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How to fix this post bracket and bolts for tiling?

Naidoo021

I have this issue unfortunately by my builders and 3rd party inspections have confirmed though very poorly done, is within the building code. How can I cover this so tiling can go over or what would be a good solution to cover this monstrosity? I am planning to tile my porch but need to fix this first.

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Building and Construction

Tiling

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MitchellMc

Hi @Naidoo021,

I think your best option would be to speak with your tiler before making any changes to these fixings. Ultimately, they’ll need to work around this area, so there’s little benefit in changing the fixings unless they’re happy with the proposed solution.

Since the post is already installed and the fixing holes have been drilled at an angle, I don’t believe there’s much you can do to make the fixings sit flush. If the holes had been drilled vertically, there might have been an option to investigate a suitable countersunk fixing, but even then you’d need to confirm with your tiler whether they could tile over it.

With the angled holes, any suitable fixing is likely to remain proud of the concrete. I suspect the practical solution will be for the tiles to be cut around or stopped short of the fixings, rather than tiled over them. A suitable post surround or trim could then be installed to conceal this area and provide a neater finish.

Let me tag, @Nailbag, @Noyade and @TedBear, to see if they have any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Naidoo021

tiler will tile around that area and leave it uncovered unless I do something to cover it up, either replace the stirrup so there’s no bolts exposed or I add a post cover or surround and the tiler will tile around that. Does Bunnings have any non-heritage look post surround covers?

MitchellMc

There are the https://www.bunnings.com.au/post-accessory-modtrim-112-135mm-post-cover-support-kit_p1070349 and https://www.bunnings.com.au/handiy-90-x-90-100-x-100mm-modtrim-post-cover-and-support-kit_p1070347 , but they need to be installed onto the post prior to it being connected to the bracket.

You could speak with a carpenter and have them make some custom timber surrounds or consider making them yourself.

Mitchell

EricL

Hello @Naidoo021

Just to add to the suggestions made, it is possible for you to create your own post surround. The basic steps are to build a timber frame that will surround your existing post. In this example I've rendered it using 90x45 timber framing. It is then covered with cement sheeting which can be glued and nailed onto the timber surface. Once the cover is built, you can tile it with your preferred finish and neatly dress the bottom of the post. Once completed, no one will be any the wiser.

My best advice is to seal the bottom and top with silicone so that moisture will not enter the skirt. The best part is that it can be taken apart should you wish to change the tile or if any repairs need to be done to the post anchors. You can even install this after the tiler has tiled up to the base plate of the post.

I've placed some sample rendered images below, please let us know what you think.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

tobyandtamsyn

You can also get the post covers that can be installed without removing the brackets. They come in half and simply click together. I have put a link to one from Bunnings, but I'm sure there are other styles of the same thing.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/post-accessory-fedtrim-coverall-90-135mm-post-cover-half-set-2pcs-_p1107453

Noyade

"good solution to cover this monstrosity?"

To me - I would like to get rid of the supports. It would probably involve a builder with an Acrow support and a steel fabricator. Take accurate dimensions prior to removing. Get the fabricator to make a four pronged box with a topless hollow middle section.

I've made the assumption the columns are tubular steel? Slide the columns onto the prongs and position. Four concrete bolts in the middle section. Lower the Acrow support. Drill, based on the column's holes as a template and reinsert the bolts. Maybe cover the middle section with a a Specrite lid.

Tile.

Tis an evening Pinot Grigio thought.

Cheers.

Nailbag

Hi @Naidoo021

A local handyman can easily knock up a suitable frame which I would install prior to tiling for the neatest finish. The timber needs to be an exterior dressed, fully primed on all parts prior to assembly and installation. Then siliconed into place top and bottom to prevent water ingress.

Nailbag