installing support columns into concrete porch
#1
06-29-13, 09:24 PM
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: USA
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installing support columns into concrete porch
I'd like to replace old and disintegrating wrought iron railings and support posts over a concrete porch with new 7 ft support columns. To lesson maintenance, I don't want to use wood. Can anyone recommend a source of replacement columns that I could secure to an existing concrete porch?
The Tapco adjustable support columns from Lowes seemed at first to be what I was looking for, but the instructions indicate that you secure it into place by pouring new concrete over the base of the column. I would like to secure the column into the existing concrete porch with an anchor, not pour new concrete.
I found some columns from Certainteed that seemed to be what I'm looking for, but I haven't been able to find a vendor since they apparently only sell to contractors.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
The Tapco adjustable support columns from Lowes seemed at first to be what I was looking for, but the instructions indicate that you secure it into place by pouring new concrete over the base of the column. I would like to secure the column into the existing concrete porch with an anchor, not pour new concrete.
I found some columns from Certainteed that seemed to be what I'm looking for, but I haven't been able to find a vendor since they apparently only sell to contractors.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
#3
06-30-13, 03:55 AM
It will depend greatly on the weight bearing of the porch on the columns. If you have metal ones now, you may not have much to bear and the metal columns can go in place as decoration. Pictures would help us see what you have. Need a pic from the front of the house, and down the porch. No close ups, please, we know what nails look like 
. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html
. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html
#4
06-30-13, 10:45 AM
Join Date: Jun 2013
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Here are some pictures. Sorry if two of them qualify as "close-ups"; I thought they might be useful.
#6
06-30-13, 04:08 PM
When this house was built, there were probably no concerns for settling. From what I see in your pix, it has held up well. If there is any weight bearing, there must be footings poured to spread the weight and prevent settling. I have installed 8" columns in place of what you have with bases and capitals and they look just fine. I have also replaced existing metal posts with 6x6 #1 posts and added decorative trim around the top, bottom and at about the 6' mark to make a custom look. Sitting the wood on a base plate prevents moisture from wicking, and you can trim around it. After a few months you can paint it and it will look as good as the store bought ones.
