Design

We follow the rigorous architectural guidelines for columnar orders first laid down by the Renaissance master architect, Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, in 1563. All of our designs replicate the exact proportions specified by Vignola and are derived from the five original orders of architecture: Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite.

We painstakingly replicate these classical specifications by integrating the original formulas with computerized technology to achieve a precisely proportioned finished product.

 
Offerings

We offer Authentic Replication columns in many styles and sizes. You can select our plain (smooth) shaft or our Ionic or Doric fluted shaft. For a unique look, combine our round columns with either a round or octagonal wooden plinth. All columns are available in both round and square models. Rounded or square pilasters (ornamental columns set against walls) can be produced in the same dimensions as the full column styles. Column halves, for reassembly around an existing structural support or for a customized decorative use, may be special ordered. Please check with our sales consultants for these custom costs.

 
Construction Materials

We use only the highest-grade materials to construct the various column components. We will be happy to answer any questions about the necessary column parts for your particular needs.

Column Shaft - For the Authentic Replication column shaft, we use Western Red Cedar, Clear Heart Redwood, pine, poplar, mahogany, teak or any other wood species desired. Wood materials are available in both solid board and finger-joint form. The Authentic Replication Column has an actual size shaft. We recommend using either finger-joint redwood or cedar for exterior column use. Solid board is a better choice for interior columns that will be stained or left natural with a clear protective finish to display the grain of the wood.

Capitals - Standard materials for 6" through 12" column capitals are polyurethane; and for 14" and larger column capitals are fiberglass. Wood is available for all sizes at an upcharge. Our ornamental capitals are constructed of a plaster/fiberglass blend. For interior use, we offer faux wood grain capitals suitable for staining or painting. We also offer hand-carved wood capitals for staining. We can make a  mold to reproduce an existing capital. We can replicate capitals for historic restoration if you have as much as a quarter of the existing capital including a corner and any side design.

Base Molding - Standard materials for 6" through 12" bases are polyurethane and 14" and larger bases are fiberglass. For an upcharge, cast marble is available which protects the base of the column and holds paint as well as wood. Wood bases are also available for an upcharge. We offer three styles - Roman Doric, Tuscan, and Ionic (Attic) - for your selection.

Plinth - This essential column component is the slab on which the base rests, raising the column off the ground and allowing air to circulate in the shafts interior. On small columns 6" through 12", the base and plinth are molded in one piece using polyurethane. On large columns, plinths are fiberglass for exterior use. Cast aluminum is available for an upcharge to use with cast marble base molding on all sizes. For interior use, plinths are polyurethane on 6" through 12" and fiberglass on 14" through 36" columns. Wood is available for an upcharge.

Shaft Construction - To ensure that our columns are the highest possible quality, we process each order with individualized care and attention. First, the columns height and diameter are entered into our computer which has been programmed to calculate the exact proportions necessary to produce our Authentic Replication shafts.

Based on these specifications and using the most accurate milling machine in existence, our staves align perfectly when assembled into shafts. We make sure the individual column staves are properly tapered to give the correct entasis or curvature to the column shaft while maintaining a consistent thickness throughout the length.

Stave Construction - Using tongue and groove construction for perfect alignment, we assemble our shafts with high quality Type-1 waterproof glue. To guarantee a watertight bond, we place torque chains at 12-inch intervals on the shaft, applying consistent pressure for at least 16 hours. Master craftsmen turn the wooden shafts on specially designed lathes.