Porch Column Pricing
Buy Fiberglass Columns
- Fiberglass Columns — Available in round and square, these durable paint-grade columns offer the timeless look of traditional millwork with low maintenance and long-lasting performance.
Buy PVC Column Wraps
- PVC Column Wraps — Made with solid white PVC that never requires painting but can be painted if desired, these low-maintenance square column wraps provide a clean, classic look with easy installation over existing posts.
Buy Synthetic Stone Columns
- Synthetic Stone Columns — Realistic stone-look column systems that deliver the upscale appearance of natural masonry without the weight, cost, or complicated installation.
Thousands of years ago architectural columns were carved from blocks of stone or tree trunks. In modern history, the progression of porch columns has been from wood to composite materials. Wood, while preferred by some for its natural beauty and wood grain texture, will rot, get infested, crack, or split. Composite columns, including faux wood porch columns, are meant to emulate ancient architecture in form and function but at affordable prices, The most common being the fiberglass column.
Fiberglass Porch Column Cost
Often, we buy products with the only consideration being the price tag. Some porch columns are really heavy, so they require additional cost considerations, like structural reinforcement to the foundation, as well as the higher installation costs associated with heavy lifting. Other column materials are made in segments, which requires a lot of time and materials for assembly and a lot of upkeep. Some columns are purely decorative and require structural supports inside of them in order to be load-bearing. Worst of all, most porch columns simply don’t last and require replacement cost considerations: concrete erodes, metal corrodes, and wood rots and comes apart. Not only is the price tag of fiberglass columns low but so is the maintenance and installation cost. Please contact us for any questions or purchase affordable columns now.
Fiberglass Column Uses
Perfect for interior and exterior application, our RoyalCast™ fiberglass columns are inherently load-bearing and can be structural with the help of hardware. Erroneously, the terms are often used interchangeably. Load-bearing columns transfer weight from above to a structural surface below, whereas structural columns prevent something, like a roof, from lifting upwards. Our cast fiberglass column shafts come as a single unit which can be split in half or to a variety of plan types by us or on site. We also make RoyaLite™ lightweight fiberglass columns which are made as halves specifically for non-load-bearing column cover applications. These fiberglass columns tend to be less expensive than our cast fiberglass columns in diameters/widths above 12″. For “stock size” porch columns up to 12″, even those acting as decorative covers, our cast fiberglass columns are less expensive. If you are looking for a simple square column wrap, some of our PVC column wraps are less expensive than our fiberglass options.
Fiberglass Column Availability
Fiberglass columns are available in any style imaginable. Standard styles include: round, square, rope, barrel, and Greek Doric. Round columns can be plain or fluted, tapered or non-tapered, segmented, roped, barreled, and custom.
Square columns can be plain or fluted, tapered or non-tapered, recessed panel, raised panel, and custom.
Our fiberglass columns are available in widths and diameters ranging from 5″ to 48″, with some spanning up to 46′ in height.
Fiberglass Column Maintenance
RoyalCast™ Fiberglass columns are considered a paint-grade product. They arrive either fully sanded or with a sanded seam. They can be left unpainted but the grayish color is usually not desirable. A high quality latex paint applied properly will keep you from revisiting the columns for a good 10-20 years, with maybe some minor touch-ups along the way. Our polymer stone columns come pre-finished but are about 30% more expensive. Our
RoyaLite™ fiberglass column covers typically come with a white marine-grade gel coat but can be pre-finished in any color or with a stone or granite finish. Since they usually come as halves, there will be a visible seam and visible screw holes that will need to be covered once installed.
Fiberglass Column Warranty
Our fiberglass columns come with a limited lifetime warranty. Wood columns, concrete columns, and aluminum columns typically come with a 1 year warranty. A porch column is only as good as its warranty.
Why Choose Royal Corinthian Fiberglass Porch Columns
Unlike the majority of the industry, our fiberglass columns come standard with caps and bases made from the same material. The competition often imports polyurethane or synthetic injection molded caps and bases. Polyurethane will dent and may break and molded plastic products can warp. Mixing materials is not advised for painting purposes: Paint adheres and reacts to materials in different ways so mixing can expose the paint to different expansion rates, which can increase maintenance.
We offer more styles and sizes than anyone in the industry and our various materials can be mixed and matched on a single project since we make all of our columns from the same molds. In other words, if you choose our cast fiberglass columns for load-bearing areas and opt for our lightweight fiberglass column covers elsewhere, the products will match.
We guarantee the fastest lead-times, lowest prices, and the highest quality products. We are big enough to compete on price yet small enough to offer an intimate customer experience.
In addition to columns, we manufacture cornice, balustrades, pergolas, fireplace surrounds, and an assortment of composite millwork products. Bundle and save!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best materials for porch columns?
Composite materials are the best for porch columns. Fiberglass columns are the most popular due to their versatility in style, price, and durability. For square porch columns that are not load-bearing, PVC column wraps are a popular choice. Synthetic stone columns are a great option for columns that look and feel like stone but are lighter and less expensive.
How do I replace porch columns?
A porch column can be completely removed and replaced with a composite alternative. If the existing columns are load-bearing, a temporary support can be placed near the column that is being replaced. Alternatively, existing columns can be covered by a column wrap or column cover (these terms are used interchangeably). If the existing column is load-bearing and is being covered instead of removed, it is important to make sure the load-bearing integrity of the existing column won’t degrade over time.
How much do porch columns cost?
Prices for porch columns vary depending on style, size, and material. Price should never be the only factor to consider. Wood columns will rot and need to be maintained annually, so the initial cost of the column isn’t the total cost. Fiberglass columns can be installed and painted with a lifetime warranty paint and can be left alone for many years. PVC column wraps don’t require paint as long as white is the color you desire. Synthetic stone columns look and feel like stone, and do not require paint. All columns, like all exterior building products, will get dirty from time to time, so a quick wash might restore them to look as new.
