I would like to build several lamp posts for my backyard. To cut costs I am considering dadoing a channel down the middle of a 4×4 for the wiring, and covering up the dado with "ornamental" wood tacked to all four sides. Does anyone have any experience creating lamp posts such as this or see a down side that I am missing? I cannot fine any plans or ideas on the web for such a project.
Any guidance or help would be appreciated!
Best Answer
It may be easier to make a post out of two 2x4's where you can use a router to cut in a V groove down the center of the face of each piece. The two V grooves facing each other would make a channel down the middle of the post.
You may want to consider the use of a PVC conduit in the channel to eliminate the possibility of rusting.
An easier procedure than cutting a the V groove would be to build your lamp posts out of four 2x4s like shown below (end view). This would result in a nice sturdy post that was 5" square with a 2" square hole down the center for the conduit. And if this was constructed from pressure treated lumber before it fully dried it will likely hold its shape as it dried out.