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

Replacing porch posts

redoak | Posted in Construction Techniques on August 13, 2007 10:12am

I’m getting ready to replace my front porch posts. I’ve removed the old supports (4″ x 4″) and have installed galvanized brackets on the ironwood deck (recently installed and floated over a concrete porch floor). The new porch is nailed to a 2″ x 4″ frame (wide side down, i.e., 1 1/2″ high) which is securely attacked to the concrete.

My question is do I need to rent hydraulic jacks to get the new posts in place or can I simply use a framing hammer to pound the top of the posts into place?

Also, aside from priming the bottom of these Doug Fir 4″ x 4″ posts, do you recommend I place anything else on the bottom that will rest on the bracket, i.e., a square of roofing felt, water and ice square, etc.?

As I’m not planning on putting trim around the top, and don’t want to use brackets, will long deck screws be sufficient for securing the top of the post to the beam?

Any advice wiould be greatly appreciated.

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

Replies

  1. DanH | Aug 13, 2007 10:51pm | #1

    You don't need hydraulic jacks. A simple doubled 2x4, wedged at a slight angle, will generally raise a porch roof the quarter inch or so you'd need to avoid pounding on the new column. Or you can use a cheap screw-adjustable segmented lally column -- usually available for $8-15.

    So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
    1. User avater
      redoak | Aug 13, 2007 11:37pm | #2

      Thanks, Dan, I'll see if I can raise the roof by getting another 1/4" off the 2 x 4's. I'll have to look for your screw-adjustable segmented lally column. I've never heard of that one before.

  2. Piffin | Aug 13, 2007 11:37pm | #3

    Whether you need hydraulics to levitate the beam above you depends on how much it has sagged while you went without support. You might be able to correct up to a quarter inch with springpoles, but more than that and you want some asssist

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. User avater
      redoak | Aug 13, 2007 11:41pm | #4

      Good point on the sagging. Not sure how I would check for sagging, however? The beam is relatively level. I guess I should have taken measurements on the old posts before removing them. The guy helping with this project (who has carpentry experience) didn't mention sagging.

      1. DanH | Aug 14, 2007 12:00am | #5

        Well, get out your level and check anything that should be level in the roof.
        So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

        1. User avater
          redoak | Aug 14, 2007 12:06am | #6

          Now why the hell didn't I think of that. Duh? Guess that's why I post here: from the obvious to the not-so-obvious.

        2. Piffin | Aug 14, 2007 12:31am | #8

          I wouldn't rust a four foot level to tell me much in a case like this, and iff the whole house is off ( not uncommon) then point to point lines are better 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      2. Piffin | Aug 14, 2007 12:28am | #7

        Maybe he just doesn't have "much" carpentry experience.To check, run a string line on the beam above. Space it down with a scrap of 2x4 at 1-1/2" at each end, then measure in the middle. If the string is tight, and the difference is more than 1/4", you see it right there.Another method would be with a builder's level. It is even possible that your beam is a false one and there are cantilevered trusses above and no reason to worry. I would have pulled posts in that situation too. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. User avater
          redoak | Aug 14, 2007 12:55am | #9

          Yes, your right about my carpentry experience. Just call me grasshopper, sensei.I'll try your string method. Thanks, Piffin.

  3. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Aug 14, 2007 03:00am | #10

    It's hard to comment on your new setup without seeing it, but generally speaking, I always use some sort of stand-off or base when setting a post.  It helps prevent rotting, as well as ties the post to the porch, helping to prevent up lift.  Also, fastening the bottom of the post may prevent post kick-out from some lateral force.  (If a car hits it, though, all bets are off.  Been there, had to replace the post. )

    If the post is going to be wrapped, I'll shoot stainless screws up through the side of the post to the beam.  With no wrap, I try to fasten from above.  If not possible, well, you do whatever you have to do to fasten the post adequately to the beam, and make it pretty somehow afterwards.

    Good luck.

     

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

    1. User avater
      redoak | Aug 14, 2007 04:39am | #11

      Thanks, Nick, for your post.I've got the posts set in a galvanized base, so that covers the bottom. Not planning on wrapping the post, but will shoot some stainless steel screws up into the beam as you suggest. Maybe I can wrap bottom and top with some sort of trim.Thanks again.

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

Making the Move to Multifamily

A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.

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

  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details
  • A New Approach to Foundations
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems
  • Guest Suite With a Garden House

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 2024
    • 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