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>

Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

How long does it take to frame a basement?

• <div><p>Framing a basement takes three to five days, on average, when completed by a professional, though it may take longer for a larger space. Keep in mind this doesn’t include the time to complete the design, obtain permits, and install the drywall on the framing. On average, fully finishing a basement takes an average of 45 days.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Carpentry pros in Birchleaf, VA

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

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

Last update on December 31, 2025

Reviewed in October 2020
I have a warehouse unit with tenants getting ready to move in, I needed painting, and some carpentry work done and vinyl tiles cleaned. Robert was very responsive at first and wanted to to the job, and was very confident in his talents. I did ask him to do a few more tasks in the middle of...
DD Real Estate and Property Maintenance
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Reviewed in May 2020
Steve is an easy going and nice guy. He and his 2 man crew did a fantastic job installing a small, black chain link fence around part of my backyard and even did a nice carpentry job when they redirected the steps coming off my back deck. The fence was installed promptly for a reasonable cost.
Payless Fencing Co.
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Reviewed in December 2019
Dennis and his crew were outstanding. Flexible on the scheduling, arrived on time and completed ahead of schedule. Dennis had quoted a price range, dependent on the time required to complete the work, and actually came in lower than the low end of the estimate. They came up with a perfect...
RPM Construction / Property Management, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2019
Ryan's crew that fixed all the substructure issues showed up on time and performed a high level of carpentry. Not only did they do an excellent job but they were friendly and answered all questions I put to them about deck building. When the deck was ready for the new Trex railing system,...
Resurrection Builders, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2019
Mr. Jorge Alfaro is simply the best handyman I have ever had. I had major wood rot around my main door and a bay window. He told me exactly what was needed and how much it would cost, up front. He constantly talk to me while performing the job to keep me abreast of the situation. One are in...
Alfaro Carpentry, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2017
I actually haven't seen their product yet. It is being specially made for me. But the company has been extremely nice and fairly priced.
Breeze Thru Screens, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2016
Raymond Soto came in measured the water temperature in my machine and took no more than ten minutes to tell me that he saw nothing wrong with the dishwasher. He removed the filter and told me to clean it in the sink which I did, then he replaced it. He gave a long winded explanation to tell me...
Raytech Appliance Service
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Reviewed in April 2015
Service technician was helpful and recommended a lot of changes that we should make. Came on time. I wish I could read his handwriting on the slip to remember what services and products he recommended. We will likely contact company for further service and possibly get a service plan.
Indoor Air Quality Medics
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Reviewed in November 2014
I will hire Colonial Coatings, LLC but I do not want them to stain my fence until April 2015. It's too cold outside to stain.
Colonial Coatings, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2014
Wow! After receiving a flyer in the mail quoting a very good price for my particular drive way (I can't tell you the dimensions, but it's a two-car garage-width driveway of an average length for my half-acre lot), I called. Someone answered the phone, which can sometimes offer a challenge just...
Resurface Inc
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Carpentry 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 should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.

Framing a basement takes three to five days, on average, when completed by a professional, though it may take longer for a larger space. Keep in mind this doesn’t include the time to complete the design, obtain permits, and install the drywall on the framing. On average, fully finishing a basement takes an average of 45 days.

A cross brace for a fence gate should stretch from the top corner of the gate’s hinge side to the bottom corner of its latch side at a 45-degree angle to the bottom of the gate. This positioning distributes the bulk of the gate’s weight to the base of the post, taking pressure off the top hinge.

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