Normally, I'd say yes they are load bearing, but odd that you can see inside them. Why not just be on the safe side and use a jack post to hold up the roof during the swap? They're not expensive.

Yeah I might do that and yeah I was expecting to see a 4x4 down the middle. I was planning just a boxed pillar and need to know whether I need to make it load bearing and if so would a 4x4 be enough.

I know the real answer is consult a engineer but just trying to get idea.

Porch posts are hollow, wood columns are hollow, both are load bearing. Typically they are more about support than carrying a large load, but they are technically load bearing.

I like the ones you have, however, I dont like the white. I would just paint them the color of the siding, so it all blends in better. The white looks out of place.

Plenty of hollow things are strong in compression, like a pipe or a plastic straw or a column like you have. I guarantee that porch overhang will sag unless you support it during a replacement of the columns. I don’t think there’s anything odd about the columns you have. A pressure-treated 4 x 4 should be sufficient to provide the structural strength you need if that is what you want to use as a replacement. However, I’m not sure why you feel the need to change out the columns. They look fine and are in scale with the façade. Changing the paint color is the easy way to deal with this.

I agree with the white. We are going for more modern country but painting might work and much easier fix. Wife will have to buy in for that though.

you can probably even rent the jack post if you wanted. better safe than sorry!

I doubt your porch is supported by a cantilevered structure. My bet is that the posts are structural.

I would not replace the posts. They're the perfect size and shape. Just paint them the same color as the trim.

to each their own. I would replace them. there are four finishes going on with that house. I feel like it would look better if the stone was eliminated. besides, I personally never liked the "wider at the bottom" look. not even on a vintage craftsman.

As said above, they supporting the roof, and being hollow or not they're rated to support that load.

With that said, being hollow inside there should be small vent openings at the top and bottom to allow air circulation inside to prevent moisture from being trapped inside, and that will prevent columns from deteriorating from inside out.

The posts would look better if they were tapered. If you don't like white it should be possible to paint them.