Interior columns: An architectural marvel with dual powers

Have you seen tall, strong pillars holding the hanging roofs of car porches? Have you also seen pillar-like structures inside the house of most people? These are called columns. In the former case it is called exterior column and in latter, it is interior columns. Columns are essential elements which add both structural support to the building and architectural style. Gone are the days when columns were plain white in color with immense height or width. Today you get to see varieties of interior columns in different forms and distinct designs. These columns not just adds grace to the structure, it can also give an impression of visual power to the house or building.

How many types are there?

Though several styles have come and gone in the past, five column styles derived from the Greek and Roman antiquity have become an architectural reference. These designs have become the backbone of most of the modified contemporary designs that are seen today. These interior columns have added a fresh look that enhances the appeal of the structure into a classic beauty. These five standard types of columns are Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan and composite which varies in height, weight and style of the capitals.

Material is priority

Making interior columns are easier once the material to be used in finalized. Selection of the right material depends on the budget, style preference, level of maintenance and many other factors. Several homeowners still prefer traditional wood or stonework. The aesthetic beauty of traditional columns, cannot be beaten by the contemporary interior columns. The contemporary designs, on the other hand, are easy to maintain and have extended service life. The newly engineered materials used are:

·         Polyurethane: These are highly durable, rigid materials, which are resistant to pest infestation and weather. These high-density interior columns have an inner steel shaft that made it suitable for use in structural support. This material is an ideal replacement for deteriorating wood columns.

·         Fibreglass: This material is engineered to achieve specific mechanical properties. Columns impregnated with FRP fibreglass have excellent stiffness and strength without adding bulk. These are also available with class A fire rating.

·         PVC:  This is the most preferred material to make custom-made columns. This material is also highly durable, budget-friendly and comes with moisture, rot and pest resistance. The ease of installation of columns made of PVC also adds to its preference.

·         Polymer stone: This material is used to make columns that resemble traditional stone post by appearance. The advantage of this material is that the column will weigh less than half the weight if traditional stone post. This material can be moulded into any design to enhance the contemporary style of the house or building.

·         Wood:  This traditional best material is used largely even today. This material is used by those, who love to maintain the historical integrity of the building. Wood made interior column installation requires usage of architectural grade paints and stains to achieve marvellous grains and staining qualities.

Once the material to be used is finalized, interior column installation work is half done. The rest totally depends on the style preference and the skill of the architect.