Hiding Wire in 4x4 posts
If I remember correctly, I don't know what show however, the gentlemen was installing an outdoor light fixture to the post of his porch/deck and hid his wires without cutting the post in pieces and drilling a hole down the center. It looked as though he used a criss-cross drilling method, this I can't remember. However, this is what I would like to do, since I'm installing outdoor speakers to my deck and would like to know how I can hide my wires from view, without removing the integrity of the post. Since the posts are holding up my roof over my deck. All suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated. If you have a diagram, feel free to email me a copy. Thank you. Kris
If you're not afraid of losing about 1 3/4 inches by 3 1/2 inches of floor space on your deck, you could make a rabbet down the center of one side of a 2x4 pressure treated stud cut to the same height as the post, run the wire in this notch and then attach the modified 2x4 to the post with the notch against the face of the post. This would hide the wire from view. You could probably use a thinner piece of wood since the speaker wires aren't that thick.
not really Joe, sorry.
it is the problem all field electricians face everyday, how to get from point A to point B....
as we are talking about speaker wires, the hazards are somewhat lessened....
Are the posts painted? If so, I think I would consider adding a piece of ornamental trim that would contain/hide the speaker wires for the length of the post. This could be repeated on opposite sides of the post, or on other posts as well, for symmetry and appearance. Then the post wouldn't require any cutting at all.
[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited October 14, 2002).]
The big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot sell U-shaped plastic strips designed specifically for hiding / enclosing wire in the home. For example along baseboards for an extra receptacle, or up a wall and over to a ceiling fan. The strips come in sizes to accommodate standard house wiring, or smaller versions for a thermostat or speakers. Some of it comes with a mastic backing so you can just press it against the surface; others must be fastened with screws. In any case, I see no reason this system couldn't be used in your application, then painted the color of your choice.