Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 16, 2002 10:23pm | #1

   I would go to the a library or bookstore and look at the books on Bungalows and the magazine American Bungalow.

   Pairie style is often figured in with Bungalow (Mission, Craftsman, etc) style. And there are lots of variation in those.

   But I would start looking at the pictures of different homes and see what you think would fit yours.

   But most common is a wide tapper square post on massive base.

   I have also seen where 2 or 3l small square post (4x4 or 6x6) have been used next to each other. That fits the rectulinear style of the Prairie homes.

2. 
   calvin | Nov 17, 2002 02:51am | #2

   skmd,

   Here's a new porch on a late 50's/early 60's house.  Passersby have said it complements the house.  It might give you ideas, or maybe show you what you don't want.  Anyway, here it is.

   __________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

   
3. 
   Ragnar17 | Nov 17, 2002 10:38am | #3

   I'd start by taking Bill's advice and go get yourself some photos to look at.  There are dozens of options  for you.

   Beyond that, I would say to use at least a nominal 6" post.  4x4's just look too spindly.  And definitely do NOT use round columns.  Craftsman and Prairie School design was always rectilinear in every porch column I have ever seen.

   Most columns I have seen or worked on are at least 6" box posts, if clustered, or at least 8" if standing alone.  I have seen up to 12" on residential porches. 

   Finally, I would recommend that you keep the columns in proportion to the existing trim on the house.  If you have 1x3 trim around the windows, 10" or 12" posts will probably look way too big. 

   Good luck on your project!

   Ragnar

1. 
   skmd1 | Nov 17, 2002 09:46pm | #4

   that is part of the problem - once I sheath a 6x6, leaving room under the sheathing for air flow, it starts to look pretty huge - 4 of these on a 25' wide porhc might be overwhelming. I'm thinking 4x4's, sheathed with a slight taper to perhaps 8-9 inchest at the base, 6" at the top. Maybe a box face-trim.

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Nov 17, 2002 10:54pm | #5

   here's  a discussion from last week about arts-&-crafts columns

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=24537.2

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   Edited 11/17/2002 2:59:51 PM ET by Mike Smith

4. 
   CAGIV | Nov 18, 2002 06:13am | #6

   when you say praire style do you mean in the Frank Lloyd Wright sence, He started the "praire style" home and many copied.  In a general sence a prairy style home uses mainly earthy materials, and is a longer, Horizontal, home, emphasis is placed more on the horizontal attributes then the vertical.  If this is what your reffering to, I would suggest goint to the local book store and looking through some books about F. L. Wright and choose what seems to fits closest to your design of home.