Columns

Columns are designed to bear the heavy weights of structures such as arches or beams. In some cases, architectural columns are installed purely for decorative purposes. Dating back to ancient Egypt, architectural columns have added classic elegance to buildings.

Architectural columns are made up of three parts, a shaft, the shaft’s base, and the capital, or the top of shaft. Many of today’s architectural column styles are based on those developed in ancient Greece. The oldest and “simplest” column style is from the Doric order.

Doric order columns did not have bases, the shafts were decorated with twenty flutes, or vertical grooves, and the capitals were round.

Ionic order columns were more ornate than those from the Doric order. Ionic order columns had twenty-four flutes on the shaft, a capital decorated with scrolls, and a base. Corinthian order columns were very ornate. The shaft had the same number as did Ionic columns, but had sharper edges. Capitals were ornately decorated with scrolls and depictions of the leaves from the acanthus plant.

Today’s architectural columns can resemble ancient Greek columns or may combine features from the different orders to create “new” styles. You will also find architectural columns that can be square instead of round, barrel shaped, and tapered. Materials such as cultured marble and fiberglass columns have made exterior architectural columns maintenance free. You can also have architectural columns custom designed for your home.

Regardless of the style of architectural columns that you choose for your house, you will be adding not only to the ambiance of your home but also to the value to your home.

Greek Doric	Roman Doric	Composite

Corinthian	Tuscan	Ionic