Home Building - Columns & Millwork

Whether you use columns as an aesthetic design element or give it a supporting roleyour home will be greatly enhanced by fitting columns into your architectural plans. Since ancient times columns have graced private homes as both decorative and structuralsupporting a wall or roof.

Although the classical designs of ancient Greek and Roman columns are as popular today as ever, don't feel bound to build the expected, since manufacturers of pre-made interior and exterior columns offer homeowners many different shapes, styles and sizes to choose from. In addition to a plethora of off-the-shelf designs, you can have your columns custom made.

There are three classic ordersthink stylesof columns: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. The Doric order was the earliest of the Greek columns and are the heaviest and thickest. Ionic columns are known for their ram horn capitals and they were the first to use decorative bases. The most complex column is the Corinthian order, which are slender (most architects refer to them as the female column), topped with an ornate decorative capital and entablature. They also have a base and plinth, which is basically a tapered ledge that meets the floor. Keep in mind all orders can by custom changed to architectural specifications.

Wooden Columns

Wood columns are a wonderful architectural addition to any home because they add a sense of class and distinction to your homes overall appearance both inside and out. They are easy to install and can be carved in any shape or style and painted to match or stand out from your homes decor.

Wood columns should be made of only the finest woods like mahogany, poplar, cherry, pine, oak, maple, and redwood. Most wood column suppliers and manufacturers can carve both round and square columns in sizes consistent with classic proportions, as well as custom shaft diameters for special projects. Wood columns can also be smooth surfaced or fluted with ridgeswhatever suits your artistic vision.

If you use hollow wooden columns, they must be vented to prevent built-up moisture from condensing on the inside and rotting the wood. Proper ventilation requires an opening at both top and bottom. To determine the amount of ventilation you will need, divide the column's diameter (or width) in half and convert to square inches. For example, a 10-inch-diameter column needs five square inches of vent opening at the base and another five square inches at the capital. To keep insects and small critters from making a home, your vents should be blocked with copper screens.

Fiberglass Columns

The preferred material by builders and architects for columns is fiberglass because it offers an attractive look that is more impact-resistant than wood. Like wood they are available in both a round and square shape with a choice of smooth or fluted surfaces. Todays fiberglass columns are manufactured not only to aesthetically replicate the classic column forms but they are also strong enough to serve as structural, load-bearing columns.

There are so many manufacturers to choose from when it comes to fiberglass that it is important for you understand a bit about how fiberglass is made so you can find a reputable column provider. Fiberglass is actually little glass threads which are spun into thin strands that can be woven into a strong, durable material which is impervious to heat, rust and many other extreme elements. Fiberglass columns are not only made of fiberglass but a compound made by combining fiberglass and plastic. These two materials are heated and then molded into the desired column shape. Basically the plastic provides the structure and the fiberglass provides the strength and durability.

The benefits of fiberglass columns are:

* They can be shaped and painted to give any desired look
* They are weatherproof.
* Insect and critter proof.
* More impact resistant than wood.
* Usually come with a lifetime warrantycheck with your manufacturer.
* Easy installation.
* Impervious to moisture, which is great if you live in an area that experiences high humidity.
* Load bearing fiberglass columns can support up to 30,000 pounds.
* Lightweight and require very little maintenance.

Precast Stone Columns

The tradition of classic beauty in architecture is carried on today through pre-cast stone columns rather than natural stone columns. New technology allows builders to create pre-cast stone columns that have the look and strength of ancient Roman columns but without the drawbacks of using natural stone columns. The biggest difference between pre-cast stone columns and natural stone columns is cost. It is much cheaper to pour a stone column into a cast than it is to chisel it out of a giant stone slab.

Another benefit to pre-cast is you dont have to worry about hidden cracks and crevices. However, if you dont want a smooth looking column you can have your column designed with a weathered look. Pre-cast stone columns can be manufactured in one piece shafts or in halves and sections to surround steel supports.

Interior Architectural Columns

While the Ancient Greeks and Romans used columns first for support and second for aesthetics, todays builders and designers have the luxury of using columns solely for the purpose of decoration. Modern construction materials can now support the weight of a roof without placing a column every six feet. Now you can have columns placed anywhere you please. If you want to give the illusion of a bigger space, the careful placement of interior architectural columns can achieve that look. Conversely you can divide a large room by having your designer create two separate spaces without closing off the room with a wall. This is a great idea if you want to divide your living areas but dont want to break up the grandness of such a large living room.

