Fiberglass Columns

Frequently Asked Questions: Fiberglass Columns

1. What is a fiberglass column? Also called fiberglass reinforced polymer or “FRP”. Most companies use the terms interchangeably as do we, but we try to reserve “FRP” for our RoyaLite™ column covers in an attempt to differentiate them from our cast option. As described above, fiberglass porch columns come in many compositions. The most popular “square fiberglass column” in the market has very little fiberglass strand in it (RoyalCast™). In short, a fiberglass column is a composite column that has any amount of fiberglass strand in it. An exterior fiberglass column typically comes with a capital, base, and shaft but we sell them individually if desired. Watch this video to learn more about the 3 most common compositions of fiberglass columns.
2. Can I buy just a capital or a base without the column shaft? Yes, we specialize in capitals and bases that are customized inexpensively for your particular application. We can make our standard bases taller or shorter, widen or shorten the hole opening, make the base fully solid, remove the plinth, make a square plinth round, add vents to the base so that your existing wood column can breathe, and much more. Read more about replacement bases. Our standard capitals are just as customizable and we have many more decorative capital options than we list on our website. As always, we never shy away from historic replications or custom projects.
3. Can fiberglass columns be painted? Exterior Fiberglass columns don’t need to be painted but it is recommended. They are a paint-grade product more often than not unless you get our pre-finished FRP version. We recommend sanding, priming, and painting our RoyalCast™ columns using acrylic latex products and we have very detailed painting instructions for you to follow: How to properly paint cast fiberglass columns.
4. What is the best caulk for fiberglass columns? Typically, installers will use a latex caulk for fiberglass porch columns. It is known as the “painter’s caulk” as it accepts primer/paint very well. If you aren’t planning to paint over the caulk, silicone caulks fare better as they will expand and contract with the column and separate less. We also recommend a polyurethane caulk from MasterSeal that we have had over a decade of success with. You can read more about caulks at the link in the previous question.
5. How to split fiberglass columns? Yes, as mentioned previously, we can split them in half if they aren’t already made as halves. They can also be split to any plan type available by the factory or by your installer. Watch a video on how to split fiberglass columns yourself.
6. Can you cut fiberglass columns? Columns can be made to your exact height or you can cut them with a circular saw on site. A good rule of thumb is to cut from the bottom of the shaft as some columns start to taper as you move up and others have decorative details like the neck ring or astragal at the top. Some of our columns have a capital support ring that is meant to hold a Tuscan capital in place. If you cut too much of the tapered column off, you run the risk of creating a bigger gap between the shaft and the base. The gap can be caulked but we can also make our bases to fit if you request that at the time of order.
7. Can fiberglass columns be used as column covers? As mentioned at the onset, all of our columns can be used as column covers. Some are made as whole columns and can be split by us or you to act as covers while others are factory made as covers to be assembled around structural supports.
8. Are fiberglass columns load-bearing? As mentioned above, two versions of ours are load-bearing and our RoyaLite™ column covers can be assembled to bear weight. Keep in mind that there is a distinction between load-bearing and structural. Square Fiberglass columns are not structural as it pertains to uplift. They will hold the weight of your roof in other words but they won’t keep the roof from lifting up during a hurricane. They can be made structural in combination with hardware like a Simpson Strong-Tie or with the use of a lally column or the like. Many manufacturers use the words “structural” and “load-bearing” interchangeably so don’t be fooled. The next two questions are relatable.
9. Are fiberglass columns structural? They are load-bearing and can be structural when used in combination with structural hardware or columns. However, they do have structural integrity when lateral force is applied as with the use of railings that are secured to them. See more in the question above and below.
10. Can railings be installed into fiberglass columns? Yes, balustrade systems or railings can be installed into our architectural fiberglass columns. Our columns are structurally capable of withstanding the lateral force that can be applied to a railing system. For column covers, make sure that the railings anchor into the structural member behind the column. Always, pre-drill fiberglass columns.
11. How to install fiberglass columns? Installing round or square fiberglass columns doesn’t affect the installation process. They are all installed the same. Please download our fiberglass column installation instructions. Make sure to use the appropriate instructions as our RoyalCast™ and RoyaLite™ column covers install differently.
