Porches, columns and railings
Porches take the weather first. We rebuild what has failed and keep what hasn't.
A porch is a roof, a floor and a set of posts, all outdoors, and each part fails in its own way. We find where the water gets in, replace the decayed pieces and keep the turned posts, brackets and balusters that make the porch what it is. Where a part is gone, we turn or cut a match.
What we don't do
We don't build new porches on houses that never had one. A porch addition is a different job; ask us who to call.
What's included
Floor boards, joists and framing repaired or replaced
Columns, posts and bases repaired, with new bases where needed
Railings and balusters matched to the original pattern
Steps and stringers rebuilt to the code that applies
Ceilings, trim and roof edges on the porch repaired
Pricing
What changes the cost
We print no figures. These are the things that move the number.
Whether the porch is sagging or only worn
A sagging floor means framing, and sometimes a foundation. A worn one is boards and paint.
Pieces that must be turned or milled
A matched post or baluster is made by hand or to order.
What's under the porch
Piers and footings are out of sight and often the reason a porch moved.
Height and code
A porch higher off the ground carries rules for rails and stairs.
The finish
Paint, stain or a clear finish each ask for different prep.
The work, in order
How the work goes
Step 1: Look from below
We crawl under and look up before we look at the floor.
Step 2: Shore and open up
The roof is held, and the decayed floor and framing are opened.
Step 3: Replace the framing
New joists and boards go in, pitched to shed water.
Step 4: Reset columns and rails
Posts are repaired or replaced on new bases; rails go back to the original pattern.
Step 5: Prime, caulk and paint
Every joint is primed and sealed before it is painted.
Step 6: Walk-through
We check every rail and step with you, then hand over a care note.
Permits and rules
Building permits
Structural work on a porch usually needs a city building permit. We say which one applies and apply for it.
Rail and stair code
Heights and spacing follow the code in force. Where the new work must differ from what was there, we show you before we build.
Historic districts
A porch is part of the street's look, so exterior changes in a historic district can need the city's review.
Questions about this work
My porch slopes. Is it falling off the house?
Usually not. A slope most often means a pier or a joist has settled or rotted. We look from below and tell you what's holding.
Can you save the old columns?
Often the column is sound and only its base has rotted. We repair what can be repaired and replace what can't, to match.
Can you add a railing that matches?
Yes. We copy the pattern from what remains of the old railing, or from the house next door if nothing does.
Tell us about the house
A house visit is the first step. We write down what we see before we talk about a price.