Thread: Filling termite-eaten front step

Best choice is to replace it, not easy by the looks of it but it can be done.

Yes PVA and shaving or dust is my dad's old way and teacher at school & Tech I have used it but never for something as big a hole as they are. My choice there would be shaving/dust and epoxy.

BUT choice No1 is replace.

In looking at the photo again a replacement can be done without total removal. Cut out the worst section to depth of clean area and width replace with new Jarrah if thats what it is.

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Best choice is to replace it, not easy by the looks of it but it can be done.

Yes PVA and shaving or dust is my dad's old way and teacher at school & Tech I have used it but never for something as big a hole as they are. My choice there would be shaving/dust and epoxy.

BUT choice No1 is replace.

In looking at the photo again a replacement can be done without total removal. Cut out the worst section to depth of clean area and width replace with new Jarrah if thats what it is.

Thanks, wheelinround. Another question in response, please. How would you go about cutting away the bad section as you suggest?

Have a look at Earls Wood Hardener , available in Bunnings, if you cannot replace the timber or any part of it.

A multitool would be my tool of choice for taking out the damaged area; use a spare length of timber as a guide to get a nice straight cut. Really depends on what tools you have!

Or fill with a mix of epoxy + flour (for bulk) + iron oxide (for colour).

Originally Posted by Dengue

Have a look at Earls Wood Hardener , available in Bunnings, if you cannot replace the timber or any part of it.

Thanks, Dengue - will check that out.

Cheers
Ross

Originally Posted by Master Splinter

A multitool would be my tool of choice for taking out the damaged area; use a spare length of timber as a guide to get a nice straight cut. Really depends on what tools you have!

Or fill with a mix of epoxy + flour (for bulk) + iron oxide (for colour).

I'd never heard of a 'multitool' until now, Master Splinter. Just looked it up on Wikipedia! Could you please recommend a reasonable quality one I could chase down at Bunnings etc, that you think would be suitable for this job?

Also, when you say "epoxy", what product specifically are you referring to that could be mixed with flour and iron oxide, and what are the proportions of each ingredient relative to the epoxy, pls?

Cheers
Ross

Hi Ross

IMO,
using any form of filler will end up looking dodgy

only replacing the visibly eaten section will look dodgy. Also, it's possible the "undamaged" section is also eaten out as is the door frame.

If I were doing the job, I'd cut the entire step out and fit a new one.


Although Woollies sells a version of the multi-tool, buying the tools to do the job yourself, including the blades you will need might work out more expensive than paying someone to do the job for you.

I've got a cheapo Ozito multitool ($75) which I've been happy enough with for occasional use. A few spare blades to help you cut the damaged part off wouldn't go astray, either, if it is a hard timber like jarrah. If you're lucky, you'll be able to find a piece of suitable thickness hardwood to make a replacement section at Bunnies while you're there

A proper carbide tipped saw blade in one of those bi-rotating saws would make shorter work of it, all except for the bits right near the edges.

Or Bote Cote epoxy ( http://boatcraft.com.au/Shop/index.p...index&cPath=15 ) or similar from your nearest marine shop. Basically, it's Araldite without the Selleys mark-up on price. Mix as directed, brush lightly onto the (80 grit sanded) surface of the hole to wet out the timber, then thicken the remaining mix with flour or chalk or sawdust and iron oxide till it's good and thick, and glob it in and smooth it down. Leave for 24 hours then sand flat.

Read the use guides at the west epoxy site for more info - http://www.westsystem.com/

Seems the guys have replied as I would have re-removal and retro fit of a piece.

I'd still replace the whole step.

Buy the time you buy he tools it'll be cheaper to get someone in to do it, maybe one of the WA fellows on here might like some additional $$$.

Originally Posted by ian

Hi Ross

IMO,
using any form of filler will end up looking dodgy

only replacing the visibly eaten section will look dodgy. Also, it's possible the "undamaged" section is also eaten out as is the door frame.

If I were doing the job, I'd cut the entire step out and fit a new one.


Although Woollies sells a version of the multi-tool, buying the tools to do the job yourself, including the blades you will need might work out more expensive than paying someone to do the job for you.

Yes, you may well be right, Ian and wheelinround. So, may I ask, what sort of tradesman would handle a job like this? I guess the doorway and wall adjacent would need to be supported while the step was removed - sounds like more than a carpenter would normally tackle? If anyone from Perth who can do this job is watching on, would welcome a PM.

And Master Splinter, thanks v much for your information. Whether I end up DIYing in this case or not, good to know about the things you've mentioned.

Cheers
Ross

My $0.02...I would remove the old timber sill entirely and pour concrete in there and paint red like the rest is.