Highlights
It usually costs between $300 and $600 to install one porch column.
Porch column installation costs can be as low as $300 and as high as $2,500.
The materials you choose and whether the column is ornamental or load-bearing affect the cost.
Only professionals should replace structural porch columns.
Labor, materials, permitting, and type of column all impact price.
If you're sitting in your rocker on your front porch at the end of the day, the last thing you want to see is your porch columns crumbling. Damaged or aging porch columns are not just unsightly—they can be a safety hazard if the column in question is load-bearing. But this is a fixable problem—here's how much you can expect to pay for porch column replacement.
Average Cost of Replacing a Porch Column
On average, replacing a porch column will run you $400 but can cost as little as $300 and as much as $2,500, depending on the project. These costs don't vary much by geographic location and differ based on the type of project—load-bearing versus non-load-bearing—materials, labor, and whether or not your home has structural damage.
| Minimum Cost | National Average Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $300 | $400 | $2,500 |
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Porch Column by Type?
On your porch, you either have load-bearing or decorative columns. Decorative columns don't serve any particular structural purpose, while load-bearing columns help to hold up part of your home or the porch's roof. The cost of replacing a decorative column is usually higher than replacing a load-bearing column.
Load-Bearing Columns
Load-bearing columns usually cost between $300 and $500 to replace. This includes the cost to remove the old post and install a temporary support while your local porch builder determines whether there's any repair work that they need to do. If there's structural damage that your pro discovers, the repairs could cause your costs to increase significantly. Load-bearing columns support either part of your home's second floor or the roof of your porch, so they must be done well and be structurally sound.
Decorative Columns
Decorative columns usually cost between $400 and $600 to replace. Depending on your materials, how ornate your design is, and other factors, decorative columns can run up to $2,500. Wood and aluminum columns are usually the most cost-friendly, whereas stone generally costs more, especially if the design is intricate.
Porch Column Replacement Cost Breakdown
Several factors contribute to the cost of replacing porch columns, including materials, labor, size, design, and whether or not there's damage.
Materials
The materials for a porch column replacement can run from around $300 to upwards of $1,000. This cost includes the porch column itself, which can be wood, fiberglass, PVC, aluminum, or stone, and materials like fasteners, connectors, and any surface preparation and finishing materials. The majority of the cost of materials is for the column itself.
Labor
Once you decide who to hire for your porch column replacement, labor costs will usually run between $200 and $400. The labor costs include:
Locating and aligning the top and bottom blocks
Securing blocks to framing
Securing the column
Planning
Area protection
Setup and cleanup
However, if your home is damaged and a professional needs to repair it, labor costs could be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.
Permits
Permitting for installing a porch column usually runs around $100 to $200. Generally, permits are only required if you're replacing a load-bearing column. Your pro should be able to tell you whether permits are necessary and take care of securing the permits if you need them for your project.
Porch Column Installation DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Unless you have construction expertise, removing and installing a porch column is best left to a professional. This is especially true for load-bearing columns, as you're dealing with the structural integrity of your home. For your safety and your family's safety, hire a general contractor, local carpenter, or porch professional to do the job.
Ways You Can Save Money With Porch Column Installation
While there's not much wiggle room as far as labor and some materials go, most of your costs will be for the column itself. You can save money by choosing less expensive materials, like aluminum or plastic. Or if you're married to wood columns, you can get unfinished wood columns from a local hardware store and stain and finish them yourself.
Additional Questions and Answers
How long does it take to install a porch column?
Installing an ornamental or decorative porch column takes around three to five hours. Structural columns usually take longer because your pro has to install a jack to hold up the roof while switching the column out. If there's any structural damage, that can tack on up to several days to repair the damage.
How much do professionals charge hourly to install ornamental porch columns?
Professionals usually charge between $60 and $95 an hour to install ornamental porch columns. The amount of time they need varies based on the condition of the porch, whether they need to remove old columns, and if there is any damage to your porch's structure.
Where can I get new porch columns?
If your contractor isn't sourcing your new porch columns for you, you can find them at your local home improvement store or hardware store. You can also order them online for delivery.
