Columns have been a primary
building block in architecture for centuries. When we think of
ancient Egyptian temples, one of the principle architectural elements
that springs to mind is the column. It is difficult to imagine
these temples without first picturing their columned halls. Egyptian
column shafts, which were usually decorated with colorful hieroglyphs,
remain some of the most interesting architectural elements in Egyptian
structures.
Centuries later, the Greeks began incorporating Columns into
their own temples and palaces. At first their temples were made
entirely out of wood, but as they grew more sophisticated, they
began to make architectural columns out of limestone. They would
often add ridges to their columns so that they would resemble a
wooden column that had been stripped of its bark with an axe. We
still use those ridges in designs today; though now they are called "flutes."
The Romans Pick Up the Torch
The Roman's were notorious for stealing Greek ideas and improving upon them.
The best example of this can be found by studying Roman mythology. The Romans
took over Greek religious mythology and made it their own. Zeus became Jupiter,
Aphrodite became Venus, and Poseidon became Neptune. It should not be surprising
that the Romans also took up Greek architectural style and made it their
own as well.
To the Romans, columns were an example of classical perfection.
They divided architectural columns into three "orders" (think
styles). These classical orders are still used today by architects
and designers alike.
The Three Classical Column Orders
The three classic orders are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Doric order
was the earliest to develop, and is the style used in most Greek temples
like the Parthenon. They are the heaviest and thickest of the three Greek
orders. Ionic columns developed next and are famous for their ram horn capitals.
They were also the first columns to employ decorative bases. The third and
most complex column to develop was the Corinthian order. Corinthian columns
are slender; architects refer to them as the "feminine" column.
Corinthian columns are topped with an ornate decorative capital, as well
as an entablature. They also have a base and plinth (a tapered ledge that
meets the floor.)
Columns have always been a part of architecture, but some styles
utilize them more than others. Greek Revival architecture made
liberal use of classic columns, as did Colonial Revival. Victorian
homes use columns frequently as well.
Wood Columns - Fiberglass Columns
Designing with Columns and Millwork Today
Today, columns are as popular as ever. Anyone looking to redesign their home
should have no problem finding a millwork supplier that can provide any sized
or shaped wood column desired. Wood and fiberglass
columns now also come in a variety of materials that are much easier
to manage than the limestone behemoths of ancient Greece.
The fiberglass columns Guide site is designed to
help you learn about the various styles and types of fiberglass
and wood columns that are being manufactured and used today.
We have also added a great deal of information about other millwork
products like moldings, corbels, and arbors. Our goal is to provide
you with the most up-to-date information about columns and millwork
products so that when it comes time for you to make improvements
to your home, you will know exactly what kind of millwork you are
looking for.
Decorative Columns
Decorative columns may be ordered with true architectural
entasis in sizes consistent with the classic proportions of the
Greek Doric, Tuscan, Roman Doric, Ionic and Corinthian Orders,
or in custom shaft diameters up to 36” and lengths to 30’. They
can be smooth surfaced or given dramatic deep fluting (with increased
stave thickness) as desired.
Greek Doric Columns feature classic edge-to-edge
fluting. Square columns and pilasters may be ordered to match (available
in tapered or non-tapered and in various plan styles). Non-tapered
cylinders are available for use in casework, radius wall corners,
and contemporary applications.
Architectural Columns
The making of architectural columns is an exacting
process. Finger-jointed or solid staves are milled to the required
dimensions, assembled using the strongest Type-1 waterproof glue,
and then are metal-banded for curing. In the computer-controlled
lathe, the assembled shaft is turned to the precise taper desired,
complete with true architectural entasis.
The top of each column is profiled according to the style specified,
and the entire column is machine sanded to ensure a smooth finish.
Flutes are milled at precisely determined intervals and depths,
always ending in full half-rounds at the top and bottom (except
on Greek Doric). Each column, regardless of size, is visually inspected,
any defects are corrected, and then it is finish sanded. | 
