Too many choices can cause confusion. That’s why choosing the best column type for porch or terrace can be time-consuming. Each material has its own set of pros and cons, making it ideal for some cases and a poor fit for others.
In this blog, we’ll explain what makes a good column type and examine various options for your porch or terrace. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to choose the best type for your needs.
What Makes a Column the Best Choice for a Porch or Terrace
Load-bearing capacity and the ability to withstand environmental exposure are determining factors when deciding on the best column type for your porch or terrace. So, whenever you decide to plan a porch column replacement, first, you must evaluate all aspects and then choose the column made of the right material for your home.
Regarding structural requirements, determine whether the column will carry the weight of a roof or balcony, for example. If yes, strength and stability are your top priorities, and aesthetics come after. Therefore, in such circumstances, the best column type for a porch or terrace is one constructed from durable materials.
On the other hand, when choosing decorative columns that will not carry a load, you can focus on design and prioritize their alignment with the building’s appearance.
All outdoor columns are exposed to environmental factors, such as moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. That’s why it’s essential to consider the material’s ability to withstand these factors. The best column should be able to maintain stability when facing environmental elements, which contribute to its longevity. Moreover, homeowners should take necessary steps to further protect the column against environmental elements by painting, sealing, and similar approaches.
In summary, the best column should deliver a combination of structural stability, climate resistance, and visual harmony.
What Options Do You Have
If you identified one or more column replacement signs and found that you have no choice but to remove damaged columns, these are the most common column types you can install in your porch or terrace:
Wood Columns
Wooden columns are beautiful and can elaborate on your house’s design. Cedar, white oak, yellow pine, and other types of wood are used to create such columns, which add warmth and a timeless charm to traditional porches.
Wood columns are highly customizable and can be formed in various shapes, with the most detailed carvings. A round column with faces of angels carved on the surface, for example. However, properly maintaining them is challenging and requires regular inspection and effort to keep pests out. They’re prone to decay and rot, due to exposure to moisture, especially in humid or rainy areas.
Applying a proper protective coating is essential, since they’re highly vulnerable to fire and can be severely damaged quickly. Furthermore, sealing all gaps or joints to prevent moisture penetration and the formation of dampness inside is also crucial.
Steel Columns
Steel columns, whether iron or any other type of steel, are among the strongest options you have, reassuring you of the load-bearing capacity. Although long exposure to humidity can cause them to rust, you can prevent this by applying high-quality coatings on the surface.
Aesthetically speaking, they’re a good fit for modern, minimalistic designs. However, they’re still used in other types of styles, where they might look out of place. To address the issue and give the slim steel columns a better look, contractors wrap them in decorative materials that align with the home’s style.
When Was the Last Thorough Inspection of Your Columns?
Even if you inspect your columns regularly, it’s recommended to sometimes seek professional help. If your columns haven’t been checked for a long time, call us and schedule an on-site visit.
Concrete Columns
Concrete columns are also durable, stable, and highly resistant to weather. Similar to wood columns, they can be made in various shapes, ranging from round to square columns. Usually, we consult our clients to use such supports in larger terraces and porches with modern designs, where space limitations are not an issue.
On the downside, concrete columns are heavy, difficult to install, and extremely challenging to modify once they’re in place. It’s also good to know that their surface is susceptible to cracks in freeze-thaw conditions if not sealed properly.
Fiberglass Columns
Despite its lightweight, fiberglass can endure heavy weights while simultaneously delivering visual appeal. These supports are inherently waterproof and resistant to many environmental elements, such as rot, insects, and corrosion.
Regarding aesthetics, you should know that it’s possible to mimic various designs and shapes when making a column from this type. Fiberglass can be formed to mimic wood or even stone, while requiring less maintenance than these two materials.
Although each homeowner should assess every aspect and choose the best column type for a porch or terrace, fiberglass can be considered the ideal option in many cases.
Read More: “Deciding Between Fiberglass Columns vs. Wood, Concrete, and Steel Columns: What Homeowners Need to Know
Styles, Shapes, and Architectural Compatibility
Regardless of load-bearing capacity, the shape and style of the column play a crucial role in finalizing your decision on the best column type for a porch or terrace. Your choice must align with the building’s overall design. Otherwise, it can disrupt the overall appearance.
For example, round columns are more common in Colonial or Federal-style homes. On the other hand, square ones better match modern or contemporary designs. Tapered columns, which are wider at the base and narrower at the top, often suit craftsman porches.
When it comes to surface design, fluted columns bring a historic touch, making them ideal for classic designs. Recessed panel columns are suitable for providing more decorative opportunities. Lastly, smooth columns, with their minimalist finish, are often seen in modern designs that emphasize simplicity.
Simply put, when deciding on the type of column for a porch or terrace, you must prioritize materials that can be crafted to match your desired style.
Sizing and Proportions of the Best Column Type for Porch and Terrace
Porch columns commonly range from 6×6 inches for small porches to 10×10 or larger for wide spans or multi-story structures. In addition to visual balance, structural load must be taken into account when determining the right size for the porch or terrace columns. Note that undersized columns may be weak and unfit for the design, and oversized columns may also feel bulky and out of place.
Height-to-thickness ratio also matters. Engineers recommend a height-to-diameter ratio of about 8:1 to 10:1 for round columns, or similar proportions for square supports. Adhering to this rule of thumb ensures that the column remains sturdy, without looking too heavy or thin. However, for taller porches or terraces where roof weight is higher, you may require thicker posts that both carry the load effectively and maintain visual appeal.
Practical Maintenance Tips To Increase Longevity
No matter what material you choose, you should always care for porch column protection by recommended measures and practices. Here are some practical methods to better protect columns from various elements and increase their longevity:
- Sealing, painting, or staining with high-quality exterior primers.
- Inspecting columns regularly to detect signs of rot or rust early.
- Addressing small cracks or issues early before they become hazardous troubles.
One last tip: Don’t fall for low-cost materials with the purpose of saving costs. Over time, the maintenance cost will rise, outweighing any savings from installation.
In fact, money shouldn’t play the primary role when deciding on the best column type for a porch or terrace. Other factors should also be considered to select the best type that can simultaneously carry structural load and align with the home’s style.
Ready to Install the Best Column Type for Porch or Terrace? Contact Us
To determine the best column type for a porch or terrace, you must first assess different aspects. For example, load-bearing posts prioritize strength and stability, while decorative columns allow you to focus on visual characteristics and material customization. In other words, a combination of factors must be considered to help you make the best decision.
Our experts at Roll the Wall have experience in replacing and installing all types of porch columns. Because this is a professional task requiring skilled contractors, you can count on our services to replace your terrace or porch posts. Reach out today to discuss your project.
FAQ
What is the most durable material for porch columns?
Fiberglass is generally the most durable material for porch columns. It resists rot, insects, moisture, and temperature changes, making it ideal for both humid and cold climates. Unlike wood or steel, it requires minimal maintenance and won’t warp, rust, or crack over time.
Can vinyl or fiberglass mimic wood columns well?
Yes, high-quality vinyl and fiberglass columns can closely mimic the look and texture of real wood. They can be molded with wood grain patterns and painted in various finishes, giving a natural appearance without the upkeep. Fiberglass, in particular, offers the realism of wood with far greater durability and weather resistance.
Do all columns need to be load-bearing?
No, not all columns need to be load-bearing. Many porch designs use decorative columns that serve only an aesthetic purpose, often installed as wraps around structural posts. This allows homeowners to achieve the desired architectural style without compromising structural integrity or adding unnecessary weight.
Have you ever replaced or repaired your porch or terrace columns? Tell us what challenges you faced and what type of column you chose in the comments below.
