Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Feb 18, 2003 06:12am | #1

   Do you get the magazine?  There's an article this month about renovating a deck/porch.  Not exactly what you're asking, but there is a detail about how he joined the handrail and footrail of the railing to the round columns that might give you some insight.

   It will be very tedious to scribe  Oops.  Wrong thing for a newbie to say in his first posting on a forum called Fine Homebuilding.  Does that mean you don't want to do it right?  Or that you would rather take the easy route?

   Do it right, or do it twice.

2. 
   Piffin | Feb 18, 2003 06:12am | #2

   Well, if you could ease off on the font and ink, it would be less tedious and painful to read and figure out.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   Turtleneck | Feb 18, 2003 08:35am | #3

   What diameter are the posts? What thickness of enclosure are you trying to create? Are you planning to install window units into the openings or are you planning a custom glass installation?

    Turtleneck

   I would rather go to bed with Lillian Russel stark naked. than with Ulysses S. Grant in full military regalia. - Samuel Clemens

1. 
   JohnG | Feb 18, 2003 05:51pm | #4

   Thanks for your reply to my question. I plan on installing window units into a standard 2x4 stud wall and will be inclosing a 13x33 porch area. The concrete plinths are 101/2x101/2 x4 and the post are tapered from 7" at the base to 6" at the top. Any suggestions will be appreciated. 

1. 
   BillHartmann | Feb 18, 2003 06:07pm | #5

   Why not just box the columns in and make them square.

   I think that will look much better than and part of round tappered column showing through 2x4 walls.

1. 
   JohnG | Feb 18, 2003 07:01pm | #6

   Thanks for the reply. That was my first thought and know it would be easier to do but I thought I would make it somewhat different but did not know if it would be workable and still look good. Thanks

1. 
   Piffin | Feb 18, 2003 09:22pm | #7

   In this attachment, if you can look through the window to the porch beyond, you'll see Tuscan columns with a wall closing it in.

   I attached the top and bottom rails for the lower section and split the turned ballusters in half on the table saw. I applied them to an MDO panel to make the area solid against wind. The leg up side of the sashes is an extra piece scribed to the column that took about an extra two hours for each piece to align, plane, and install. Then the sashes went in.

   For yours, in a solid 2x4 wall, I would probably replace the posts entirely since it sounds like you aare less interested in the style and more interested in the enclosure..

   Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   Turtleneck | Feb 19, 2003 05:02am | #10

   John, you will be canging the entire look and function of your porch. Keeping the tapered posts may cause problems later on. I would concur with others who have posted and say it would probably be best to make them square by boxing or replacing. Although scribing into the posts would look pretty cool but would probably require more regular maintenance (caulking, painting etc.) Turtleneck

   I would rather go to bed with Lillian Russel stark naked. than with Ulysses S. Grant in full military regalia. - Samuel Clemens

1. 
   JohnG | Feb 19, 2003 06:13pm | #13

   Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it. John

4. 
   calvin | Feb 18, 2003 09:32pm | #8

   John, if you wish I could stop and take a picture of what you describe, running to the round columns and showing the column from both inside and out.  There is a house not far away that did exactly that and I have been inside and it looks good.  The columns are bigger, maybe 10" which might add to it's pleasing look.  However you could, depending on the depth of the windows that you install, narrow down the thickness of the wall so you'd have more than 3/4" of column protruding.  Many replacement fibreglass and even some new construction sized casements for instance need jamb extensions to fit a 4-9/16ths wall. 

   I won't be able to get inside, but should be able to sneak close enough to take a pic.  These columns also do not sit on a base, they be round plus a little detail top to bottom.

   __________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

1. 
   Piffin | Feb 18, 2003 09:44pm | #9

   It would be helpful if John could post a photo too. I'm having a difficult time visualizing the problem..

   Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   JohnG | Feb 19, 2003 06:00pm | #12

   Thanks for the reply. I am still in the planning stage and have a project to complete before I proceed with this one, you know how that goes. I really appreciate the input. John 

5. 
   Bruce | Feb 19, 2003 06:46am | #11

   What?