Hi. This is my first post. I am exploring the possibility of replacing two columns in my kitchen. I am not sure if they are load bearing, but am guessing they are as I believe they sit on a large beam that goes across my basement. I'll try to take some photos. Here are my questions:

1. Is it possible that these are just decorative, and were used to hide steel lolly columns? They are hollow (I drilled a 5/32 hole in one and after about 1", the drill bit was in empty air.

2. If that's the case, can I simply cut them away and replace them with something a bit cooler looking. Maybe build a box out of reclaimed wood or something?

3. If they are both hollow and load-bearing, with no center steel core, what kind of contractor do I call to see about getting them replaced.

The corners of my counter have been 'cut' to accommodate these columns, but I'm assuming they can be squared if I replaced these with a box around the column.

At some point, i would like to redo my entire kitchen, i just don't have the budget for that right now, so was looking to see what I might be able to accomplish myself.

Thanks,

Frank

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