How do I install porch columns?
All porch columns are installed essentially in the same manner. Royal Corinthian provides L-brackets that secure the column shaft to the soffit (ceiling) and substrate (floor). The L-brackets are then hidden by the cap and base. PVC column covers come with a cleat that is secured to the soffit/substrate and locks the column shaft into place. Detailed installation instructions for every composite porch column offered by Royal Corinthian are available in PDF, Word, as well as video.
What is the best height for porch columns?
There is no “best height” for porch columns. Some porches are 1 story and require columns that are 8’ to 12’ in height. Other porches are 2 or even 3 stories and can incorporate columns that span all stories or use shorter columns on each story. Column height comes down to personal preference and the height of the porch. Some people like to incorporate a newel post or pedestal under their columns and, again, this boils down to preference.
Can porch columns be load-bearing?
Porch columns made from fiberglass and synthetic stone are load-bearing. Column covers are not. There is a difference between load-bearing and structural, insofar as load-bearing columns do not provide uplift protection, unless they are combined with internal hardware or surround a wood beam or metal column that does. So while a load-bearing column can bear the weight of your roof, without internal hardware, it won’t keep your roof from lifting up during strong winds.
How do I repair rotting porch columns?
Repairing a rotting porch column depends on the extent of the damage and how much effort you want to put towards that repair. When it comes to wood columns, the base and the bottom of the column shaft are generally the first to rot. Royal Corinthian offers replacement bases from composite materials that are load-bearing. Most wood columns sit on top of the base, so a replacement base needs to be load-bearing. Damaged shafts can be repaired using putties, but those repairs might reopen in the future. If it is within budget, a full replacement of the column might be the quickest option, with the least amount of headache down the road.
What styles of porch columns are available?
Royal Corinthian offers more porch column styles than anyone. Round and square, tapered and non-tapered, plain and fluted, raised or recessed panel, Greek Doric, rope, and belly. With thousands of standard options, PVC column covers are easily customized for a unique column that no one else has, if that’s your goal.
How do I paint porch columns?
Painting porch columns comes down to what material they are made from. Fiberglass columns should always be sanded first and then painted with acrylic or latex paints. PVC columns do not require paint, but they should also be sanded first if you choose to paint them, and they should be painted with the same paint as fiberglass. Synthetic stone columns come in an assortment of colors and don’t need to be painted. However, if down the road you wish to change the color, they can be painted like the other two materials.
What is the difference between round and square porch columns?
Other than the obvious difference, square columns tend to be more versatile in design. Most round columns come from existing molds, so the design is more or less set. However, a lot of square column covers are made on CNC machines and can easily be customized, and relatively inexpensively.
How to choose the right porch columns for my home?
There is no right or wrong when choosing a style of porch column, so long as it is in keeping with the style of the rest of the exterior of the home. However, there can be mistakes made in choosing the size of the column. A column that is too skinny or too wide might look awkward. A good rule of thumb is to have the diameter or width of the column be 1/7th to 1/10th of the height.
How do I remove old porch columns?
Royal Corinthian offers detailed instructions on how to remove old columns, whether they are decorative or load-bearing. Load-bearing columns need a temporary brace put near the column, while the new column is installed. Removing the old columns will depend on how they were installed and might require cutting the column to facilitate removal.
What are the best porch column designs for a modern home?
Modern porch columns lean toward square designs rather than round, and less is more when it comes to modern homes. Royal Corinthian offers square columns in fiberglass, PVC, and synthetic stone, all with simple cap and base options. Some people even opt for no cap or base to keep the design even more minimalistic.
How do I clean and maintain porch columns?
Cleaning a porch column comes down to the material from which it is made. Composite columns like fiberglass and PVC can be washed with dish soap and water. Stone or concrete can be power washed using the appropriate PSI.
Can I use fiberglass columns for my porch?
Fiberglass columns are the best material to use on a porch. They are hard like stone and impervious to insects and the elements. However, some manufacturers use inferior materials like polyurethane or plastic for the capital and base. Squirrels, dogs, and birds often chew or peck on polyurethane caps and bases, as the material is soft like wood. Royal Corinthian fiberglass columns don’t have that problem, as the cap and base are made from the same stone-like material.
How far apart should porch columns be?
Spacing depends on several factors: load-bearing requirements, architectural style, the design of the porch, and personal preference. On most residential porches, the columns are spaced 8’ to 12’ apart, balancing the aesthetics and structural integrity of the porch.
Columns on classical porches are sometimes closer together to create a formal appearance (6’ to 8’ apart). Local building codes might also dictate spacing, so it’s always best to check with your architect or local building authority.
Are porch columns required by building code?
Building codes may require structural columns like a 4×4 or 6×6 wood post or metal columns, but not necessarily a porch column. A porch column is more often utilized for aesthetic appeal or curb appeal but can serve as a structural component as well. However, porch columns might be required in historic districts or deed-restricted communities. Every municipality and even neighborhood is different, so it is best to consult your local building department.
What is the purpose of porch columns?
The purpose of porch columns can be separated into two categories: form and function. A porch column can serve as a structural or load-bearing member of the porch, but also for curb appeal.
How can I add decorative trim to porch columns?
Royal Corinthian offers a vast array of decorative capitals and bases for our porch columns. But beyond the 500 or so cap and base options we offer, our customization is unrivaled. If you can envision it, we can build it. If you are looking to do it yourself, PVC trim is a good exterior porch product that is highly customizable using basic woodworking tools.
