Architectural Columns and Column Covers by Material
Architectural Mall offers and manufactures architectural columns and column covers for residential, commercial, restoration, and custom projects. Available materials include fiberglass, Polymer Stone, FRP, GFRC, cellular PVC, wood, and aluminum. Options include round and square columns in plain, fluted, tapered, non-tapered, recessed-panel, and custom designs.
Architectural column materials differ significantly in structural capability, weight, maintenance, finish, and installation requirements. Some products are full column shafts designed for load-bearing applications when properly specified, while others are decorative covers or wraps installed around an existing structural support. The material sections below explain where each option is typically used and what to consider before installation..
For porch-specific projects, see our porch columns page for load-bearing fiberglass columns, Polymer Stone columns, and decorative column wrap options used on front porches, covered entries, porticos, and exterior roof-support applications.
Our Fiberglass columns are designed for all types of decorative and load-bearing interior and exterior applications. Expect extreme durability, minimal maintenance, and many design configurations and sizes. Our Fiberglass line comes in round, square and twist-rope, tapered and non-tapered, fluted, recessed and plain, with Tuscan style caps and bases or an assortment of decorative capitals and bases. These composite columns are significantly lighter than natural stone or concrete but offer higher tensile strength and high loadbearing characteristics. We also offer a lighter fiberglass (FRP) alternative which you can read about below.
- Paint-Grade Product
- Architecturally Correct Proportions
- Durable, Low Maintenance, Decay Resistant
- Load Bearing
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Interior/Exterior Application
- Round, Square, Fluted
Our Synthetic (Polymer) Stone architectural columns are manufactured using a combination of polymer resin, marble dust, and pigment resulting in a man-made stone column that is fully permeated with the color of your choice. Synthetic Stone is significantly lighter than natural stone and concrete but is stronger, more durable, and looks and feels identical to stone (doesn’t look like plastic). Choose from a smooth or textured finish, round or square, and fluted or plain. We have 4 ornate capitals to choose from as well as Tuscan and Doric Caps and Bases.
- Finished Product
- Architecturally Correct Proportions
- Durable, Low Maintenance, Decay Resistant
- Load Bearing
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Many Colors to Choose From
- Round, Square, Fluted
Fiber Reinforced Polymer columns are a lighter alternative to Fiberglass. FRP is predominately comprised of fiberglass strand which makes the product stronger than steel. These architectural columns are usually ordered as surrounds or as 2 halves that are quickly “re-assembled” using the embedded lap joints to form one whole. Factory assembled is an available option when whole columns are needed. This product comes standard with a white gelcoat finish but is limitless when it comes to the variety of stone-like finishes and solid colors that we offer. The product can come in a matte finish, a glossy finish, or a textured finish that feels like stone. FRP is much lighter than Fiberglass and Synthetic Stone and is available in every size as those two product lines.
- White Gelcoat Standard
- Architecturally Correct Proportions
- Durable, Low Maintenance, Decay Resistant
- Decorative
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Many Colors to Choose From
- Round, Square, Fluted
Our Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Columns are manufactured using a combination of concrete, fiberglass strand, and pigment, resulting in a stone-like concrete column cover available in the color and texture of your choice. GFRC columns are supplied as decorative column covers in halved sections, giving them the appearance of natural stone columns while allowing them to wrap around existing structural supports. GFRC is lighter than natural stone and solid concrete, but heavier than our polymer stone columns. Because these columns are designed as decorative column covers, they will have vertical and horizontal joint lines after installation and are not load bearing. They are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, and custom designs can be made for projects that require a specific stone-like architectural appearance.
- Finished Product
- Architecturally Correct Proportions
- Durable, Low Maintenance, Decay Resistant
- Decorative
- 2 Year Limited Warranty
- Many Colors to Choose From
- Round, Square, Fluted
Our Cellular PVC columns are a wood alternative that will not rot, crack, or split due to a closed cell structure that doesn’t absorb water. Made in 2 corner pieces to avoid more seams than necessary, the two corner halves are quickly assembled around structural supports, including wood beams, lally columns, and anything else that can fit inside.
- Standard White Color
- Square and Tapered Square
- Durable, Low Maintenance, Decay Resistant
- Decorative
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Recessed Panel, Fluted, and Plain
- Many Cap/Base Styles
Our wood columns offer a traditional architectural appearance for both exterior and interior applications. Commonly crafted from pine and cedar, these columns are ideal for projects that require classic proportions, site-finished flexibility, and custom sizing. Cedar provides enhanced natural rot resistance, while pine remains a cost-effective and paint-ready option. Wood columns can be load-bearing when properly installed with uniform bearing at the top and bottom. For interior applications, stain-grade wood columns are also available in Cherry, Hard Maple, Red Oak, and Mahogany.
