Porch structures not aligning with columns, foundation or beams above.

[Kenneth_Miller]

TO all,

I have been using Chief for several years and am self taught so I might have missed general knowledge or shortcuts if attending conferences.  To that end, I find the railing tool to be hard to configure correctly.  

The outer edge of the finished beam should line up with the edge of the finished column below, which should line up with the outer edge of the foundation block or pier below.  (Some exceptions are possible).  When I align the foundation below a railing above it appears to centerline under the railing. I usiall add a 3-d poly line aroudn the perimeter of the porch and offset it +4" to get it aligned properly then add a porch deck overhang 7" or so just to make it look correct

 

Also the "rail to beam" doesn't size the beam to the width of the column.

 

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

[Mark3D]

Watch this video

Railing Walls - Video | Chief Architect asuming your are still not using  x8 if you are in x16 update your signature in the forum

[Chrisb222]

15 hours ago, Kenneth_Miller said:

I find the railing tool to be hard to configure correctly.  

 

Same!

 

Study this Suggestion thread for an in-depth analysis of pretty much all issues involving your question. It will help you tremendously:

 

 

[Steve_Nyhof]

On 5/16/2025 at 6:19 PM, Kenneth_Miller said:

TO all,

I have been using Chief for several years and am self taught so I might have missed general knowledge or shortcuts if attending conferences.  To that end, I find the railing tool to be hard to configure correctly.  

The outer edge of the finished beam should line up with the edge of the finished column below, which should line up with the outer edge of the foundation block or pier below.  (Some exceptions are possible).  When I align the foundation below a railing above it appears to centerline under the railing. I usiall add a 3-d poly line aroudn the perimeter of the porch and offset it +4" to get it aligned properly then add a porch deck overhang 7" or so just to make it look correct

 

Also the "rail to beam" doesn't size the beam to the width of the column.

 

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

Make sure to give it a +1 so Chief knows more and more people want to see something updated.

Thank you