How to Install Porch Columns | This Old House

Summary

In this video, the team demonstrates how to replace old, rotting wooden columns with durable, load-bearing polyester resin columns reinforced with fiberglass and marble chips. The process involves precise measurements, cutting, and positioning of the columns to ensure uniform height and alignment. The team also uses a masonry blade for clean cuts and a self-sealing membrane to protect against water damage. After installing the columns, they complete the project by caulking and ensuring proper drainage. The video offers helpful tips for anyone tackling similar home improvement projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new front porch has been framed and the deck is installed, setting the foundation for the column work.
• 😀 The old wooden columns were rotted and unable to be saved, requiring replacement with new structural columns.
• 😀 The new columns are made from a polyester resin material combined with fiberglass and marble chips, which is heavy and load-bearing.
• 😀 The new columns can be used both as decorative and structural elements, offering flexibility in design and function.
• 😀 The crew ensures accurate measurements by using a plumb bob to drop a line from the center of the beam, marking the exact placement for each column.
• 😀 The base of each column is carefully positioned by dividing it in half and marking both horizontal and vertical distances from the centerline.
• 😀 To ensure proper column length, precise measurements are taken from the center of the column, with the tape measure kept parallel to the column.
• 😀 A masonry blade is used to make clean and straight cuts in the columns due to the hardness of the polyester resin and marble chips.
• 😀 To protect against moisture, a self-sealing membrane is placed on the deck before the column is positioned and secured in place.
• 😀 The columns are carefully aligned, with the bottom and top parts being secured with screws, ensuring stability and correct placement.
• 😀 Final adjustments are made by lowering the column into position and ensuring a tight fit before caulking the joints, allowing for water drainage from the column base.

Q & A

Why were the original wooden columns replaced?

The original wooden columns were rotted, saturated, and falling apart, making them unsafe and unusable, so they were replaced with new columns.

What material is being used for the new columns, and why was it chosen?

The new columns are made from a polyester resin that includes fiberglass and marble chips. This material is heavy, structural, and can be used either as a load-bearing column or as a decorative column.

What is the process for ensuring that the columns are evenly spaced and positioned?

The crew uses a plumb bob to drop a line from the center of the beam to the ground, marking the center point for each column. They then measure and mark the base to ensure that all columns are positioned evenly.

How do they ensure the height of the columns is consistent?

The crew measures from the top of the deck to the underside of the beam, ensuring the height is the same for all columns. They also measure and adjust for any differences in column size due to the tapered design.

What steps are involved in cutting the polyester resin column?

To cut the polyester resin column, the crew uses a masonry blade, ensuring that the tape measure is parallel with the column to avoid inaccurate measurements. The cutting is done carefully to achieve a straight and clean cut.

Why is a self-sealing membrane used under the columns?

A self-sealing membrane is placed under the columns to protect against moisture and prevent water damage, since it will be impossible to paint or seal underneath the bottom of the columns.

How is the column placed into position once it's cut?

Once the column is cut, it is slid into place, with the crew making sure it aligns with the marked positions. The column is then secured using screws to hold it firmly in place.

What is the significance of centering the column in the gap at the bottom?

Centering the column in the gap ensures it is positioned properly and evenly, contributing to the structural integrity and aesthetic balance of the porch.

What precautions are taken to ensure water can drain properly from the column?

The crew avoids caulking around the bottom of the column, allowing any water that may enter to drain out. This helps to prevent water buildup inside the column.

How can viewers access more information about home improvement projects?

Viewers can find more home improvement videos on the Whole House website, which offers a wide variety of project tutorials. Subscribing to their channel ensures that new videos are delivered directly to their feed.