Replacing a Porch Post: Step by Step

The roof load has to sit on temporary shoring before the old post comes out. If the beam, the footing, or the load is in doubt, hire a builder. This page is a sequence, not an engineering sign-off.

Option A: a structural replacement

Use a structural column, a CLM model whose SKU ends in S or an SBCS box column, or a structural turned porch post in the PP32xx series. PP3201 is one of those posts: 5½ inch square ends and 96 inches high, with an internal metal support. PP32xx porch posts come ready to install, kit included.

Shop structural porch posts or the wider structural columns list. Square structural shafts are with the box columns.

Option B: keep a steel support and wrap it

Leave the steel in place, or set a new steel support, and hide it with a decorative split column. That path is on wrapping a steel post. The shell in that case is a decorative column, not the structural post.

Steps

1. Measure the height at each post. Do not assume they match.
2. Shore the beam so the roof load is off the post you are removing.
3. Remove the old post.
4. Check that the deck or footing is sound.
5. Set the new post, ready to install with the kit included, or set the column the way the manufacturer drawing shows.
6. Remove the shoring.
7. Caulk and paint.

Read the Spectis column installation instructions before you set a shaft, and painting factory-primed Spectis millwork before you finish it. The parts ship primed white.