Posts and columns add to the beauty of your porch, but they are also the important vertical support that holds up your porch roof. Careful consideration needs to be given to the location, size and number of posts and columns your porch needs.

Make sure to check with your local building department, which has codes that determine the minimum size and spacing for posts. Also talk with your architect about the right posts and columns that will make your porch both sound and attractive.

Things to Think About

• The size and shaping of your posts and columns should complement the architectural style of your house. For example, thick columns in a masonry base are often used on a Craftsman porch, while a Victorian porch may include tightly spaced, thin and embellished posts.
• Substantial posts are generally considered more pleasing to the eye than spindly ones.
• There are manufactured posts and columns made from materials that mimic wood (composites made from resins and woods, high-density polyurethane and vinyl) that can be more expensive, but these products are generally long-lasting and require less maintenance.