Porch Posts Versus Porch Columns, What is the Difference?

Did you know that there is a difference between a porch post and a porch column? Don't worry, you are not alone. The main differences are really in the detail and you can't go wrong with either application. It really depends on the look you are trying to achieve with your home. Never be afraid to consult with an architect to make sure which would fit best with your style of home and how many exactly you will need to hold up that front porch.

One of the first differences that you will notice is the look itself. Porch posts are much smaller in comparison to a porch columns. They are a bit more detailed but do not carry as much load bearing weight as a column does. Generally if you have a very large porch you will most likely want to go with a porch column rather than a porch post.

Porch Posts

Porch posts are great for small front porches where you want a lot of detail. These will be the star of your porch and you will most likely add more of them than you would a column because the load bearing weight is more minimal.

Porch posts can come in a few different materials. The most common materials are wood, polyurethane, and polyethylene. Unfortunately you are not able to customize a porch post like you can with a column.

Porch Columns

Porch columns come in a variety of different materials and sizes. The most common are fiberglass, stone, wood, PVC and aluminum. These are much larger than porch posts and you will find that they are more durable and hold much more weight.

Porch columns are very grand and regal. They have been around for thousands of years and are definitely here to stay!

You can find porch columns today that have a very large diameter, more common is a 10" diameter whereas a porch post averages half of that at 5". You also have the option to get a little more creative with a porch column. You can add a different capital and base to make it more decorative. The sky is literally the limit when choosing a porch column, you can send a drawing of whatever you would like and it can most likely be done.

Porch columns have the ability to also be simple and small. You can get them in a 6" diameter which is pretty close in size to the porch posts. This makes porch columns much more versatile that porch posts.

Make sure you don't make the 5 costly mistakes when buying these more columns though! 

All in all both are great for your front porch. It really depends on what type of look you are going for on your home. Simple and classic or grand and regal?

Worthington is known for their porch columns however we do also provide porch posts. Feel free to give us a call for more information!

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