History of Columns

Posted Thu, 11/02/2006 - 01:34 by Admin

Columns have been used for centuries to help support beams and arches on buildings, dating back to ancient Greece. Columns continue to be used today for not only support, but for their graceful appearance.

Ancient Greek columns were made of stone or wood. The wood columns of this period are long gone, but there are still stone columns remaining as a reminder of the grandeur of ancient buildings. Today, columns are still made out of wood and stone. Traditionalists value wood as a building material for its texture and appearance, particularly when the wood is stained. Many people admire stone for its unique feel and durability.

 Drawing of Greek Orders
Columns Used Today

Columns are not only made from stone or wood these days, they are made from other, more modern materials. These materials include urethane and fiberglass. Urethane or fiberglass columns are relatively lightweight, making them much easier to install than stone. Columns made from urethane or fiberglass will not be affected by extremes in weather. Therefore, they will not rot, chip, or crack. These columns are more or less maintenance free.

Columns are available in several styles to meet your needs. These styles include round, tapered, and round with fluting, all of which are derived from ancient column designs. You find other types of columns, such as columns that are square in design.