Porch Column Trim Ideas

[1990C4S]

Looking for materials that will stand the test of time. I have a real winter and snow, but I don't use salt.

I am thinking either a 4x4 pressure treated core or the standard jack post.

Hardie board cover? I am worried about the appearance of the exposed edges.

What about trim material? Plastic?

Maybe I have use wood and paint it every few years....

I want something like this...

[GH85Carrera]

It is spelled Porsche!

No wait, that is a Porch. Never mind.

[Mark Howard]

Check into fiberglass or resin columns. I use them all the time, never had a problem.

[MBAtarga]

PVC is another alternative

[dyount]

You could use some type of structural post to support and then the rest is a wrap. Look into MDO signboard or MDF signboard to make the box and then wrap trim over. You could use Cyprus to wrap or Spanish Cedar. Yes you'd have to paint but with an overhang keeping off the sun maybe every 10 yrs or so.

[Reg]

Be careful using anything other than wood if it's a traditional building. If you use PVC you will probably be able to tell. That said, wrapping wood can be problematic causing moisture trap problems. More layers, more chance of rot. All ends and edges must be primed before assembly being careful not to leave spots for water that would stand vs run off.

[porsche930dude]

I would say that the posts are probrobly composite. Everything is these days. Its good stuff and easy enough to work with and holds up great, But I dont know where you can get posts like that. Im sure you can find something good with a bit of searching.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by dyount

You could use some type of structural post to support and then the rest is a wrap. Look into MDO signboard or MDF signboard to make the box and then wrap trim over. You could use Cyprus to wrap or Spanish Cedar. Yes you'd have to paint but with an overhang keeping off the sun maybe every 10 yrs or so.

I will look into this. I want it to look right, not plastic. And I don't want to buy a resin column, I would prefer to build something that looks right for my house.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[rusnak]

They make stone too. Real stone is cheaper than you may think. These things look like Roman doric columns.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

I would say that the posts are probrobly composite. Everything is these days. Its good stuff and easy enough to work with and holds up great, But I dont know where you can get posts like that. Im sure you can find something good with a bit of searching.

Outwater Inc.

[look 171]

Stone may not look architecturally correct, but I can't see the rest of the house. If you like not to feel the plastic, I second MDO and trim with wood moulding. Do not use that cheap Pine finger jointed molding.