Replies

1. 
   DDay | Feb 12, 2009 01:11am | #1

   That is going to cost quite a lot in Azek. You'll need to make them a little larger than the 6x6 to account for the expansion/contraction. Do you really need to use one of those two products? My first choice would be fiberglass column, you can get them in all sorts of styles, they're structural, quick, take paint very well, will take dings and such better than anything else and they'll be the same cost or cheaper than Azek.

1. 
   Pelipeth | Feb 12, 2009 04:19am | #2

   Great thinking-But given the either, or, I'd go with the Azek, I just plain like the stuff.

1. 
   DDay | Feb 12, 2009 04:29pm | #4

   I like it a lot too and use it over wood quite a bit but in this situation the fiberglass is a no brainer to me.

1. 
   FR | Feb 12, 2009 08:34pm | #5

   DDay,

   I didn't even consider fiberglass because all of the discussion seemed to be around PVC or engineered wood.    I just checked a website for pre-made column wraps and a 10"x10" x 9 foot column wrap was about $300 for fiberglass and $200 for PVC.   Fiberglass is structural and PVC is decorative.   Is the consensus that, even primed and painted, engineered wood (like Windsor One) on a screen porch is a bad idea from a maintenance perspective?

1. 
   DDay | Feb 12, 2009 11:16pm | #6

   I just always look for no or the least maintenance. Even if it's more money, I think about having to fix/paint or whatever down the line.

2. 
   Pelipeth | Feb 12, 2009 11:46pm | #7

   Yup.......

2. 
   frammer52 | Feb 12, 2009 07:17am | #3

   Ditto on that!

2. 
   cim | Feb 13, 2009 03:17am | #8

   I would go with the Azek.  If you are blocking the 6x6 put some directly behind were the railing will attach and that will take care of your structural concerns for the railing.  I normally assemble box columns like that with simple butt joints tacked first and then stainless trim head screws.

1. 
   FR | Feb 13, 2009 03:23am | #9

   Thanks CIM.  

   FR