Expert: Dan Griffin - 4/23/2008

Question
Dan,
I have four 4x4 columns on my front porch, two on each side.
I would like to fix them up somehow, not just paint them.
My first thought was buying a column cover, another column that fits over the original column and comes in two pieces.  Don't know if they make that product though.  Outside of that, would I just rip boards and nail them to the existing column, 45 the edges for a smoth finish?  An then add molding to decorate it?
Thanks,
Lee

Answer
Lee, there are many ways to work with your columns.

You can wrap them with wood, though I would suggest Azek.
http://www.azek.com/viewPhoto.php?name=AZEK+Columns
The new material can be mitered, but it will be easier to work with square cut material.  You can wrap your existing posts with furring blocks to make the columns larger.

Yes, they make column covers.  Here is one brand that I have worked with:
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=904
Make sure you read the red portion of the page.

It is also quite possible to shore the porch, and remove the existing column and replace it with a new load bearing column.  The new column can be wrought iron, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, steel, etc.

There are many sources for full new columns, but the Outwater site has sample of each type.  I am not pushing them, just using them as reference.

Fiberglass:
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=891

Capitals and bases:
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=905
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=888

Plastic cover:
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=907&targe...