How’s the view of your property from the street these days? It is commonly accepted that improvements to both residential and commercial properties boost curb appeal, which, in turn, increases property value. While obvious methods of improvement can include re-painting and landscaping design, it is worth taking the time to consider structural enhancements. Have you ever envisioned decorative columns as architectural elements? Columns are both functional and beautiful.
Columns Add Curb Appeal and Historical Value
Even without context, everyone can agree there is a compelling interest in a property that is adorned with columns. Official buildings festooned with columns convey power and authority. Columns added to a porch have idyllic ties to the history of the American family. Emanating from the ancient architecture of Greece and Rome, the use of columns in early American architecture became an integral aspect of the ideal American town. To this day, much of the American South maintains columned architecture in order to preserve not only American history but also to keep the ties to the opulence and authority of a time long ago when civilization was at its peak of existence.
Create Interest with Curb Appeal
The use of columns allows for a variety of architectural aspects such as arches or domes, which provide an excellent opportunity to capitalize on lighting elements to create warmth and greater interest. Columns are extremely versatile in their form. While most often we think of iconic columns when imagining how they look, you need not be limited to any singular concept.
Whatever style of home or property you have, there is a style of column to accentuate the design. For example, a cottage style home could do well to have columns that rest upon a stone base. You can almost hear the babbling brook just thinking about it.
Columns come in a variety of shapes such as:
- Round
- Square
- Octagon
- Tapered and non-tapered
- Real wood turnings
Columns are also made from a variety of materials to suit your needs. Choices include:
- Wood
- FRP – rotocast fiberglass-reinforced polymer
- DuraStone
- DuraGlass
- Poly-Classic porch post
- Cellular PVC
Builders have at their access an entire world of column designs to set the stage for any architectural presentation. FRP columns are a particular product of choice for both DIY homeowners and builders when the goal is beauty, value and performance. The formulaic construct of FRP makes these columns stronger than concrete, steel or aluminum.
When adequately placed for both form and function, columns transform the nature of a property. Even if you have existing posts that serve the purpose but lack aesthetics, you can wrap them to recreate a column that tells a story. Give your property character with columns, and draw in the interest of potential buyers and anyone who is simply passing by.