Cedar post caps are made of an attractive and long lasting wood. You can usually expect it to have a minimum life expectancy of 15 to 20 years in the ground if exposed to the normal environment without any treatment. It also has the ability of expansion and contraction according to environmental and temperature changes without shattering. Cedar post caps are not turnings but are facet cut to provide an attractive and durable design. With cedar post caps and other specialty woods, you can buy your wood unfinished or unfilled. This is also known as full or rough cut. It is recommended that you measure your post first before buying your post caps. Same as with wood cedar, a cedar post cap has a life expectancy of many years if remain untreated and exposed to natural elements without any contact with the ground. If sealed or painted, life expectancy will be prolonged. It weathers to the same look like in any treated wood. Cedar reacts to the environment around it. When placed in a dry location, the exterior of the post cap will dry faster than its interior. This will cause some splitting and checking. Nonetheless, when exposed again to humid, the cracks and splits will disappear and the wood will go back to its uniform texture.
Post caps decorate all types of posts, rails, and other outdoor structures. Because so many people use decks and fences, there are many who are looking for caps to accent their structures. Some builders are using high quality adhesives to securely install caps. Proper research must be conducted in selecting your adhesive, because wood contracts and expands as environmental temperatures change. The adhesive may lose its adhesive power over a long period of time due to prolonged weathering. Apply a secure mounting and drywall screws instead of adhesive when installing post caps.