Architectural Blog

Welcome to our blog, where we share expert insights, product comparisons, and real-world project ideas to help you select the perfect architectural elements for your home or building. From material breakdowns to installation tips, our articles are designed to guide homeowners, builders, and designers in making informed decisions about balustrades, columns, cornices, and more.

Browse our latest posts below, or reach out if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover.

 

Types of Column Capitals

Types of Column Capitals: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian & More Quick Answer: A column capital is the architectural element at the...
Custom architectural cupola with a gold domed roof, finial, and open white columns viewed from above.

Cupola design guide

Cupola Design Guide: Styles, Materials & Custom Architectural Options Cupola design can range from a simple decorative roof feature to...
Fiberglass Fluted Columns

Fluted Columns Guide

Fluted Columns: Styles, Materials, and How to Choose the Right One Fluted columns have vertical recessed grooves running along all...
classical brick building entrance with columns pediment and decorative cornice

Tapered Columns Guide

Tapered Columns: Styles, Porch Uses, and Design Options Tapered columns are commonly used on porches, entries, balconies, and traditional exterior...
close up of curved architectural balustrade system with classic balusters

What is a baluster

What Is a Baluster? Types, Materials & How They Work in Railing Systems  A baluster is the vertical or shaped...
outdoor patio with white balustrade railing system and decorative balusters

Stone Balustrade Alternatives

Stone Balustrade Alternatives: Polymer Stone vs Polyurethane vs Cast Stone Stone balustrades are often used on porches, balconies, stairways, terraces...
Architectural GFRC entry surround with ornate columns, arched trim, ceiling panels, and decorative facade details

What is GFRC

What Is GFRC? Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete for Architectural Products  GFRC, or glass fiber reinforced concrete, is a concrete-based composite...
Fiberglass Pergolas

Pergola Installation Guide

Pergola Installation Guide: How to Install a Fiberglass Pergola on Concrete or Deck Direct Answer: Pergola installation starts with confirming the...
exterior building corner with decorative cornice and dentil molding

How-to-install-fiberglass-cornice

How to Install Fiberglass Cornice (FRP): Step-by-Step Exterior Installation Guide (2026) Quick Answer Installing fiberglass (FRP) cornice involves preparing the...
Front entrance with PVC trim boards, decorative mouldings, and square porch columns around entryway

PVC trim VS Wood

PVC Trim vs Wood: Which Is Better for Exterior Use?  Choosing between PVC trim and wood for exterior use seems...
classic stone fireplace surround with round columns and gas fireplace insert with burning logs

Fireplace Mantel Surround Dimensions

Fireplace Mantel Dimensions (2026 Guide): Height, Depth, Surround & Opening Sizes  Quick Answer: Common Fireplace Mantel & Surround Dimensions Fireplace...
brick home with porch columns and balcony balustrade railing system

Best Material for Porch Columns

Best Material for Porch Columns in 2026: Fiberglass vs Composite, PVC, Wood & More Quick Answer The best material for...
classical patio balustrade with columns and decorative lattice architectural railing

How to install porch railing balustrade

How to Install a Porch Railing or Balustrade System (Step-by-Step Guide)  Quick Answer: Installing a porch railing or balustrade involves...
rounded front porch cornice with classical columns on brick house entrance

How to install porch columns on concrete

How to Install Porch Columns on Concrete (Step-by-Step Guide) Direct Answer: Installing porch columns on concrete involves drilling anchor holes, setting...
brick building corner with exterior architectural cornice detail

Exterior Cornice Cost

Exterior Cornice Cost (2026): What Affects Price, Installation & Project Budgeting Planning an exterior cornice project? One of the first...
brick building with decorative cornice, corbels, and balustrade balcony

What is a cornice on a house

What Is a Cornice on a House? Purpose, Types & Modern Design.  Quick Answer  A cornice is the horizontal architectural...
set of two twist columns with Tuscan capitals supporting arched entryways, paired with a classical porch balustrade railing on a luxury residential home.

Balustrade-vs-Railing

Balustrade vs Railing: What’s the Difference? (Architectural Guide 2026) Balustrades and railings are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but...
Classical round front porch columns supporting a grand portico

Porch railing height baluster spacing code

Porch Railing Height & Baluster Spacing Code (Residential Guide for Balustrade Systems) Per widely adopted U.S. building standards, residential porch...
Square porch columns on modern residential front entry

Porch Column Wraps Guide

Porch Column Wraps: Materials, Installation & Design Ideas If your porch posts look weathered, outdated, or undersized, porch column wraps...
Round fiberglass porch column

How to replace porch columns

How to Replace Porch Columns: Step-by-Step Guide  Quick Answer (2026): Replace porch columns when you see rot, cracking, leaning, or sagging...