Frequently Asked Questions
1) Where is your SHOWROOM?
We have 2 showrooms. All of them are by appointment only. Our main showroom is in Carol Stream, IL, our smaller secondary showroom is in Fletcher, NC.
2) Does Architectural Mall provide Pricelists?
Due to the nature of the industry, we do not. We quote each project individually, no matter the size.
3) Do you sell DIRECT? Local Distributors?
We sell direct, and do not have distributors set up. That means a better price to consumer.
4) Where do you make your products?
Majority of our product is proudly made in the USA, in our plants in Illinois.
5) Does your company sell COLUMN COVERS, SURROUNDS, WRAPS?
Yes, all of our columns can be split to wrap or to any plan type. PVC and FRP are column covers and are made as halves, requiring structural support.
6) Should I get round tapered or NON-Tapered columns?
This depends on the style home you are building. Traditionally, Tapered Columns have always been used. Non-Tapered columns cost more, and are more contemporary in style.
7) What material are your caps and bases made from?
Unlike our competitors, we do not believe in mixing materials, this is a big no no. Our cast fiberglass columns will have cast caps and bases. Our FRP will be FRP. Our PolymerStone will be PolymerStone, and so forth. This means the product moves and breathes uniformly, and the paint adheres uniformly.
8) Are your columns/balustrades Load-bearing/Structural?
Most of our columns and balustrades / railing systems are load bearing and code compliant. We use Simpson Strong ties to make the columns structural to prevent uplift. This is also available on our website as a guide / video.
9) What is a balustrade?
A balustrade is a system composed of balusters or spindles and railings. They can be classical or modern depending on the style baluster and material chosen.
10) Why should I choose Architectural Mall’s products over other ones?
We use only the best raw materials available. We have the best warranty on the market. Most importantly, I am a firm believer that if its not good enough for my house, it certainly isn’t for yours. Which means our QC (quality control) is something we take seriously and have multiple layers to ensure we ship the best possible product out.
11) What is the price range per LF for your polymer stone balustrade system?
This is something I can’t answer directly. It all depends on size, style, finish. Straight or Radius. Flat or Stair. Typically, the range is $185’ to $350’ depending on the above criteria.
12) Do you have Installers in my area?
We have shipped orders virtually to every state, and outside of the USA. We do have our own crews that travel, as well as relationships built over decades that could service most parts of the US.
13) Which Caulking do you recommend?
We recommend either Vulkem Tremco, or MasterSeal NP-1/TX-1.
14) How do i install my product?
We have installation guides available online, and currently producing videos as well. Some of these have already been posted to our YouTube Channel / Website.
15) What are the advantages/drawbacks going with polyurethane vs polymer stone balustrade systems?
Polyurethane is a commodity item, entry level, and requires to be painted. Polymer Stone is integrally pre-finished. Which means almost no maintenance is required other than checking the caulk joints annually. The urethane you will need to upkeep and paint. Majority of paints come with a lifetime warranty, so with a good paint, you won’t have to repaint for 25+ years, if at all. Choosing one over the other really depends on whether you want a painted look or a stone look. You can’t go wrong with either.
16) I live near an ocean, does your material do well in saltwater environments? How about cold weather?
Yes, most of our products have been installed near saltwater, and from Alaska to Hawaii. Keep in mind that our FRP products are made from the same material as a fiberglass boat hull, so they can handle the environment unlike any other products. And all of our products don’t absorb water so they are designed to last in the harshest environments.
17) What does your warranty cover? Do you have a return policy?
Our warranty covers defects in our products. We do have a return policy on standard, stock items ie: certain columns, etc. Most of what we make is job oriented, and therefore can’t be returned. Our full warranty and policy is available per request from your sales rep.
18) How do you use a patch kit?
We have a step by step guide on our website, and a video.
19) What sandpaper should I use to remove scratches?
This depends on the product. For the most part 100grit to rough up fiberglass and FRP prior to prime and paint. PolymerStone you would use 150grit and slap more than sand.
20) I need to make a cut on the field, what saw should I use?
Any diamond blade or masonry disc. Unless its polyurethane or pvc then wood working saw and tools.