1. Since it's not load bearing, it should be ok to sit on the porch decking. But consider whether you're going to need to replace the deck boards in the future and how difficult it will be with the veneer on top of it. 2. You don't need a beam for support, but you might want it for the aesthetics to tie it in with the other load-bearing posts. 3. I'd recommend putting the post top to bottom, inside the veneer as well as above it. You'll be more likely to get a good, plumb post that way. One more thing to consider: if you're putting stone on top of a wood structure, it may not be engineered to support it. Decks are generally engineered to support about 50 psf. How much will your stone veneer weigh?

We're having a screen porch built (15x20 w/ tongue and groove ceiling. It took our carpenter about 2.5 solid days just to stain wood. Maybe that helps if you can figure out hourly rates? I would really not be comfortable separating out construction and staining though. What if something goes wrong and the stain does not come out right? The stainer could blame the quality of wood used, and the people who did the construction could blame the stainer and you could be left not knowing who to hold accountable. Seems like a recipe for trouble to me.

Bright199, i am in northeastern north carolina. i am in belvidere, north carolina. it's about 25 miles west of Elizabeth City. and about 1 hour west of the outer banks. very flat land and very rural farming area. i am originally from the foothills of the nc mtns: morganton and still have family that live there, so i go there about 3 times a year. where are you from? yes i can send you pics of things i've done. i have all our creations on a shutterfly album, and i can send you a selection of pics that i think you would be interested in. just send me your email address. i do everything from outdoor stuff to indoor stuff. my husband i are getting ready to make a farm dining room table out of old porch posts and old barn boards. we are also going to make a couch or sofa out of old doors. i also rent a space in our local antique shop and so far so good. o.k. thanks for replying to my posts and let me know if i can ever help you with any of your trash to treasure projects. sherree

@Patricia Colwell thanks for the suggestions! Would you suggest square or round posts and would you change the header as well? @houssaon Gorgeous doors thanks for the suggestion! Yes, landscaping is growing wild in the photo. I have to replace two of the posts due to rot but worried maintaining status quo will hurt resale down the road.