Replace Porch Columns (Porch Posts / Porch Columns / Use Post Jack DIY / How To Remove And Replace)

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Taking out old porch columns and replacing them with new ones isn't as difficult as it seems. This video will show you the entire process, from start to finish. But just remember--removing any structural support from your house can be extremely dangerous! You should always consult a professional carpenter, contractor, and possibly engineer before attempting it yourself.

Tool List:
Post Jack
Tape Measure
Speed Square
16 oz Hammer
6-in-1 Painter's Tool
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
48-inch Level
CaulkingGun

Material List:
New Column
Siliconized Caulk
Post Base

How To:
1) Use a post jack to carefully lift the roof weight off of the column. Only crank in quarter turns, watching the beam lift while doing so. Only lift the beam enough to pull the column out without force. Remove the old post / column.
2) Either measure the original column, once removed, or measure the new opening and subtract 1/8"-3/16". You can also measure the space BEFORE the old column is removed, but if there is sagging, I like to take the opportunity to lift it out just a little.
3) Cut your new column to length using either a miter saw (easiest option), or a circular saw and a speed square. Just make sure that you're leaving enough length at the bottom of the post for a railing, if the column is figured, and also factor in the height of the post base.
4) If the railing is wood, caulk the end grain on the bottom to prevent against water intrusion.
5) Attach the post base with provided screws.
6) Set new column in place and plumb with a level.
7) Counter-turn the screw on the post jack to let the roof weight back down onto the post. Caulk the seam at the top.

For more tips, trick and articles, check out our blog, The Honest Carpenter:

[kelcritcarroll]

Im a 59 year old housewife and just found your channel…now im binge watching! Haha! Very informative and easy for me to understanding even! You have a new subscriber!😂

[edover]

Great video Ethan, liked the use of the post jack and the end sealing with Alex plus. Drilling into old brick can be sketchy. What I enjoy most about your videos is that you are clear, concise and show us “your way” Doing a good job for your customers/followers resonates throughout all of your videos. Keep them coming.

[justinmosley]

Great job, Brother! I'm replacing three porch columns tomorrow, and this is EXACTLY what I needed to see. Thank you, Sir!

[coloradokat]

There was so much info in this video. Wish all I watch are like these. Thank you!

[jeffreylonigro]

Great video! Straightforward and easy to understand. Keep it up. Don’t get discouraged. This is better than most of the videos on this topic.

[timbob]

Once again, awesome suggestions and video. I am about to replace 14 - 25yr old 4x4 porch posts with the same turned 6x6s you have. A lot of negatives about these types of posts, but doing it with heavy caulk is a great idea. The newer ones come specially sealed at the bottom now to help repel water, so you can't trim from the bottom. I will still add caulk to bottom and inside like you suggested and will do the top also because I have OCD with caulk. I am also installing a top and bottom round vent, even though I will have a bottom plate. Again OCD. Keep up the great vids.

[matthewkeisling]

Great video. The builders of my house could learn a lot from you. One of my wooden posts is terribly rotted out at the bottom. I will replace that one first, but will replace all of them with the guidance from your video.

[elizabethwestbrook]

Great video:I had a porch column placed on end of porch nx to drive. Over time, rain water went between 1st and 2nd post. That caused the dirt in front to loosen sandstone under porch. Great video. I took notes. Now, I will have a carpenter do it right! Thanks for your help.

[scotte]

Thanks for the great video. Followed your instructions and everything went smoothly.

[montagch]

Great video! This was so helpful in replacing my porch posts.

[supersonicspacekitty]

The post jack has doubled in price over 6 years 🤦🏼‍♀️

Great video, thank you!

[tracyjeffreys]

Thank you! I’m sure it’s not going to be as easy as you made it look, not for me anyway. But, thank you so much. That is the exact type of column that I need to replace and I want it to be replaced with a square column.

[randyemyers]

Very informative video. This was my go-to for replacing my rusted out wrought iron porch columns with 6x6 cedar posts. Thank you!

[gyver]

Thanks for the detailed talking explanation I hate when people just blast through the installation without explanation. Subscribed

[brodieelkins]

I have heard of in a 3 post set up, you can cut the center post low and put a heavey duty rolling jack on it and then change the other outer two out. But I really liked seeing the right tools for the job.

[TheRobstant]

Thank you!

I have this exact with wood rot on the corner....i appreciate your attention to have never seen a post jack like the one you plan to get one....again thank you and i hope you make many more videos!

[mn_dll]

So you don’t have to anchor or drill into the brick at the bottom? The column is just held in place by the weight?

[stevegiddens]

Thanks Ethan. Your instructions are great.

[richardvanpuymbrouck]

Those posts is what i currently have on my house. They are garbage. And nailing them is what the previous owners did. So, i am getting rid of that garbage. I am putting simpson brackets up top and floor brackets on the ground.

[josephschlaerth]

Great video! Would you drill a pilot hole for the toenails at the top of the post to keep the top from kicking out while hammering?