- Paint-Grade Product
- Architecturally Correct Proportions
- Pine & Cedar (Most Common Species)
- Load Bearing
- Interior/Exterior Application
- Round, Square and Fluted
Our Aluminum line is not as preferred, mainly because of the lackluster appearance of its non-tapered “posts. The product is of the highest extruded quality, made in America, and comes in 5 prefinished color options that are baked into the product; however, our fiberglass line, which is architecturally correct in appearance, comes with a lifetime warranty and is hands down the best value. We understand that some projects are budget sensitive or must incorporate the products that are specified so continue to our Aluminum page to read more about our lineup.
- Prefinished and Paint-Grade Options
- Plain and Fluted Round
- Plain, Fluted, Recessed Panel Square
- Load Bearing
- Interior/Exterior Use
- Decorative Caps Available
Porch Posts are made in wood and synthetic materials. The synthetic porch posts are made in the same material as our vinyl quick rail product. It has the same lifetime finish. The shell is composed of a UV-Protected vinyl with an internal core that includes structural galvanized steel tube. Wood Porch Posts are primed and ready for paint. Both are load bearing and structural.
- Prefinished and Paint-Grade Options
- Lifetime Finish
- Wood & Synthetic Material
- Structural Posts w/Steel Insert
- Interior/Exterior Use
- Trim to Fit
| Material | Load-Bearing | Exterior Durability | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Columns | Yes | Excellent | Very Low |
| Polymer Stone Columns | Yes | Excellent | Very Low |
| FRP Column Covers | Decorative only | Excellent | Very Low |
| GFRC Column Covers | Decorative only | Excellent | Low |
| PVC Column Wraps | Decorative only | Excellent | Very Low |
| Aluminum Columns | Yes | Excellent | Low |
| Wood Columns | Yes (when properly sized) | Limited (moisture-sensitive) | High |
Structural capacity depends on proper sizing, substrate support, and installation method. Decorative column covers and wraps require a separate structural post or support. For load calculations or sizing assistance, contact our team before ordering.
What Our Customers Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“We rebuilt our 120+ year old porch and wanted it to stay authentic while using modern materials. The new columns, rails, and balusters are absolutely beautiful — my porch looks like the best version of herself.” Lee — 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“We had six columns replaced and the quality and workmanship exceeded expectations. The installation team was professional, safe, and went above and beyond.” jgrigsby279 — 2021
What is the strongest type of architectural column material?
Structural strength depends on the specific column design, diameter, and wall thickness. In many residential and commercial applications, properly engineered fiberglass columns are commonly used for load-bearing support because they provide high compressive strength while remaining lightweight and resistant to moisture, rot, and cracking. Always confirm load requirements before specifying a column system.
How do I choose the right column material for my climate?
In climates with frequent moisture, temperature swings, or freeze–thaw cycles, materials such as fiberglass and polymer stone are often preferred over traditional wood because they are less susceptible to moisture absorption and long-term deterioration. Proper installation and detailing remain critical in any climate..
What is the difference between decorative and load-bearing columns?
Decorative columns are designed primarily for visual enhancement and are not intended to support structural loads. Load-bearing columns are engineered to carry roof, porch, or entablature loads and should be sized and installed in accordance with applicable building codes.
Do architectural columns require special maintenance over time?
Maintenance requirements vary by material. Composite columns such as fiberglass typically require less ongoing maintenance than traditional wood, while wood columns require regular painting, sealing, and inspection to address moisture exposure over time.
Can I replace rotting wood columns with fiberglass or composite columns?
Yes, in many cases deteriorated wood columns can be replaced with fiberglass or other composite column systems that closely replicate traditional architectural profiles. These materials are designed to resist moisture, rot, and insect damage, making them a common choice for long-term exterior applications. When replacing structural columns, load requirements should be verified and proper installation methods followed to ensure code compliance.
Browse by Style: Round Columns Square Columns Twist Rope Columns
Installing architectural columns? Watch our step-by-step video and download PDFs in the Column Installation Guide.
Not sure which column material is right for your project? Contact Architectural Mall with your drawings, photos, or measurements, or call 877-279-9993