What can I use for porch columns?
What can I use for porch columns?
The best material for porch columns is wood. Most types of woods can be used to make rectangular or square columns. Yellow pine and douglas fir post work best for paint grade or economy porch columns. For high-end wood columns for porch, use hardwoods like mahogany, birch, or oak.
How wide are porch columns?
A porch column is grand, regal and almost double the size of your typical porch post, averaging a 10-inch diameter. This is usually the architectural element of choice for larger porches.
What size should porch posts be?
Length: 8 feet is a standard length for the vast majority of porches, however 9-foot and 10-foot posts are popular custom options. We build up to 12-foot tall porch posts. Width: 3.5 inches is the standard size for the squared base of the posts, while 5-inch wide columns are another common size.
How far apart should porch posts be?
Common Post Spacing In general, the maximum span for a 4-by-6 beam is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts. If you move up to 4-by-8, you’re usually allowed to span up to 10 feet between posts. A 4-by-10 can usually span up to 12 feet between posts.
How much weight can a 4×4 post support vertically?
Properly supported at 16” centers, and it can support up to 4,000lbs. Used vertically as a post, an 8′ 4×4 can support about 6,000 PSI before buckling, and even more if correctly braced.
Can you use 6×6 for porch columns?
While there may be a handful of circumstances that only require the minimum 4×4 deck post, you will more than likely want to choose a 6×6 post for the deck. It provides more stability for larger decks, the ability to hold a heavier load, and more room for notching.
What type of wood is used for porch columns?
Almost any type of wood works fine for square or rectangular columns. For economy or paint-grade, use fir or yellow pine. For high-end columns, use hardwoods such as birch, mahogany or white or red oak. As with any type of exterior wood, proper sealing and maintenance is required.
Why are columns tapered?
The taper is a decreasing radius of the column from bottom. This design was strictly an architectural trick invented during the period of the ancient civilizations. To have a smaller top than bottom means that the top of the column will look smaller and the building will look taller.