How to Replace a Porch Post & Concrete Anchor

Measure the height of the current post from the porch floor all the way up to where it supports the ceiling. Measure the same distance on a 4-inch by 4-inch thick post and cut it to size using a circular saw. Wear safety glasses for protection when cutting the post.

Stand the post up on one end and place it directly beside the post you are removing. Tap the top of the post with a mallet to wedge it under the porch ceiling and provide support while you remove the old post.

Examine the base of the post, which is typically secured to the porch floor using concrete screws or anchors. Insert the blade of the reciprocating saw along the bottom edge of the post where it meets the porch and cut across the bottom to break through the anchors.

Plug in a reciprocating saw and cut the old post to make removal easier. Ask another person to grasp the top portion of the column as you cut it in case it falls. Then grasp the top portion of the post and pull it out from the porch, tapping it with the mallet if needed.

Lay a new post on its side and measure it to mark the same height as the old post. Cut the shaft to the proper length using the circular saw.

Slide a new base and a new top cap onto the post by sliding the open circles in each over the shaft. Place the shaft into position by standing it vertically on its end. Tap the top of the post into place using the mallet. If desired, you may omit the base and top cap, but they improve the overall look of the post.

Push the top cap up to the porch ceiling and secure it using the provided wood screws and a power drill.

Push the base cap down until it touches the floor. Install concrete anchors into the base by placing them into the screw holes and hitting them with a hammer. You may need to drill pilot holes first using a drill and a 1/4-inch masonry bit.

Tap the top of the support post with the mallet to detach it and remove it from the porch.