Cost

The price of adding columns to your home will depend on the size and material of the column, its load-bearing capacity and the amount of detailing. A plain, eight-inch-diameter, eight-foot-long wooden column in pine, hemlock, or fir costs about $160. Double that price for one made of redwood or cedar. A comparable column in fiberglass starts around $200 or more for a plain, round eight-footer. Installation will add to the price, but its worth every penny to give your home, porch or entryway the grand look of a Greek temple.

Architectural Millwork

Architectural millwork is the easiest and most affordable way to give your home a unique look. Millwork is traditionally defined as woodwork, such as doors, window casings, and baseboards that are ready-made by a lumber mill. Today, millwork refers to many other prefabricated architectural products, particularly those made from polyurethane and fiberglass to create unique columns, balustrades, arbors, crown molding or any other design element you might want to create or recreate. Millwork allows you to duplicate a home from your favorite period - say Victorian, Greek Revival, Colonial or how about recreating a room from Gone With the Wind. Whatever you can imagine, youll be sure to find a millwork product on the market today that will turn your vision into a reality.

Corbels

If you really want to give a room a new look or add to your exterior, then youll want to check out corbels. With their growing popularity, more and more designs are available for you to choose from. Corbels are available in solid wood, polyurethane and stone. The preferred material is wood, because its hand carved and can be painted, stained or glazed to add to your homes decor. Most manufactures have their own line of corbels to choose from, but you can always have one custom designed. Corbels can be used almost anywhere, but generally youll find them used as stand alone on cabinets, furniture, pilasters, door panels or over doors or as support for shelves and mantels.

Ceiling Medallions

Ceiling medallions are a popular way to add class and sophistication to any formal room. Unlike ceiling domes, which are larger and recessed, a medallion is smaller and usually edged with intricate patters that resemble moldings and capitals. Medallions are available in fiberglass, plaster or wood, however fiberglass is fast becoming the preferred material because it easily mimics the look of wood or plaster, but without the worry about it cracking or splitting. Because it is lightweight it doesnt require extra reinforcement in your ceiling structure like wood and plaster may. While you may love the grand look of a medallion, be sure your home can handle such an extravagant piece.

Moldings

Moldings are one of the details that can really add to the exterior and interior look of your home. The majority of moldings are made from either polyurethane synthetics or simple wood. Most home designers are choosing polyurethane over wood because it is almost impossible to differentiate between polyurethane millwork molding from painted wood molding. The long term benefits of using this material is that it wont split, rot or peel like wood will. When it comes to base moldings, it is very durable and can handle daily wear and tear. Despite all the benefits of polyurethane, many people still hold their aesthetic allegiance to wood over synthetics and will take on the added burden of maintaining wood moldings. If youre a wood purist, be sure that you use high quality wood and have it treated to help prevent rot and insect damage especially on your exterior. When it comes to size and shape there is no limit to the amount of choices available in molding. A good rule of thumb when choosing crown molding, base molding, or window casing is to stay with a pattern, no matter how tempting other selections may be, that matches the architectural style of your home. If you find yourself overwhelmed by all your options, call up your designer for guidance.

