FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

1904 Queen Anne. Fourteen rotten porch column bases (attic profile). Slight diameter variations. Suggestions?

AustenKorowski | Posted in Construction Techniques on November 9, 2020 09:43pm

Victorian house. The front porch has a dozen columns and this year half of them decided to go from looking fine to being substantially rotted. Seems like the Duration paint was acting like a water balloon and made the wood rot at an a accelerated pace. The columns are solid and are barreled (hollow) construction. The square plinths and attic bases are what’s rotting. 

I really wanted to replace all the plinths/attic bases with the load-bearing, synthetic material ones being made by specialty shops and that have drainage notches in the base such as these https://columnsdirect.com/products/load-bearing-vented-attic-column-base . There are 8 or so different manufacturers who all make a nearly identical attic style plinth/base, with slight difference but what they have in common is they support 6″ EXACT columns, and mine vary between 6.1″ and 6.25″. Short of custom dimensioning all 14 from the shop I’m stuck.

My only other idea is to get the wrap around bases, order them all to my largest diameter, set the columns on big wood “plugs” that these websites offer and caulk/fill the minor gap. 

I was really hoping to just drop a grand on exact profile/height matches, that will never rot on me, and allow the original columns to drain any condensation. I’m open to any ideas and sorry if I offend anyone with wanting to go synthetic.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. suburbanguy | Nov 10, 2020 06:43am | #1

    Maybe I'm not understanding the problem... Instead of dropping a grand for new plinths (and copious amounts of filler material), simply drop 2 grand on available profile columns and bases or even 3 grand on new and identically sized, custom moulded columns and custom moulded plinths that match your existing profile. They will all fit together as a system. No one will notice that they aren't handmade and don't vary by 0.1 to 0.25 inches like the originals. Heck, making column and plinth moulds, identical to your current ones, is well within the realm of a DIYer. There are lots of videos on fibreglass and mould making on the Internet. Then find a custom fibreglass manufacturer to make the columns and plinths. If you decide to go this route, hairspray, which happens to contain the required polyvinyl alcohol, is a cheap and readily available mould release agent. You'll need it to release the mould from a column and plinth that you take down and use as what is known as a "plug". Who needs a quart of more of left over release agent sitting around in their garage. Another thing... make sure that your column and plinth plugs, from which you make your moulds, are as perfect as possible. Every imperfect detail will become part of the mould and telegraph through to each column/plinth. --finish the plugs like nice furniture.

    1. AustenKorowski | Nov 10, 2020 09:00am | #3

      If I buy new plinths/attic moldings there will be no wood filler. Those two pieces are all the column itself sits on.

      The top diameter of those available are 6" exactly outside diameter. With mine varying and being all slightly larger than 6" they would not be flush or smaller but instead be slightly larger than what they're sitting on, creating a lip and not being fully supported. The existing columns being reused need to be flush or slightly small diameter than the profile they're sitting on.

      It's well within the possibility to chart out the actual diameters of all 14, along with actual heights for that matter since they're all going to be custom. What just seeing if there was a solution I wasn't considering.

      As far as replacing the columns and whatever else new, I'd prefer not to. It's on the historic registry (which isn't a big deal, they'd let me replace them) but I'd hate to lose the character of these handmade columns (not bases) that are still in phenomenal shape despite being made 45 years ago under the previous owner. Plus, for 14 columns, I don't have $6,000 to be dropping on entirely new kits. (14*$425) or at least not next Spring.

  2. andy_engel | Nov 10, 2020 06:46am | #2

    Find a local custom stair shop that does turnings. These wouldn't be hard to turn from cedar.

  3. suburbanguy | Nov 10, 2020 10:09am | #4

    I now understand better. Andy's suggestion is good. Cedar isn't like the old growth cedar. There are other species you might consider.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh

The Titan Impact X 440 offers great coverage with minimal overspray.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • A Practical Perfect Wall
  • Smarter Stop Block
  • Square Walls Solo
  • Deck-Board Pry Bar

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data