Porch column

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Peter - 26 Jun 2006 01:46 GMT

I am looking to replace a column from under my porch. The only website
I found shows how to make a hollow column. Why would a column not be
build from a solid piece of wood instead of (for example) 4 "planks".

If anybody knows of a good website it would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks in advance,
Peter

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RicodJour - 26 Jun 2006 02:44 GMT

> I am looking to replace a column from under my porch. The only website
> I found shows how to make a hollow column. Why would a column not be
> build from a solid piece of wood instead of (for example) 4 "planks".

A built up column frequently encloses a 4x4 structural column. Solid
sawn columns would check, possibly twist, and you'd pay through the
nose for clear wood. Solid turned columns are treated more like
furniture with more careful kiln drying before dressing.

Older construction would not infrequently use the built up column as
the structural element. This would no longer meet code.

R

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Jonny - 26 Jun 2006 03:47 GMT

>I am looking to replace a column from under my porch. The only website
> I found shows how to make a hollow column. Why would a column not be
> build from a solid piece of wood instead of (for example) 4 "planks".

Is the column you're replacing solid, or fabricated to look solid?
Is the column square, rectangular, round, octagonal, or other?
Is the column fluted?
If solid wood, how old is the house?
http://www.restorationtrades.com/articles/oldgrowth.shtml

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Jonny

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Peter - 29 Jun 2006 00:48 GMT

Thanks. The house is from 1910 but I am not sure how old the column
is. It is solid square piece of wood about 4" sqr. I see some other
responses about the wood bending...good point.

>>I am looking to replace a column from under my porch. The only website
>> I found shows how to make a hollow column. Why would a column not be
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>If solid wood, how old is the house?
>http://www.restorationtrades.com/articles/oldgrowth.shtml

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Jonny - 29 Jun 2006 02:28 GMT

Might be old timber. When cut was one single tree. We cannot do that
anymore. Old growth is gone for cutting. See the link I provided
previously for an exception.

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Jonny

> Thanks. The house is from 1910 but I am not sure how old the column
> is. It is solid square piece of wood about 4" sqr. I see some other
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>>If solid wood, how old is the house?
>>http://www.restorationtrades.com/articles/oldgrowth.shtml

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Al Bundy - 26 Jun 2006 05:23 GMT

Peter <no@email.com> wrote in news:kebu92lv2j09733iiifocrlt15a86e5hqt@
4ax.com:

> I am looking to replace a column from under my porch. The only website
> I found shows how to make a hollow column. Why would a column not be
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Thanks in advance,
> Peter

What shape & size? It's cheaper make and lighter to work with on bigger
rectangular ones. Easily made from common materials available. Solid
turned ones can be pricey.

I had a solid PT one bend so bad when it dried out Mr. Magoo could see it
at night. It was actually pulling down on the roof.

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Homeowner Forum / Construction / June 2006

Porch column