Porch Columns

Most porches are 8′ to 10′ in height and generally the width or diameter chosen ranges from 6″ to 12″. Some people prefer a bulkier column, so they choose something in the 14″ to 16″ range. Some porches, on the other hand, are 2 or 3 stories and require much taller and wider columns. There is no set rule per se about how wide a column should be: The size of the porch column is determined by the amount of open space on the porch, the quantity and spacing of the columns, and personal preference. Our architectural experts are always willing to provide insight on sizing if you are unsure.

The majority of Royal Corinthian columns are load-bearing. However, when a column is split in half to act as a column cover, it is no longer load-bearing. PVC columns wraps are purely decorative unlike fiberglass and synthetic stone. There is a distinction that needs to be made between load-bearing and structural. While these columns can bear tens of thousands of pounds, they do not offer uplift protection. In other words, without the use of hardware inside the column, architectural columns are not meant to hold the roof from lifting up during strong winds: They are only capable of bearing the weight of the roof without said internal hardware. The columns are structural laterally however, so attaching a balustrade or railing to them, after pre-drilling, will keep the railing system compliant with building codes.

The cost of installation depends on several factors: size of columns, style of columns, weight of columns, and the complexity of the installation. Not all installations are the same: some are very simple while others more complex. The good news is that any skilled carpenter, mason, or siding contractor can install these columns. It is not a specialized installation per se. Royal Corinthian offers detailed installation instructions and videos to facilitate the installation process. We also know contractors all over America who have installed our products and can recommend one for most areas.

Royal Corinthian offers many modern styles of columns in addition to styles that go back thousands of years. Craftsman style square columns are becoming increasingly popular and those can be installed right over existing columns without the need to remove them.

The best column is difficult to pinpoint because Royal Corinthian only manufactures composite materials that last a lifetime and beyond. Synthetic Stone is ideal if you are looking to have a stone look to the columns without having to paint them: The color fully permeates each particle of the column. PVC column wraps are ideal in situations where square column covers are desired: They come white and do not need to be painted, but can be. Fiberglass columns are considered the best column material in the marketplace. They are available in every imagine style, priced competitively, can be load-bearing or decorative, are fairly easy to install, and are available in a cast stone or lightweight fiberglass option.

Yes, you can wrap metal porch columns with any column material offered by Royal Corinthian. As long as there is room around the columns, a column cover or surround will work. Feel free to email photos of your existing columns for our recommendations on what to do.

As described above, the best material as far as durability, price, ease of installation, and diversity of styles is the fiberglass column. However, if you don’t want to paint your columns, synthetic stone and PVC column wraps are an excellent choice. All of these options come with a lifetime warranty so you can’t go wrong.

There is no way to say which style of column is better. Aesthetic preference plays the biggest role in determining whether you choose square or rectangle columns. There are also round, rope, recessed panels, and Greek Doric column options to consider. The good news is that Royal Corinthian offers all of these styles and more under one roof. We are always willing to assist in choosing a style and even creating one that doesn’t exist. We are experts in custom fabrication, in addition to offering thousands of standard products.