Tammy Crosby-Editor, Dream DesignsFood Group Protein
Medicine Ball Abdominal Exercise
Service Cities
Education Health
0 3 Costume Halloween Infant Month
Cartoon Network Billy And Mandy Game
04 Birthday Pool
Bank Colorado Community First
Coastal Vacation Director
03 05
Toy Fox Terrier For Sale
Atlanta Book Entertainment Retail
100 Cotton Dress Shirt
Ralph Lauren Wallets
W5
Dermatologist Doctor Find
W15
0 Down Mortgage
Bear Black Hunting Trip
In Jesus Meant Race Running Victory Were Win
Drowning Love Pool War
Flower Name Spring
Football High School Southwest Virginia
Mortgage Rate Can I Stop A Refinance On Home
Condominium
Duluth News Tribune Obituary
Baseball Danbury Youth
York Ne
05 Mustang Gt
North Myrtle Beach Sc Condo
Vitamin And B12 And Mangel
Heaven And Hell
Real Estate In New York State
Sharing Files
Baseball Camp Nj
Career
Airline Cheap Discount Las Ticket Vegas
London Investment Home Mortgages
Animation Cartoon Cutting Edge Festival From Mike Outlaw Spike
1 800 Reconex
10 Aircraft Flight Simulator
Building Product Wholesale
Sprint Samsung Phones
0 Gauge Power Wire
Wireless Router For Mac
1 Center Furniture Gallery
B12 Problem Shot Vitamin
Western Union Promotion Code
Kid Army Boot
Marriage Age Difference
B12 Benefit Dose High Vitamin
10 Celebrity Hottest Male Top
W32
1 Cream Ice Team Video Vol
1032 Blower Deere John Snow
1 12 Doll Furniture House
Grand Rapid Michigan Job Search
Montage Mother Of The Bride Dress
Michigan Dance Team
1 Dvd Minute Workout
Alert Bureau Credit Fraud
Camera
Business Card Link Post Suggest
New Single Family Home Construction Loan
Basic Chocolate Cake Recipe
Nike Air Bo Jackson Shoes
Gasoline Lead Additive
Carpet
1 800 Reconex
0 Forex Learn Onlinesbox Trading
Flight
Germany Driving Map
Interactive Electronic Technical Manual
Dale Earnhardt Jr On Mtv Crib
07 Srx
Party Bus Rental In New York
Hd Channels
Winter Park Colorado Hotel
Tennis Gift For Man
0 Holds Barred
18th Century Sailing Ship
Carl Hogan Honda
Herbal Cleanse Detox
Christmas
Aussie Mobile Pet Grooming
Washington High School Football
W25
Vintage Tea Cup
Package Deals Sea World San Diego
O Christmas Tree Midi
Oversized Sun Glasses Man
2008 Car Preview
Monster Inc Party
Business Delmarva Phone System
Inline Hockey Drill
Everwood Tv Series
Auburn Estate Real Washington
Condominium
Low Cost Neuter
French Cafe Music
Orlando Villa Rental
10 Boot Snow
Internet Phone Book
Discount Pagers
Sd 200 Canon Elph
P25
Orange County Pilates Class
Crystal Lake Printer
Gas International Oil
Decorating Design Entertainment Equipment Home Interior Television Video
W22
Anxiety Anxiety Anxiety Attack Child Panic Performance
Free International Dating Service
Image Lounge
Cream Ice Original Shoes
San Diego County Golf Course
House Of Mouse
Forex News System Trading
Cart Free Php Shopping
Forex
Exchange 2003 Hosting
Commercial Ice Cream Maker
Whats My Connection Speed
Glasses Guide And Directory
Roma Cafe Detroit
Bad Bad Credit Dispute Repair
Kenmore Gas Grill Parts
Male Celebrity In Their Underwear
Information About Tanzania
Presidential Nomination 2008
Mesothelioma
Winter Pear
Sonesta Beach Resort Miami
Massage Guide And Directory
Corporate Entertainment Ireland
10 Diet Fitness Health Steps Vital
Water
Cingular Cell Phone Service
Clock Docking Ipod Radio
007 Gadgets
Derren Brown Trick Of The Mind
Anzac Biscuits Recipe
Free Online Car Selling
Car Las Nv Used Vegas
Superman Deluxe Costume
Vegetarian Diet Book
Docking System
3 December Play Shipment Station
05 Mustang Parts
Jane T Lee And Clairvoyant
Transformation Magazine
Horror Layout Myspace Picture Rocky Show
Headwaters Construction Material
