Poly/Composite columns

[thrt15nc]

Has anyone ever purchased these from somewhere other than a Lowes or Home Depot??

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...230&lpage=none

I'd like to use two on a shed (even 6 inch if I can find them) and match the look of our house. As you can see these are $112 each and then the trim kits for them is another $48. Anyone know of any place that's cheaper? Raleigh, Garner, Clayton, Apex, etc.......

Thanks,

Tom

[DaveO]

I haven't ever purchased that particular product, but I have found Stock Building Supplies to often be cheaper on speciality items like that than the BORGS. You might call the Yonkers Rd. location and see what they can do for you
Raleigh

3000 Yonkers Road
Raleigh, NC 27604-3232

PH: 919-828-7471
FAX: 919-856-0951
Hours: M-F 7am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday Closed


I might be able to help you out with a contractors discount, if they have a suitable item in stock.
Dave

[Alan in Little Washington]

Are you sure that is what is on your house? Most columns are not the same diameter over the length- the Greeks and the eye determined the shape. The fiberglass ones are about the same price and the proper shape. Of course if it is just for a shed . . . .

[Mark Anderson]

i saw a bunch at hte habitat for humainity in aberdeen nc a while back don't know if they are still there, about an hour south of raliegh

[gator]

You have to have them shipped but this place has a great selection of everything you would need.

http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/index.cfm

George

[thrt15nc]

Thanks for everyone responding! Dave I'll check with Stock and maybe give you a call. Thanks once again. Alan, I guess you're right and they aren't exactly like the ones on our porch or the dining room. But the shed will be behind the house and not close enough to compare so I think they'll be okay. If I can't get them much cheaper, I'll build up around a treated post with 1X pine. Just a little price shock for me is all.

Thanks again,

Tom

[junquecol]

Since these columns aren't tapered, why not use a piece of PVC sewer pipe? Also would 8" be to large for the shed? You can get primer to paint most plastics now, just look at the bumper on your car. You could fabricate a base and capital from PVC trim stock. It works with ww tools, but leaves a residue that won't come off bits and blades.

[thrt15nc]

Great idea!!!!!!! Plastic pipe. Instead of just planting a short post and the composite column to hold up the floor of the porch and the roof, I could use a full post for the support and slide the pipe over it, set it, and then trim it up!! Thanks for the idea. Now it'll take a week or so for me to "over analyze" how to go about it.

Thanks,
Tom

[junquecol]

PVC trim material can be cemented together, just like the pipe. Workbench, and some other mags have done articles recently on using PVC trim. Only major caution, is don't paint it a dark color. A plus is you can take the change between composite columns and PVC pipe and buy yourself a new toy, I mean tool.