Page 566 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 447

Columns and Posts
Support the porch roof with either solid or built-up posts or columns. Figure 16-6A shows a column built
from doubled 2 x 4s covered with 1- x 4-inch casing on two opposite sides and 1- x 6-inch finish casing
on the other sides. Solid posts should be either 4- x 4- or 6- x 6-inch lumber. For a traditional style
home, use factory-made adjustable round columns.

Keep the post or column base out of any pocket or depression that will collect moisture and invite
decay. If high winds aren't a design consideration, use a steel pin to join a one-piece post to the
foundation. Set a large galvanized washer or spacer between the bottom of the post and the top of the
floor or slab, as in Figure 16-6B. Apply wood preservative to cut ends at both the top and bottom of the
post. For a cased post, install flashing under the base molding, as in Figure 16-6C. Build all deck posts
and framing from pressure-treated lumber. Use 0.40 treated lumber for framing and 0.60 treated lumber
for posts in contact with the ground.