basement support post
Jessica Young
Updated on August 11, 2026
A basement support post exists to avoid a foundation frame in a wood-frame home to sag under the weight of the entire structure. In general, these posts’ material is steel or wood, and you can find them underneath beams or floor joists.
What are basement posts called?
The columns seen in basements are known as lally or lolly columns. Many refer to them simply as steel basement columns.
What are the support poles in basements called?
The steel poles under i-beams in a basement are called “lolly columns”. They can sometimes be moved, but you need a professional structural engineer to decide for sure. They can usually only be moved a couple of feet one way or the other.
Can jack posts be permanent?
No “split” jack posts are manufactured for permanent use in the USA. All home inspectors and code enforcement personnel should deem the permanent use of split jack posts or telescoping adjustable columns as a structural and safety defect in any home in the USA.
Can I remove a column in my basement?
In order to remove a basement column, the concrete floor needs to be removed at the column base…a twelve inch square should do it. Before removing the column the two new columns are installed.
How much does it cost to install lally columns?
How Much Does a Lally Column Cost? Installing a Lally column starts at $2,500.
Can Lally column permanent?
Lally columns can be either temporary or permanent. Temporary columns are frequently used by workers to brace the joists of the floor above when removing a wall. Permanent columns are sometimes used under a house, in the crawlspace or basement, to shore up the structure.
How much weight can a jack post support?
Q: What is the maximum weight that a jack post can support? A: The compression range of Jack Post is 20,000 lbs. to the weight of 38,000 lbs. It supports sagging timbers and floors, mobile homes, decks, and porches, among other things.
What are the steel poles called?
A steel fence post, also called (depending on design or country) a T-post, a Y-post, or variants on star post, is a type of fence post or picket. They are made of steel and are sometimes manufactured using durable rail steel.
Are jack posts temporary?
The multiple-piece posts are almost always smaller than 3″ in diameter and are only temporary-rated posts. These go by various names including ‘jack posts’ and ‘lally columns’.
Why is it called a Lally column?
The Lally column is named after a U.S. inventor, John Lally, who owned a construction company that started production of these columns in the late 19th century. He resided in Waltham, Massachusetts and Boston during the period 1898–1907.
How much does it cost to remove a column?
How much does it cost to remove the columns? The cost typically starts at around $3,500 and increases depending on the number of columns and the span/size of the existing and required beams. The price is also affected by whether the existing beam is flush or drop.
How heavy is a Lally column?
In general, a 2×4 lally column weighs between 1/2 pound and 3 pounds depending on its length and thickness. A 4×8 lally column weighs between 2 pounds and 5 pounds depending on its length and thickness.