12. Can you screw into fiberglass columns? Yes, but always pre-drill using the appropriate size drill bit. Countersink in order to conceal the screw head. Be mindful when screwing into thinner fiberglass options and don’t countersink too deep. Installation instructions are available for all of our columns.
13. Where to buy fiberglass columns? You can buy them locally at The Home Depot, Menards, Lowe’s, and many lumberyards. However, most lumberyards don’t stock columns and the ones that do only have limited styles, sizes, quantities, and options. We do not sell direct but we guarantee the lowest prices through our distributors, even when competing against these “big box” stores. In addition to the lowest price guarantee, our fiberglass structural columns come with capitals and bases made from the same poly/marble composite material as the shaft. We do not cheap out like the rest of the industry but we still sell our columns for less. We don’t cut corners, ever. We have the best fiberglass columns and a lifetime warranty on all of them. Please call us at 888-265-8661 for a distributor, email us at [email protected], or fill out our contact form.
14. How much are fiberglass columns? The price of a fiberglass column is fairly inexpensive compared to most column materials. Some wood and aluminum columns are cheaper but they only come with a 1 year warranty, typically. Once you paint an exterior fiberglass column with a high quality paint, you won’t have to deal with repairs or maintenance for a very long time, if ever, which is why they are backed by a lifetime warranty. Wood will rot and has to be maintained consistently and aluminum will rust in addition to being very limited in styles and architecturally displeasing to the eyes. Aluminum Columns are not architectural fiberglass columns; they are more accurately called posts. Concrete is heavy, corrodes, and requires a lot more structural reinforcement to the foundation than do fiberglass columns. The only other alternatives that have a great amount of value is our synthetic stone columns or PVC column wraps. Synthetic stone looks and feels like stone but is much lighter and less expensive. These are about 30% more than fiberglass but avoid the costs associated with painting the columns. PVC is available in square styles only and is usually painted but some people leave them in their natural white finish. They are only available as decorative, non-load-bearing columns. PVC is sometimes less expensive and sometimes more expensive than fiberglass. The good news is our distributors guarantee the lowest prices and will price every option that you want priced. You may get distributor information by contacting us.
15. Are fiberglass columns hollow? Yes, fiberglass columns are hollow, which allows for them to surround structural columns if needed as well as run electrical wiring through them. Fiberglass columns can be made solid if desired but there really is no need to. A solid column would require additional reinforcement to the foundation and would be much more difficult to install. Fiberglass is pound for pound stronger than steel so this type of reinforcement is what allows for these products to be made hollow and still bear a lot of weight. We do, from time to time, make solid or semi-solid column bases for rotted wood base replacement because most wood column shafts sit on top of the base rather than inside of it. Learn more about replacement column bases.
16. Can you stain fiberglass columns? Yes, there are special stains available that can be used to stain a fiberglass column. Make sure to sand the entire column first. Consult your local paint expert for recommendations on which stain to use.
17. How to repair, patch, or fix fiberglass columns? With hard enough impact, anything can break, especially with reckless forklift operators. If your fiberglass column has a crack in it, a broken off piece, or a missing chunk, we have a patch material that can fix it as well as a video showing you ever step. Small divots can be repaired with appropriate construction putty or bondo.
18. How to attach or anchor fiberglass columns? One method for attaching a fiberglass column to a floor or substrate and soffit or ceiling is to use L-brackets. The brackets get secured into the floor or ceiling using the appropriate screws and then attached into the side of the column shaft using masonry screws. Don’t forget to pre-drill into the fiberglass. The brackets are then covered by the cap/base. The inexpensive brackets are available in any hardware store or can be purchased from us. Another method is to secure the entire column by screwing through the capital and base and into the substrate or soffit/ceiling. Make sure to pre-drill and countersink the screws and to use screws long enough to penetrate the substrate and soffit/ceiling.
19. How to clean fiberglass columns? If your fiberglass columns haven’t been painted yet and are dirty, use water to wash away the dirt and soapy water for tougher stains. If it’s a scuff mark from a forklift or something similar, use a high grit sandpaper. If it is just dust, use a tack cloth. You can read more about prepping a fiberglass column in our painting fiberglass columns instructions. If the column has been painted, follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean.