Who Should I Hire to Replace Porch Columns?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you’re wondering who to hire to replace porch columns, start with a carpenter. Porch posts support roof loads and require a pro with the tools and experience to shore the structure and replace columns safely. Use this hiring guide to match the right contractor to your column material and project scope, and to know when specialty help is necessary.

Benefits of Hiring a Carpenter to Replace Porch Columns

Hiring a carpenter for porch column replacement protects your home’s structure and value. These pros understand how homes are assembled and repaired and handle load-bearing work safely. They bring the right tools, shore the roof correctly, and finish efficiently so the repair is done right the first time. A carpenter’s process helps you address immediate issues and prevent future failures.

Here are some of the top perks of working with a pro:

• Licensed and insured for homeowner protection

• Equipped with specialized tools, including house jacks and bracing

• Trained to work on load-bearing structures safely

• An efficient process minimizes disruption and delays

• Troubleshoots the cause of prior column damage

• Handles finishing touches like paint and deck repairs

• Understands home assembly and structural interfaces

• Takes responsibility for the repair outcome

If your porch columns are load-bearing or you’re unsure about the structural requirements, you might want to consider a carpentry contractor near you to ensure the job is done safely and up to code.

Can I Hire a Foundation Repair or Masonry Pro to Replace Porch Columns?

Foundation repair companies and masonry contractors are better fits for columns made of concrete, brick, or stacked cinder blocks. These specialists understand load-bearing challenges and foundational work. 

If a failing column is taller than one story, such as on a multi-level facade, bring in a structural engineer. Choose the pro based on column material and the project’s structural complexity.

How Do Pros Replace Porch Columns?

Pros follow a structured, safety-first process:

1. Shore the structure with temporary braces, commonly 4-by-4 lumber on each side, down to the ground

2. Place a house jack beneath the bracing to relieve roof stress

3. Remove the old column base

4. Complete any needed foundation repairs

5. Install new columns

6. Finish with paint and any deck repairs

7. Troubleshoot the original cause to help prevent future damage

How Much Does Replacing Porch Columns Cost?

The cost to install a porch column ranges from $300 to $2,500, and most homeowners pay $500. Your final price depends on the materials you choose and whether the column is ornamental or load-bearing. Load-bearing work, such as shoring, adds structural steps and can increase overall project complexity and cost.