If all else fails go to somewhere like eurocell and buy a bag of mixed size packers and use them
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
The gap will close up (a bit) when you pull that open corner shut with the bolts - as mentioned above.

The filler pieces, if they are still necessary, don't need to be wood. The plastic ones used by window/door fitters, again mentioned above, would do, but you may like to disguise the sometimes garish colours.

If there is no significant down-load on the post, then I would consider leaving a small gap under them, to avoid water collection promoting rotting. - a small stone can be used to 'lift' them. Or you could drill through the sides and hold the posts up slightly off the bottom, by means of screws.

You could also drill a drain hole over the slot - and give any drilled holes a dab of paint. of course.
 

Thehooperman

Well-Known Forumite
I think I've got some little plastic wedges that were spare from doing some flooring ages ago.

I'll have a look when I get home next week if you're interested.
 

Cue

Well-Known Forumite
Yep, looking at that photo as others have said you need to tighten that gap shut and it’ll pull everything together.
 

Sir BoD

Well-Known Forumite
Thanks all folks but I did mention that the problem exists is when I tighten them (I have the bolts) as it creates gaps at the corners and they're still unstable. I think I might experiment with the plywood but soak it with linseed oil first.

Cheers for the offers / advice though, it is appreciate and if you think of a decent alternative in the meantime, please shout up. Ta.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
Due to the welded base, it won't tighten as much at the bottom as it does at the top - shimming, as you intend, will be the best solution in the long run.
 
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