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- What are porch posts? Porch posts are vital vertical structural and architectural elements that support the roof, deck, or overhang of a porch. They are essential for a structure's stability and significantly enhance a home's curb appeal. Whether you are building new or renovating, selecting the right post is crucial for both function and design. As a premier local lumber store, Arlington Coal and Lumber Company provides the materials and expertise necessary for projects across the Greater Boston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and surrounding New England region.
What is the best post for a porch? The best post material depends on your specific needs, budget, desired aesthetic, and the climate. Arlington Coal and Lumber Company, your local building supplies expert and one-stop shop, stocks various options, ensuring you find the perfect match for your home:- Wood posts: Classic, traditional, and highly customizable. Options like pressure-treated pine or durable cedar offer natural strength. They are an ideal choice for a traditional look, offering unmatched customization for railing attachments and trim work. They do require periodic maintenance (painting or sealing) to prevent rot and warping, especially at the base where moisture can collect.
- Fiberglass columns: The ultimate low-maintenance solution. These columns are extremely durable, rot-proof, and lightweight for easy installation, yet they boast impressive load-bearing capabilities. They are a popular, long-lasting alternative to wood and are available in various styles, including smooth, fluted, and tapered, for a sophisticated finish that resists splitting and insect damage. Explore our selection of high-performance fiberglass columns.
- Aluminum/vinyl posts: Excellent for durability and minimal upkeep. These posts resist weather damage, never require painting, and offer a clean, contemporary appearance perfect for modern homes. They are often used for railing systems due to their integrated structural stability.
What are the standard porch post sizes and why they matter? The standard size of a porch post is dictated by engineering requirements - specifically, the load it must support - rather than just its visual appeal. Standard residential porch post sizes typically range from 4x4-in (actual dimensions: 3.5-in x 3.5-in) to 6x6-in (actual dimensions: 5.5-in x 5.5-in) for dimensional wood posts.
For heavier loads or grander aesthetics, structural columns can be 8-in, 10-in, 12-in, or greater in diameter or width. Always adhere to local building codes and consult a material estimate specialist at one of our friendly locations to verify the precise load capacity and sizing required for your project.
How to tell if porch posts are structural? A porch post is structural if it directly supports a load-bearing beam, header, or the roof structure above. Non-structural posts, such as decorative wraps or column covers, are purely aesthetic and do not carry the vertical weight of the structure. To determine if a post is structural:- Look for robust connections like heavy-duty metal brackets, bolts, or secure joint work at both the top and bottom, fastening the post to the frame or foundation.
- Structural posts must be made from properly specified load-bearing materials - solid wood, steel, or engineered-approved columns and posts.
- Never attempt to remove or alter a post without confirming its function. If you're unsure, always consult a structural engineer or a knowledgeable professional at your local home improvement store, Arlington Coal and Lumber Company.
- Prevent moisture damage: For wood posts, ensure they are properly flashed and raised above the concrete or porch floor using metal post bases. This prevents wicking moisture, which is the primary cause of rot and premature failure.
- Check plumb: Always use a level to ensure the post is perfectly plumb (vertical) for safety and a professional appearance.
- Custom orders: If you need specific heights, diameters, or custom millwork details for historic preservation projects, our local lumberyard can facilitate special orders for porch posts and columns tailored to your exact specifications.
- Material estimates: Take advantage of our free material estimates to ensure you order the right quantity and type of lumber and porch posts the first time.
- Wood posts: Classic, traditional, and highly customizable. Options like pressure-treated pine or durable cedar offer natural strength. They are an ideal choice for a traditional look, offering unmatched customization for railing attachments and trim work. They do require periodic maintenance (painting or sealing) to prevent rot and warping, especially at the base where moisture can collect.
Pack Quantity
The quantity that makes up a standard package.
You must order in units of this quantity.
Items are sold in Gross and Pieces.
Example: Package quantity
- .3333 gross enter .3333
- 10 gross enter 10 or 20, 30 etc.
- 72 pieces enter 72 or 144, 216 etc.
Please note: 1 gross = 144 pieces.
| Pack Quantity | Pieces |
|---|---|
| 0.0208 | 3 |
| 0.0417 | 6 |
| 0.0555 | 8 |
| 0.0625 | 9 |
| 0.0694 | 10 |
| 0.0833 | 12 |
| 0.1041 | 15 |
| 0.1111 | 16 |
| 0.1250 | 18 |
| 0.1389 | 20 |
| 0.1667 | 24 |
| 0.2083 | 30 |
| 0.2222 | 32 |
| 0.2500 | 36 |
| 0.2778 | 40 |
| 0.3333 | 48 |
| 0.4166 | 60 |
| 0.5000 | 72 |
| 0.6667 | 96 |
| 0.7500 | 108 |
| 1.3333 | 192 |
| 1.5000 | 216 |
| 1.6667 | 240 |
