Filling deck railing.

[brookbend]

Over time my deck rails, mitred together originally, shrunk and now there’s a gap. I layed in wood strips then filled with Minwax 2-part wood putty. But soon after the fill is cracking. The san diego sun is intense.

What works better?

[joe1086]

Taller posts with top rails that butt into the posts. Top rail shrinkage along the width is the problem.

[toolmiser]

I used caulking but my rails are white stain.

[brookbend]

Taller posts is interesting. But too late - I’m a homeowner. I guess I dont want to switch out the posts, now. Thanx

[jteneyck]

Can you put a cap on top?  

John

[srv52761]

Wood moves.  Use a flexible caulk and paint to match.

[joe1086]

Taller posts is interesting. But too late - I’m a homeowner. I guess I dont want to switch out the posts, now. Thanx

Just a suggestion.

Cut the mitered ends off square to the edges of the post. Extend the post with a short cut off and cap it.

[brookbend]

I bet automobile body filler would work. If I can get enough of it into small spaces and sand it nice. It certainly would be stable.

[Snipe Hunter]

IMHO, filler would look worse.

[brookbend]

But car filler is stable. Can apply carpenter’s stick to match color