Replacing Wood Columns with Fiberglass Columns
Posted by: Robert Robillard
Replacing wood columns with fiberglass columns is usually a straight forward and easy project. On a recent project we were asked to replace three wood columns, one of which was severely rotted and caused the porch to settle 1 inch. A project like this requires a building permit and experience understanding and building a temporary supporting column / post.
Cutting round columns can be a challenge. Round columns are typically smooth, the shaft is tapered and made of wood or fiberglass composite.
Round columns have a consistent diameter on the bottom 1/3 of the shaft height which allows for cutting to adjust for fit. The columns top 2/3’s height have a slight taper.
Tips for cutting round fiberglass columns:
1. Use a piece of paper, cardboard, aluminum stock, luan plywood or anything that can wrap around the column. If your material does not fully wrap around the column you can make four measurement marks and connect these marks with your materials. Wrap your flexible stock at the mark and then mark the column for your saw cut.
2. Cutting round columns can be difficult, especially if your alone. I use bungee cords or rope to lash the column to my saw horses before cutting round columns.
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About Robert Robillard
Robert Robillard is the editor of the blog, A Concord Carpenter, Assistant Editor of Tool Box Buzz and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts. Rob hosts the Concord Carpenter... Read more
when i was delivery driver before the spinal diseases came down on me i noticed alot of the colums being sold also the metal ones that come as a kit.
Our company makes wood columns both structural and decorative and we strongly believe that replacing wood with fiberglas is aesthetically less pleasing and less durable. Fiberglas is a quick and cheap way to go, but you get what you pay for.
You make a great point. However I’ve seen many a laminated wood column that fails in a few years. Solid columns are awesome and wood columns in protected areas work well. Fiberglass columns are still a viable option for exposed areas