Construction Company In New York
Gas Bills
Class A Contractor License
Video Editing For Basketball
Celebrity Cruise Infinity Line
The Science Of Global Warming
Download Download Free Mp3 Song
Sport Water Woman
Eastern Estate Maryland Real Shore
Age Directory Hemolytic Internet Official Patient Revised Sourcebook Syndrome Updated Uremic
10 Celebrity Hottest Male Top
Ukai Rims
Disco Fever Cd
Crm Australia
1 2 3 Flower Gardening
California In Public School
Wisconsin Landscape Contractor Association
Class T Shirt And Design
Long Island Ice Tea Calorie
Professional Fitness Equipment
Background Check Credit Check
Cologne Tour
Dans Bmx
Construction Bridge Loan
Womens Fancy Dress
House And Home Magazine
Win A Trip To Paris
1773 Act Tea
Coffee Pots Restaurant
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Houston
10 Aircraft Flight Simulator
Netgear Adsl Wireless
1 Footwear Page Producttype Timberland
Dream Weaver Asp Shopping Cart Software
Michigan Local Driving Jobs
2003 Award Mtv Music Video
1 Myspace Proxy
Apartment Finder Washington Dc
Dakota Healthy Loss South Weight
Walt Whitman I Hear America Singing
Icecream
Employment Attorney Vermont
Embassy In Singapore Us
Westgate Villas Orlando
Break London Theater
Get Inc Money Record
10 8 Dress Girl Little Size
Simple Living Magazine
0 Blood Diet Type Type
1 Dvd Minute Workout
Chair Chair Ergonomic Office Office
Temperature Conversion Chart
2006 Accommodation Bed Breakfast Character Guide Guide Leading New New Zealand Zealands
Fitness Exercise
Yahoo Sports Fantasy Com
1 8859 Charset Iso
Victorian Miniature Doll House
Business Film Industry Plan Sample
Christmas Movie Picture Vacation
Cosmetic Dental Procedure
Usb Dance Pad
Spot Price Gold
Zithromax Used For
The Wonder Years Tv Series On Dvd
Holiday Home Rentals
It Messiah Sing Yourself
Carnation Sugar Free Instant Breakfast
Coat Fur Hood Leather
Wedding Dress In Plus Size
Picture Of Jesus Mary
Glasses
P8
Bachelorette Party Poem
San Jose Hotel Austin
2004 Global Warming
Vintage T Shirt Wholesale
1200 Calorie Diet Vegetarian
Table Top Microphone
Management Morristown Restaurant
Ambi Skin Care Product
W28
Decorating Kitchens
P32
Construction Consultant Wilmington
Sony Play Station Wireless Controller
Oxidative Stress
104 Fuel Oil Wholesale
1 Boat Cook Episode Island Puzzle Survivor
Argentina Desnudas Famosas Gratis
Bike
Real Estate In Greensboro North Carolina
Global Real Warming
Pool Cleaning Supply
2008 Camaro Chevrolet Picture
Cheap Bedroom Furniture
Buyer Fur In Pa
Army Shirt Design
Medium Hair Style Photo Short
Wolly Mammoth
E Loan Php Z
Gift Ribbon Wrapping
Access Bios
Wood Folding Tables
Mortgage
100 Celebrity Hot Top
Chinese Weightloss Tea
Cruise Vacation Special
100 Cascade Glacier Hike In North Peak Region Washingtons
0 60 Pontiac Grand Prix Gtp
10 Gallon Gas Can
1 Myspace Proxy
Civil Engineering Job Posting Site
1 1 2 Story House Plan
Control House Mouse
Kauai Vacation Home For Rent
Farmer Jack Michigan
America Good Morning Show Television
Amsterdam Cheap Flight Return
Celebrity
Food Online Vegetarian
Wedding
Dating Online Tip
Hiking Ireland Tour
Charting Currency Focus Forex Major Major Pair Trading Wiley
Retirement Home New
Daily Detox Tea
Pets
Dance Schools In Nj
Dc Hotel Washington Wyndham
Acton Vale
0 Percent Credit Cards
0 1 Balance Card Credit Offer Transfer Year
1 Cover Jacuzzi Spa
Listen To Music Com
Beach Diet Help
People In Ireland
Contains Linux Magazine Online Over
10k 5k Design T Shirt
San Diego Fiberglass Pool
Louis Dupre
Kirtland Central High School
Care Health Home Information Nursing System
Cosmetic Surgeon In Houston
