skip to main content

Home Repair Remodeling DIY

Anchor columns on front porch?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hi. I am in a remodel and need to add rails around my front porch. The porch columns are hollow 8x8 columns made of 5/4x6 boards and free standing on plinths like the ones here.

The columns rest on the very outer edge of the porch on two bricks installed on their side perpendicular to the house like here:

Their trim makes them appear to be hanging over the edge but they are not. The outside brick on one of the columns has pulled way from its mortar and is leaning slightly, not much, but slight. Now is the time to address the columns, if needed. Thoughts on this? I will be pouring new concrete stairs soon and could have the concrete company build out a column base, but is that overkill for this porch? I could remove the two brick under the column and pour just a 8x8 base the thickness of the brick on or I could do nothing. thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

Stax
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I have a similar front porch roof - mine has four columns, two on each side of the entryway.

Each column is made of four 1"X10". Each column internally has three or four "stiffeners" inside made of crossed 2"X4"s. Each column is approximately twenty feet tall.

My purpose in sharing this ? My columns are non load bearing!

The porch roof is cantilevered out from the truss system in my attic.

So my four columns are hanging from the roof structure and are in need of having plinths to attach the columns to the concrete porch that prevent the wind or a solid push from moving the column.

Check in your attic and determine how your porch roof is supported!
Jawna Gardner
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks Stax. I have been in the attic and I don't believe there is a truss system associated with the front porch, but I will get up there again and confirm. Fingers crossed they are no structural! I still don't have anything in place to prevent them from uplift from wind (we have the occasional hurricane 3 force winds here in Raleigh, NC. I could manage that with strapping. thank you for taking the time to offer thoughts!
Related Discussions
Do I keep this column on my front porch?
Q
Comments (16)
IMO, that white column is too fancy-looking and monumental for the house. They look colonial and the main part of your house looks industrial? And maybe the column is too far to the edge of the porch? Actually, to me it looks tilted. That's metal siding? If so, I would look more industrial-y for the column and figure out how to blend the chimney in. Actually, I would re-think the entire porch and make it more current and less conventional. Right now, it doesn't look like it really goes with the architecture of the house. Could you take some more photos so we can see the whole house? Different angles? The yard?
...See More
front porch steps, columns and railing ideas
Q
Comments (5)
I don't imagine that you need a railing for code, but one would be nice. I would cover the posts in white and have a white railing. Some simple plantings along the foundation. This is interesting. I like this one and the style of the porch skirting.
...See More
Front porch column & rail ideas (industrial style)
Q
Comments (7)
Suggest you stop and decide what the entire project will look like, then work to make it happen. Think through all your ideas. Figure out how everything will be done. Looking at the lights for an example. The base should be in the center of the piece of siding. Lap siding is normally installed with butt joints staggered, or the end butts a piece of trim. I'd remove the 2 leftmost lights, add some dark trim and a wide column. Consider removing the railing.
...See More
Front Porch Columns
Q
Comments (21)
You can use a pump sprayer with an extension wand. You should be able to easily reach it with a ladder.
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 7 Ideas to Get You Back on the Front Porch

Remember the good old days, when porches offered front-row seats to street scenes? They can be even better today

PORCHES Dream Spaces: Gracious, Spacious Front Porches

By Lisa Higgins

Maybe it’s the view. Maybe it’s the bed swing. Whatever their individual comforts, all of these porches encourage a leisurely stay

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Double Front Porches Stack Up Comfort

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

Twice the space, twice the outdoor pleasure. A double front porch lets you enjoy views, fresh air and company that much more

EXTERIORS 10 Essentials for a Welcoming Front Porch

By Laura Gaskill

A few well-chosen pieces can help make your porch comfortable for relaxing and greeting neighbors

FEEL-GOOD HOME How to Create a Friendly Front Porch

Follow these 4 steps to make your porch a comfortable, welcoming space

PORCHES Entry Refresh: Step Up Your Front Porch Stairs

See 8 ideas that can elevate the style and function of your exterior steps

ENTRYWAYS Entry Refresh: 7 Bright Ideas for Front Porch Lighting

Find the front porch light placement and style that’s right for your home

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Porch Life: 12 Ways to Beautify a Porch With Plants

By Becky Harris

Abundantly welcoming, plants rooted in pots, hanging in baskets or climbing up a trellis add life to porches

REMODELING GUIDES Renovation Detail: The Tapered Craftsman Column

By Rachel Grace

Squared, simple and perfectly proportioned, tapered columns add Craftsman-style beauty to porches, porticoes and interiors

Entrance Canopies: The New Porch

Creative Overhangs Offer Sheltered Passage to the Front Door

Sponsored

More Discussions

numbers of termites baits

2

Help regarding a leaking roof

7

Urgent Need Costa Brava Terrassa Engineered Hardwood Batch of 20'-21'

0

Any ideas on patching an asphalt shingle roof?

4

What's the easiest cost effective way to fix these kitchen cabinets?

15