compression

theone

Hi all, I just finished the framming of my front porch with my cousin. My plan is to use fibreglass columns for support. There is a beam made up of 3 2 X 8 in the front that the columns will go under.

My question is what kind of board can I put between the beam and columns?

As I look around my neighborhood I see decorative wood between the columns and finish boards.

My concern is compression on a board that lays flat on its side.

redline

How large is the porch roof?

Can you post a photo?

theone

hey redline the 2nd floor roof/deck is 6'10" X 14'

I will take a pic when I get home

If you can imagine its a 2 story porch each with walkable floors but there is no roof on the 2nd floor.

Its just like this http://users.rcn.com/scndempr/dave/p...nsend/pt17.jpg

see where posts on the first floor meet the beam under the 2nd, I need to know what kind of board to use on the bottom part of the beam where the post/column meets it

I was thinking of 1 X 8 X 14 PT with routed sides for decoration

97catintenn

I use miretec. It's a composite with a wood grain finish. Also holds paint well and doesn't rot like wood. In the picture below, we wrapped all the posts and beams with it.