Replies

1. 
   Framer | Apr 16, 2008 12:01am | #1

   Go to a lumberyard.

   Joe Carola
1. 
   JeffBuck | Apr 16, 2008 04:13am | #4

   that's funny.

    

   and he can call too.

   I just did so yesterday.

    

   they got'em.

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

2. 
   dirtyturk | Apr 16, 2008 12:36am | #2

   Try http://www.outwater.com.  They have a selection of decorative structural columns and other exterior trim. They have the wrap type where you have a structure inside and they used to have the column that was load bearing.

   Should be a good start.

   ciao, ted

3. 
   ptp | Apr 16, 2008 03:11am | #3

   For certain applications I like the permacast fiberglass columns.

   Here's one manufacturer: http://www.hbgcolumns.com/?gclid=CJC2npWl3pICFRsOIgodHC0t6g

4. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 16, 2008 04:19am | #5

   For wood to be painted, I would contact the local yard as noted above.

   For low maintenance, permacast is a good option and would probably be available locally as well.

   For no maintenance (and less flexibility), vinyl is an option. Your profile give us no help, but maybe these guys can ship to you.

    

   Jon Blakemore

   RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

1. 
   Piffin | Apr 16, 2008 04:53am | #6

   "vinyl is an option"He did say structural... 

    

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

1. 
   theslateman | Apr 16, 2008 12:25pm | #7

   They're rated for 14,000 lb load

2. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 16, 2008 05:35pm | #8

   As Walter said, they can supposedly support 14,000 lbs.You can get the columns by themselves (with cap & base) or order a 3" AL sleeve that handles the loads.On a side note, I've always wondered how a 3" AL tube can be said to support 14k, while I just recently bought some 4" steel lolly columns that were only good to 18k. I'm sure it has to do with safety factors on the lolly (and the AL tube failed at 14,001) but I've always found that interesting. 

   Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

1. 
   Piffin | Apr 16, 2008 11:58pm | #10

   do you really mean vinyl, or is this a vinyl coated composite or a PVC formulated for structural?I don't even see vinyl casement windows able to support themselves from weight of glass, and every vinyl railing I have ever seen had swoops in it come summer when it heated up. somebody is going to have to prove it to me before I can swallow this one. 

    

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

1. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 17, 2008 06:33am | #12

   No, I really mean vinyl.Like I said, the structural columns come with a 3" aluminum tube that bears the load. 

   Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

2. 
   Piffin | Apr 17, 2008 02:31pm | #13

   OK, so the vinyl column is not load bearing. That is what I thought. 

    

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

5. 
   RusselRenos | Apr 16, 2008 06:18pm | #9

   Hi John,

   I just recently instatlled some front porch columns on my custom home.   I was first considering using 6x6 wood columns but found that they tended to split, which I didn't like cosmetically.  So I decided to use 5x5 square aluminum column from a local aluminum railing supplier, with jack posts hidden inside of them for added support.  The aluminum columns were rated at 12,000LB so they would have been able to support my front porch canopy, but frankly, I didn't trust them.

   Hope that helps.

6. 
   reinvent | Apr 17, 2008 12:59am | #11

   These two have been around the longest and have the best selection:

   http://www.worthingtonmillwork.com/

   http://www.columns.com/