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The choice of custom porch columns for a house is actually determined by the style and ease of fitting. These materials make different styles ranging from classic to modern, thus giving the home owner several options to choose from. Here are some of the commonly used materials in constructing unique porch columns.
Fiberglass columns are popular since they are tough and can attain any design. This material is also corrosion resistant, hence preferred for areas experiencing extreme weather change. Fiberglass can be molded into complex designs thus allowing for variety in style. Also, they are very light making easy installation.
Wood remains an age old material used in construction. Wood porch columns offer natural beauty with several designs that can be carved out. Despite this, there is need for wood treatment as it decays and is eaten by insects. Custom wooden columns' worth and beauty can be enhanced by painting or any other finish.
Concrete is a very strong material that is minimally affected by weather conditions. Moreover, it is moldable and thus a good option for various designs. Cement porch columns can also resemble other materials like wood or stone, thus providing many aesthetic solutions and practical benefits.
Steel columns give an ultra-modern, industrialish appeal. These columns are very strong and can be used to support large structures. Also, they can be customized in various finishes including painting or coating, and can also be shaped into intricate designs. Steel is suited best for contemporary houses with a minimalist facade.
Composite materials enable the bringing together of benefits from different material types. Porch columns can be made of a composite material that looks like fiberglass on the outside, but is wood on the inside. These materials are created to withstand wear and tear, and are good for the environment. Composite columns are a worthwhile investment both in terms of durability and aesthetics.
Custom porch columns may be designed by various designers depending on their construction purpose. People who would like to remodel their houses or simply give their porches a facelift have a variety of options to consider. Below are some popular design themes for custom porch columns.
These columns employ designs with historical influences such as Greek and Roman details. Capitals and base moldings are recognized in classical column styles. Traditional columns are excellent for adding elegance to historical buildings or any building that aims for a nostalgic look.
Modern porch columns emphasize simplicity through clean lines, basic shapes and absence of decorative elements. They are preferred to constructions with a contemporary sense of style that prefer boring but still elegant and functional columns. Additionally, these columns are often made from steel or fiberglass to create a sleek minimalist design.
Victorian-style porch columns are elaborately designed and include intricate details such as floral motifs, corbels, and brackets. These columns are commonly made from wood and serve as decorative elements to reflect the opulence of the Victorian era. They are well suited for historic homes or those with a flair for Victorian romance.
These columns are part of the Craftsman porches style, which is known for its simplicity and usefulness. They are mainly made of wood and show exposed joints and handwork. These columns are put in place to project a natural, traditional outlook ideal for bungalows and houses with deep eaves.
These columns are simple vertical posts often manufactured from wood and offer turned profiles. This is an old method of constructing columns where spindles were put up on porches to guard the balcony. Spindle columns are offered in numerous styles from exclusive and traditional to temporary and minimalistic views.
This section highlights the key factors to consider when purchasing custom-made products. Buyers are more likely to get the products they want if they observe the specified information. When buying custom porch columns, the following should be observed.
Consider whether the columns are for structural support or primarily decorative. If they're load-bearing, prioritize strength and durability. For decorative columns, focus on style and design, ensuring they complement the overall architectural theme of the building.
Assess the maintenance level required for each material. Wooden columns may demand periodic treatment to deter decay and insects. Concrete and fiberglass are low-maintenance alternatives. Select materials that correspond with the amount of upkeep required to maintain the porch's aesthetic appeal over time.
A major advantage of custom columns is the flexibility in style, size, and shape. A buyer seeking a specific design should evaluate if the supplier can provide the desired finish, color, height, or diameter. Also, confirm whether the material could be molded into unique patterns or designs to achieve a more personalized outlook.
This is very crucial for buyers in regions with severe weather. If the columns are to be used outdoors, ensure that the supplied materials have the ability to withstand humidity, sunlight, and temperature variations. For instance, fiberglass is widely used because of its waterproof and weather-resistant properties.
Buyers should ensure the design is consistent with the general style of the building. Traditional wooden columns are suitable for historical buildings, while fiberglass or steel columns are suitable for contemporary homes. Also, evaluate all the elements and pick the type that will enhance the beauty of the structure.
Each of the above column types has its own maintenance routines to ensure the column serves its purpose. This helps preserve their aesthetic attributes and structural attributes. Discussed here are some maintenance tips for selected materials used for custom-made porch columns.
Wood requires consistent treatment to prevent its rotting and other damage caused by insect infestation. The type of maintenance given depends on the kind of finish used on the wood. Those with varnish or poly should wash the posts regularly and inspect for waters or cracks. Other paints should be washed with soap and water to remove dirt. Occasional reapplication of paint or varnish is required for protection. Moreover, check for signs of rot, termites, or other pests and address them promptly.
Concrete columns are the least demanding columns in terms of maintenance. Just wash them regularly to make sure there is no dirt accumulation or graffiti. In case a crack occurs, it should be sealed immediately using appropriate sealants to prevent water infiltration.
Fiberglass is very weather resistant and consequently requires low level treatment. The column should be washed occasionally using mild soap and water to remove dirt and environmental debris. Caution should be observed not to use abrasive cleaners or scrubs to avoid damaging the surface. Check at least once per year for signs of wear and UV damage and reapply gel coat if necessary for added protection.
Steel columns should be resistant to corrosion. Thus, the columns should ideally be coated with anti-corrosive paint or powder coat finish. Regular inspection for rust is important, especially in coastal regions or areas with high humidity. Any signs of rust should be addressed immediately with wire brushing, rust treatment, and repainting.
As for composite columns, they are easy to clean with soap and water. They do not require painting, and the columns should be checked regularly for signs of wear. If exposed to strong environmental conditions, a protective coat can be re-applied to maintain its original color and sheen.
A1: Buyers normally go for materials that are beneficial and for the purposes they intend to use the product for, to give the porch an appealing look. Each material has unique properties. Historically, wood columns are favored for their natural warm appearance. Nowadays, buyers prefer fiberglass columns due to their durability and various designs.
A2: By breaking the monotony of the design, columns act as supporting structures or decorative features within a porch. Buyers seeking to impart unique personality traits to their property may use custom columns. Also, the columns can be constructed in different materials to give an ultra-modern house a custom appeal or a vintage look.
A3: Fiberglass columns are strong and ideal to be used inside houses. Columns constructed from fiberglass are strong yet lightweight, making them ideal for various applications. They are also resistant to extreme weather conditions and do not corrode or decay.
A4: It is recommended that wooden columns be treated with weatherproof varnish or an external grade of paint. The paint acts as a barrier preventing moisture from getting into the wood, which may cause it to rot. Also, regular inspection and treatment of pest infestation is important to maintain the integrity of wooden columns.
A5: Load-bearing columns provide crucial structural support to the roof or upper floors, manufactured using strong materials such as wood, concrete, or steel. Non-load-bearing columns are positioned mainly for decorative purposes, although they may be constructed with similar materials. These columns may also be fabricated with fiberglass or composite.
