Are porch columns load bearing?

• <div><p>Not all porch columns are load-bearing, though they can be. Some porch columns are simply decorative. There are <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-do-i-find-out-if-column-between-foyer-dining-room-living-room-decorative-or-load.htm">ways to identify a load-bearing column</a>, like looking for visible seams and a foundation. Also, check to see if the column directly enters the ground. In some porch installations, a contractor will excavate a hole to install a column into the earth along with a buried cement base for stability.</p></div>

Should lattice touch the ground?

• <div><p>Lattice should not touch the ground, as it creates a possibility for rot and a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-pest-control-termites.htm">termite infestation</a>. It’s best to leave a gap of 3 or 4 inches at the bottom for airflow and to keep the wood dry. You can add stones, bricks, or other decorative pieces to conceal the bottom of the lattice if desired.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Akutan, AK

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Akutan, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Akutan, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

Last update on November 21, 2025

Reviewed in July 2024
Stupid app didn’t provide a correct choice for what he did. In actuality he came and reinforced all the supports for my outside deck and then painted to match.
A and J Installations
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Reviewed in October 2023
Needed decks painted plus interior ceiling repairs. Both were done in just 2 days. Very well done.
Silver Painters
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Reviewed in October 2019
In two days the Davids completed a whirlwind of maintenance projects (repairing deck, stairs, roof fascia, flashing, window frames), as well as installed a brand new picture window with such attention to detail it was simply astounding. We will ave them back in the spring, and anyone with an...
Jensen Construction
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Reviewed in September 2017
Renovations Unlimited did an excellent job building the new deck. Quality is great, it looks absolutely beautiful and the wife realy loves it. Thanks Josh for the outstanding workmanship!
Renovations Unlimited
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Reviewed in October 2015
Nathan and team were excellent and provided us with some great ideas for a deck replacement. He and his team did excellent work removing the old deck and putting up a new one. Nathan designed some beautiful built-in benches for the deck as well. And the deck is built for Alaska. Rather than...
Alaska Decks & More LLC
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Reviewed in April 2014
Kand K is thoroughly professional, punctual, and skilled. In past years he designed and built an extraordinary deck, front steps, handrail, and difficult plumbing remediation.
K & K Services
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Reviewed in July 2013
I've had Rob come over a couple other times, to fix other problems in my house in the past. So when I decided to find someone to build me a new deck, I thought of Rob. And he came through.
Lindemann's Services
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Reviewed in April 2013
Easy from start to finish. Ultimately, he was not able to solve the problem I was having, as it was related to my water softener not the well or pump, but he performed some needed maintenance and showed me how to do it myself next time.
ANCHORAGE WELL & PUMP SVC INC
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Reviewed in March 2013
Quality Tune was very helpful. They scanned for error codes and did a vehicle inspection. They identified the ignition issue and repaired it. They also performed all necessary regular maintenance on the vehicle: fluids, flushes, filters--just about everything except tire rotation.
QUALITY TUNE
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Akutan

Case & Gamble Construction

5.00(

)

Case & Gamble Construction

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are general contractors licensed, bonded, and insured with a residential endorsement (#117477) meaning that we can provide new construction, additions, remodels, and renovations. We provide all services related to the above from the ground up. We strive to provide a custom experience for each homeowner. We are a partnership business with a combined 25+ years of experience. Please call or email to set up a free estimate.

"Great! Case & Gamble were very professional and communicated well throughout the process. Would absolutely hire again."

Daniel J on May 2019

"Great! Case & Gamble were very professional and communicated well throughout the process. Would absolutely hire again."

Daniel J on May 2019

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Not all porch columns are load-bearing, though they can be. Some porch columns are simply decorative. There are ways to identify a load-bearing column, like looking for visible seams and a foundation. Also, check to see if the column directly enters the ground. In some porch installations, a contractor will excavate a hole to install a column into the earth along with a buried cement base for stability.

You can either nail or screw deck boards according to your preference. We recommend using 3-inch galvanized deck screws in this guide because screws offer superior holding powder over time. If you’re using screws, you can minimize the risk of cracking the boards by drilling small pilot holes before securing the boards to the deck joists.

Start with a 60- or 80-grit sandpaper when sanding a deck, though this could change depending on the type of wood that comprises the deck and how smooth you want the overall finish. If you prioritize a smooth final finish, progress to a finer grit like 120 or 150. Avoid ultra-fine grits for traditional sanding, as it could close up the wood pores and make it harder to apply a finish down the line.

Minor fixes like patching leaks or repainting are DIY-friendly, but structural repairs require professional expertise.

Lattice should not touch the ground, as it creates a possibility for rot and a termite infestation. It’s best to leave a gap of 3 or 4 inches at the bottom for airflow and to keep the wood dry. You can add stones, bricks, or other decorative pieces to conceal the bottom of the lattice if desired.

The Akutan, AK homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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