From large exterior columns with fancy capitals to small half-round columns for a fireplace, we have the sources to do almost any project. Let us help you choose the right one for your application!

An exciting feature to any home, columns appear in almost every plan we see today. The most common place to find them on the interior is between a dining room and a hall or other room, and to cover a telepost in a basement renovation. On the exterior, they frequently are used at the front entry and under a rear deck/balcony.

We have found that square columns are almost always more economical to build on site, so we restrict ourselves to round columns. In either case, there are basically two major types of columns- Tapered (smaller at the top than the base) and Non-tapered (straight up and down). Within those two types, you have two more big decisions- Interior or Exterior, and Fluted (vertical grooves) or Smooth (flat surface).

There are now several considerations to choose between the different materials. The following is a short guide:

Medium Density Fiberboard Columns (MDF)

MDF columns are strictly decorative (cannot carry a load) and should not be used anywhere that they may be exposed to excessive moisture (use on interior only). Diameters of 6" up to 18" and heights from 4' to 14' are available. They come in at least a dozen styles. Most can be ordered split lengthwise and rejoined around a support.

Poly Vinyl Chloride Columns (PVC pipe)

These columns are made from sturdy PVC pipe and have polyurethane end caps. One of the most economical and flexible (for size and height) columns available, they can be used either inside or outside. They are not load bearing but their hollow center allows considerable room to place a wood or steel support inside if needed. Because the cap and base slide on from the ends, the column and support can then be installed at the same time.
They are restricted to non-tapered and smooth (no tapered or fluted available) but have nominal diameters of 6" up to 18" and heights from 3' to 20' are available. They cannot be split lengthwise and rejoined around a support.

Wood Columns

Most of our wood columns are not stainable; they are what is called paint grade. That said, we do have suppliers who work in oak, maple, cherry and other woods. The most common wood, however, is finger joined pine. We have two sources; the Canadian one works well for smaller sizes (up to 12" dia. and 12' high), the American one is best for large sizes (14" to 20" dia. and over 12' long) or for large quantities.
Wood columns can be used interior or exterior but are more maintenance when used outside. They are load bearing (unless split lengthwise) and available in many styles, fluted or smooth, tapered or not. Most can be ordered split lengthwise and rejoined around a support.

Fiberglass Columns

Fiberglass reinforced polymer columns are approved as load bearing in the USA, however no tests have been recognized by our Canadian Standards researchers. They work well inside or outside, are always tapered, and come with polyurethane caps and bases. They can be either fluted or smooth but the fluted ones tend to be harder to trim down on site. The lengths are not as flexible, the common sizes are 8" diameter and 8' as the shortest, up to 12" dia. and 12' as the largest. Once over those sizes the prices jump (double in some cases) and it is hard to find a fluted column.
Fiberglass columns are low maintenance and insect resistant. They cannot be ordered split lengthwise and rejoined around a support, but it is possible to do it on site.

Extruded Aluminum Columns

Extruded Aluminum columns by Imperial Kool-Ray are made in long sections which snap together in a circle (or a square is available). The joints are virtually invisible when assembled and the columns are load bearing. The main advantage to the sections is that they can be joined around an existing (non-removable) support. These columns are always non tapered and always fluted.
They are prefinished in white and in many diameters and lengths. The end caps are usually in two pieces to allow for reassembling around a post. We find that they work best outside; they are not really "elegant" enough for interior use.

Polyurethane Columns

Polyurethane columns are available with either a fluted or smooth non tapered shaft in diameters of 8", 10", 12" and 14" and in 8', 10', and 12' lengths. Columns can be either full round or factory split and splined for reassembling around an existing post. Standard columns include a Tuscan style capital and base, but optional decorative capitals are available.
If you click on the "Chemcrest" or "Spectis" logos at the bottom of the "Interior Trim" or "Exterior Trim" pages, it will take you to some our suppliers' websites where you can see their product catalogues on line. In some cases you can get a tapered column and even a load bearing version.