Cocoa Beach Florida Vacation Package
Advance Til Payday
02 X3
Professional Business Letter Format
1 2 Art Art Business Business Career In Starting Volume War
1 Cup Coffee Brewer
Choco Choco Chocolate
Florida Time Share For Sale
Designer Handbag Purse Replica Wallet
America Award Latin Mtv Music
Ricks Cafe Negril
Huffy Basketball Hoop
Channel 5 Tv
06 10 Child Drowns In Pool
Tamarind Pulp
Opec Oil Prices
Math Coordinates
Man In Black
Drug Treatment Rehab Center
0800 Internet Access Free
Drug Rehab Tulsa
10 Bank Top World
Builder Business Construction Construction Contractor Every Know Management Need Subcontractor
Chaise Lounge Chase Lounges Chairs
Sports Fitness
0 3 Baby Baby From Thinking Toddler Understanding Years
Southern Living Magazine Subscription
Accident Colorado Lawyer Semi Truck
Forex Training Uk
Bag Lunch Superman
Flag Germany
1 Cream Ice Team Video Vol
World
Blue Cellular Motorola Phone Tooth V600
016 Party Pool
Massage
Green Tea Ice Cream Buy
07 Cricket Ea Sports
00 Gauge
1500 Every Global Unstoppable Warming Years
Tiger Woods New Yacht
2008 Coupe G35
Ab Crunch Exercise
Turtles To Buy
Air Australian Discount Fiji Travel
Community Course Durham Golf Home Nc Sale Site
Holiday Inn Burbank
By Exercise Game Golfer Guide Pilates Step Step Strengthen
Vampire Slayer
California County Course Golf In Orange
1 Cream Ice Skate Team Video Vol
Myspace
Dating Moms Single Tip
03 Honda Accord
Canadian Freebies International
North Carolina Furniture Metal Futon Chaise
Calculator Equity Loan
Bikram City New Yoga York
Gas Heater Shop
07 Escalade
Back Massages Relieving Stress
Chevalier De La Table Ronde
02 Pay As You Go
Middle School Basketball Picture
High School Wrestling Schedule
Chocolate Coffee Flavored Fudge
Unique Infant Clothes
Caa Services Travel
Model 96
Sling Chaise Lounge
140 Baby Boost Brain Development Fun Game Toddler Two Ways
Insane Aquarium Play Online
0711 Vde
Big1
0 Apr Business Card Credit
Vintage Beer T Shirt
Diabetic Diet List
Florida Small Business Development Center
Body Building Nutrition Guide
P32
Barbecue City Gas Grill Kansas
Womens Soccer Apparel
1310 Radio Sports Ticket
Irish Pub Music
Stocks
Forbes On Fox
Kid Winter Party Game
Girl Singing Spice
Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Attorneys
Costume Disco Sexy
Award Euro Kanye Mtv Video West
2008 Auto Car New Show
Indiana Basketball Recruit
1 America Career Coach Secret
Coastal International Travel Vacation
California Company Jose Mortgage San
Kingston Ontario Obituary
Cream Ice Lab Making
A Asian Massage Houston Tx
2 Play Silver Slim Station
What Are The Causes Of Global Warming
Vacation
Pets
Microsoft Crm For Small Business
Different Medical Career
Hoodia Comparison
Flowers
Herbal Liver Detox
04 Card Cheap Phone
Chair Chaise Lounge Teak
2 Way Satellite Internet
Fantasy Football Player Ranking Weekly
Eye Glasses Sexy
Vacation Resort Time Share
Drop Forgings
Sports Collectible And Figure
Effect Green House Lesson Plan
Antonio Hampton Inn San Tx
Sbc White Pages Phone Directory
Anti Laundering Money Software
New Zealand Airfare
Bar Business Pub Restaurant
Automobile Portfolios
Baja Kayaking Loreto Sea
Of Clairvoyant
Water Bed Bedding
0844 Numbers
Dating Internet Personal Services
My Chemical Romance Ringtones
Designer Sun Glasses Dior
Office Supply
Todd Reid
12 Cd Wallet
Crm Certification
2 Care Cosmetic Sk Skin
Passport Application Information
064 Stihl
Forex
Freebies
06 Can Dance So Think Tour
Gem Ornamental Mineral Or Organic Substance
Get Keith Rehab Urban
Seventeen Magazine Phone Number
Canada Radio Ricardo
1 Mole
Bag Bag Tapestry Tote
Hotel
Seattle Hair Extension