Portico columns - wood wrap or fiberglass? Sources?

8 years ago

We are building a large portico with two columns. Builder wants to buy fiberglass columns to wrap the structural posts. However, he isn't very helpful in directing me to a website to look at options. I'm looking for a square column but I want to add some trim to it to make it a bit special. Are there any websites where you can look at fiberglass columns and choose exactly the style you want?

Alternatively, what are the pros and cons of wood wrapped columns? Its seems wood would allow me to customize the trim. Also, it would allow me to add change the trim in the future. My builder is saying not to use wood but I can't figure out if he is just being lazy or if fiberglass really is a much better option.

Featured Answer

worthy

8 years ago

Compared to fg, wood requires more maintenance and preparation--proper priming and painting and repainting.

My first choice is composite weightbearing columns.

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Comments (6)

rdthomas12
8 years ago
Take a look at these products:

https://hardieboysinc.com/portfolio-hardie-boys/
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User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
There are many suppliers of factory made columns. What you should search for is FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer) composite columns. Endura-Stone is a good brand.
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Virgil Carter Fine Art
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Have you and your builder considered finishing the structural columns using synthetic panelized materials and trim? They offer the advantages of custom construction, similar to wood materials, but with longer lasting finishes (if the natural finishes which are available are acceptable)...
bardzil
Original Author
8 years ago
What are synthetic panelized materials?
dbrad
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Pacific Columns

Sturdipost

HB&G

Crown Columns

These are four options we looked into when deciding on columns. Our local lumber yard offered us 2 of the 4 and we went with Crown fiberglass structural columns. I wouldn't recommend the wraps/panels. They aren't that much cheaper than full structural columns, which IMO look much nicer.