Wood Post Bottom With Filler
It's always better to
replace a damaged wood post than it is to repair it with wood filler,
however, in a situation like this where the wood post isn't damaged
beyond repair, installing a little bit of wood filler isn't a bad idea,
for your average do-it-yourselfer, who isn't interested in replacing the
post.
Who knows how long this wood post is going to last, because it's sitting
on top of a thin piece of metal, that is directly fastened on to a
concrete patio slab.
It would be better to install a different structural
posts base bracket that would allow the bottom of the post to be
separated from the concrete slab in some manner.
There are metal brackets that you can buy from your local home
improvement center or lumber yards that raise the bottom of your wood
posts 1 inch off of the ground. These are excellent ways to prevent
future damage to your wood post.
Most wood post damage like this is done, because the wood is practically
indirect contact with moisture as homeowners use the garden hose to wash
their patios off and moisture from the soil continues to work its way up
and through the top of the concrete patio slab.
I have never been a strong advocate for any types of wood fillers and
probably never will be. They provide homeowners and contractors with
temporary solutions to difficult home repairs.