Decorative Wood Architectural

The use of columns in architecture dates back to ancient Greek civilizations. The columns used in construction of ancient Greek buildings are divided into three architectural categories: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Differentiated primarily by the design of the column's top or capital, the column bases as well as the relative width of the column's shaft are also defining characteristics of columns in each order.

The oldest and simplest design among Greek columns is the Doric. Doric column capitals are a simple saucer shape that is wider than the column's shaft and opens up into a square shaped, flat surface. This surface provides the structural support for which the column is designed.

Ionic column capitals feature a carved scroll curving out from each corner of its square top. These scrolls, also called spirals or helixes, are often connected in the carving - resembling a piece of paper with both ends wrapped and curled downward.

Corinthian column are the most ornate and slender of the three orders. Corinthian capitals have carved acanthus leaves, often wrapped around scrolls and decorated with flowers.

Ancient Romans adopted the architectural orders of the Greeks era, embellished upon them and created their own versions. They also combined some Greek architectural characteristics to create two of their own orders: Tuscan and Composite.

The simplest Roman column is the Tuscan, which is an adaptation of the Greek Doric style. It has no base, no fluting and a saucer shaped top that supports a flat square area above it.

Architectural Columns - Wood Species

The Composite style combines features of both the Greek Ionic and Corinthian designs. This elaborate and intricate carving style incorporated the acanthus leaves and floral designs with the scrolls or spirals found in Ionic designs.

Today, columns can be found in any of the Greek and Roman orders or customized with more contemporary characteristics.