Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - PVC as post base?

Is PVC stock suitable for a porch post base?

I'm replacing some porch posts that have a bit of rot at the base. They are basicly 1x6 pine boards nailed together into a square post. The old bases were cedar sitting directly on the concrete porch and held up resonably well but had to be painted every few years. I'm considering making up new bases out of PVC trim stock since it doesn't rot and won't need to be painted. My plan is to laminate (glue) two 1x8 PVC pieces together to make a 2x8 base then bevel the corners so no water will sit on top to rot out the post. Pressure treated or cedar stock are my other options but being lazy at heart, I'd like to do a bit of extra work now and reap the benefits (no painting) later.

is this load bearing or not?

Murphy was an optimist

The posts are definitely load bearing.

There must be more than 1x6 pine in a square if they are load bearing. 4 x 4 inside maybe?

There must be more than 1x6 pine in a square if they are load bearing. 4 x 4 inside maybe?

Nope, no inner posts in the ones I removed so far. The existing posts are four 1x6 boards built up into square posts. They support an 8' overhang and are spaced about 10' apart. The porch roof rafters *may* be cantilevered but there is a full roof deck over it. They may be lightly loaded but to be safe I'm assuming a full load on these.

Is PVC not suitable as the base for a loaded post?

Really, I don't see why it couldn't be used, as long as its the solid cellular stuff, not the foam core. You couldn't use it to completely replace the 1x6's of course. But the way you plan on using them, you could drive a tractor trailer over them with no damage.

btw, you know PVC pipe cement works great for this stuff?

Thanx for the confirmation. I asumed that the PVC would work but I've never used it before myself. The stuff looks like it will be real handy around the house.