Column posts for backyard porch

[Ben M.]

What type of lumber are installed in column posts for backyard porch. Is 20 year ground contact lumber common? What other options for lumber are available that would last longer? 

[Ko Kashiwagi]

Pressure treated wood with ground contact is seems common from what I've seen. If you can spend more, you could use composite lumber or engineered lumber which can be more resistant

[Ben M.]

Quote from @Ko Kashiwagi:

Pressure treated wood with ground contact is seems common from what I've seen. If you can spend more, you could use composite lumber or engineered lumber which can be more resistant

Thank you! Are the ground contact lumber usually 20 year rated or are there different ratings and any that would be more than 20?

[John Clark]

Quote from @Ben M.:

What type of lumber are installed in column posts for backyard porch. Is 20 year ground contact lumber common? What other options for lumber are available that would last longer? 

Wood should never contact dirt. Spend the extra money to have the wood post anchored by cement. Between building codes, lower maintenance cost, and better resale value, do it right.

[Jay Thomas]

For backyard porch columns, pressure-treated lumber is a good pick because it’s budget-friendly and stands up to rot and insects. You might see 20-year ground contact lumber, but it’s not usually used above ground. If you want something longer-lasting, cedar and redwood are great—they handle Houston’s humidity well, though redwood is pricier. Composite materials are another option; they’re durable and low-maintenance, but they cost more initially.

[Ben M.]

Quote from @John Clark:

Quote from @Ben M.:

What type of lumber are installed in column posts for backyard porch. Is 20 year ground contact lumber common? What other options for lumber are available that would last longer? 

Wood should never contact dirt. Spend the extra money to have the wood post anchored by cement. Between building codes, lower maintenance cost, and better resale value, do it right.

Thank you John. So 20 year ground contact lumber is okay as long as it’s anchored by cement?

[Bruce Woodruff]

It's generally not allowed any more to have posts buried in dirt. You should pour a spot footing, 6 inch stand-off, with a steel bucket for the wood post. I would still use PT lumber though....

[Ben M.]

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

It's generally not allowed any more to have posts buried in dirt. You should pour a spot footing, 6 inch stand-off, with a steel bucket for the wood post. I would still use PT lumber though....

Hi Bruce is a “20 year ground contact post”considered as a PT lumber or is that a different material

[Bruce Woodruff]

Quote from @Ben M.:

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

It's generally not allowed any more to have posts buried in dirt. You should pour a spot footing, 6 inch stand-off, with a steel bucket for the wood post. I would still use PT lumber though....

Hi Bruce is a “20 year ground contact post”considered as a PT lumber or is that a different material

Basically the same as far as I know.....

Let me clarify something....I'm not saying that setting posts in the ground is wrong or bad, It's just generally not allowed any more. But setting posts on a footing with a bracket creates a 'hinge point' that is inherently weak. 

If I am not getting a permit (for whatever reason) and it works with the layout, I will always set the posts in the ground at least 20%. I wrap them in tar paper or brush on actual tar or similar substance.