How to measure an existing verandah post for a replacement

When one verandah post needs replacing, use the best original post on the house as your pattern. A damaged base can be a poor guide to the original height, and weathered moulding can hide where a detail starts. A good set of measurements from a sound post gives the workshop something more useful than a description such as “Victorian” or “turned”.

Write down the post dimensions

Record the overall height and the width and depth of the square sections. Take those thickness measurements across the faces, rather than diagonally across a corner. If the top and bottom are different sizes, write down both. Show where you measured the overall height, especially if the base disappears behind a plinth or the head is partly hidden by a beam.

Next, measure the length of the square section below the turning and the square section above it. Measure to the points where the shaped section begins and ends. If the post carries a rail, bracket or separate moulding, make a note of where it connects. Those positions matter when the new post has to meet timberwork that is staying. You can see the kinds of changes to look for in the drawings for the V1 turned post and V6 verandah post.

Take the three close photos

Hold a tape measure beside the post and take a straight-on photo of the top, middle and bottom of the turned section. Keep the tape flat and readable in each picture. Photograph the most pronounced rings, grooves or shoulders so the workshop can see how the shape changes. If two sides of the post look different, take a second set from the other side.

Also take one full-length photo and a wider shot of the verandah. The wide photo shows whether a corner bracket, handrail or post capital needs to line up with the replacement. Let us know whether the cap or trim is part of the post you want copied or a separate piece you intend to keep.

Confirm what can be matched

Browse the verandah post profiles as a starting point. If a catalogue drawing is close, compare the position and length of the turning as well as the overall shape. For a one-off replacement beside original posts, send your photos and dimensions through the custom verandah post enquiry. If a builder has safely removed a sound sample, ask us whether bringing it in would help with the match.

Leave load-bearing supports in place until your builder has assessed them and arranged any temporary support. Ask the builder to confirm the finished measurements and fixing details before you order. The workshop can use the profile information to discuss the match while your builder checks what the installation requires.

Put the overall dimensions and the three photos in one message. Use millimetres for the measurements and mark anything you had to estimate. If the post is painted, tell us whether the existing finish will be kept on the surrounding pieces. It helps to know which surfaces will be seen next to the replacement.

Talk to the workshop

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us — we would love to discuss your order. Call 03 9720 7266 or 1300 547 581, or send us the details below.