Wood columns for porches

Types of wooden columns for porches

Wood columns for porches come in a variety of styles, each adding a unique aesthetic value to the structure. The prominence and style of wooden columns are influenced by the overall design of the house and regional architectural styles.

There are however some types that are more universally applicable and are based chiefly on size and function.

They include:

• Round Columns

  Round wooden columns lend a traditional and classic feel to porch designs. Their cylindrical shape provides strength and durability, making them suitable for load-bearing applications. Round columns are often seen in colonial, traditional, and Victorian-style homes. These columns can be crafted from various types of wood, such as cedar, pine, or oak, depending on the desired aesthetic and structural requirements.

• Square Columns

  Square wooden columns offer a more contemporary and robust appearance compared to round columns. Their angular shape fits well with modern and minimalist porch designs. These columns are often used in Craftsman, Foursquare, and bungalow-style homes. Like round columns, square columns can be made from a range of wood species, each contributing to the diversity of design options.

• Slender or Plain Column

  For homeowners who prefer a more understated look, plain or slender columns serve the purpose well. These columns are usually smaller in diameter or width and are often designed without elaborate detailing. Slender wooden columns can be found in minimalist or modern homes where simplicity is key. Even without ornamentation, these columns can be made from richly grained woods, adding subtle elegance to the porch.

• Box or Flat Panel Columns

  Box or flat panel columns are a popular choice for traditional and Southern-inspired homes. These columns feature a flat, paneled design that adds depth and character to the porch. Box columns are often used in Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean-style homes. They can be wrapped with fiberglass for low maintenance or left as wood for a more authentic, rustic feel.

• Turned Columns

  These columns are mostly used in vintage and rural to colonial revival designs. They regrettably also tend to be more expensive. The reason why these columns are usually found in rural areas or homes with a historical context is that they were more common in the 18th and 19th century construction.

Designs of wooden columns for porches

The design of such columns is also highly dependent on the styles of the houses in which they are located as well as the homeowner's preferences.

Some of the popularly used design ideas for wooden columns for porches include:

• Pillared entablature

  This design consists of two horizontal beams positioned on the top of the capital and a third one on the top of the two lower columns (the sarcophagus). It is mostly used with wooden columns intended for load-bearing porches. It acts both as a structural element and a decorative improvement, giving porches a classical feel.

• Spindle columns

  They have a rounded and thin profile, also known as baluster or turned columns, made of wood and used for porches in Victorian and cottage style. This design brings a vintage feel to the porches and is applicable in interior and exterior settings.

• African detail columns

  African detail columns comprise a capital, a shaft, and a base. The capital section is, however, designed with a hind and claw-looking motif. The shaft, on the other hand, has a rough texture that mimics the bark of a tree and the base is typically cuboidal with square tracks going across it to resemble a tree stump. This design is used for people who would love a rustic or African feel anywhere in the construction.

• Box or panel column design

  This is otherwise known as a flat column or a boxed column, a column design made of wood and comprising a square or rectangular structure usually containing an internal cylindrical or spherically shaped column for additional strength; it is mostly used for supporting the roof of a building. It is common in colonial to southern plantations.

How to choose wooden columns for porches

Some factors should be considered to ensure optimal functionality as well as aesthetic value.

• Wood species

  Different types of wood come with different levels of hardness, density, grain pattern, and color. The type of wood used will therefore not only determine the appearance of the column but also influence its strength and durability. Commonly used woods for construction of wooden column for porches include cedarwood known for its resistance to rot and humidity; redwood also known for its rich color; pressure-treated pine which is rot-resistant; and teak, mahogany, and cypress which are mainly used in high-end applications due to their cost and favorable properties.

• Column Size and Proportions

  The type of column selected should be proportional to the size of the porch and the house itself. Larger homes may require bigger cantilever structural columns for porches to match their scale, while smaller houses would look better with slim, delicate columns. The height of the column should also be proportional to the height of the porch. A tall column can make a low porch look taller while a short one can make a high porch appear shorter.

• Ornamentation and style

  When choosing a wooden column for a porch, buyers should ensure that it blends well with the architectural style of the house as well as any other outdoor elements. For instance, intricate details like fluting or carving can be seen in classic colonial or Victorian designs, while simpler, square-cut columns are more suitable for modern or craftsman-style homes.

• Maintenance considerations

  Just like any other wooden item exposed to the outdoor environment, wooden columns for porches will require some level of maintenance. It is therefore important that buyers consider how much maintenance such columns will need before buying them. This includes the type of finish or paint used, frequency of resealing, and whether the wood needs replacement after a particular time due to its exposure to elements.

Benefits of wooden columns for porches

Some of the advantages of wooden columns for porches include:

• Natural beauty and versatility

  Wood is known for its natural beauty. It, therefore, allows for a wide range of designs with multiple finishing options. It is easily shaped to allow for intricate detailing and can be stained or painted to suit any given preference. Wooden columns also give different architectural styles a warm and inviting feel.

• Cost-effective solution

  Compared to other materials such as steel or fiberglass, wood is more readily available. This makes it easier to install since it is light in weight, easy to cut, and shapeable using simple tools and equipment. It is therefore an ideal material for almost all homeowners and contractors.

• Good load-bearing capacity

  Wooden columns are strong and stiff enough to bear loads, especially when such columns are built of hardwoods like oak, maple, or mahogany. They work the same as steel and concrete columns to support beams, roofs, and upper floors when appropriately designed and installed.

• Customizable spacing and height

  Wooden columns for porches have different heights, diameters, and spacings to suit particular architectural needs and personal preferences. Such customization options enable flexible design solutions for a range of building styles and purposes.

• Sustainability

  Wood is a renewable resource, especially when sourced from well-managed forests. Many wood options, such as reclaimed or bamboo, have a lower environmental impact. This makes it a favorable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

FAQs

Are wooden columns good for a porch?

Yes, wooden material makes excellent columns for porches. It gives such columns natural beauty, allowing a wide range of designs with multiple finishing options. It is easily shaped to allow for intricate detailing and can be stained or painted to suit any given preference. Wooden columns also give different architectural styles a warm and inviting feel.

Is it expensive to have wooden columns for porches?

Compared to other columns like concrete or steel, wooden columns are less expensive. The availability and ease of installation also contribute to its affordability making it a cost-effective item for homeowners and contractors.

How long will wooden columns last on my porch?

Longevity of wooden columns for porches depends on the type of wood used, treatment applied, as well as maintenance level. Pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood are known to last several decades when exposed to outdoor elements. However, they will require regular sealing or painting to prevent rot and weathering.

How do you maintain wooden columns for porches?

Wooden columns for porches users have to maintain them by regularly inspecting them for signs of wear, applying protective finishes like paint or stain, and looking fair for rot. Washing the columns and using protective covers also goes a long way in prolonging their applicability.