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 Design Questions

 Definitions - ie Column Lingo

 What is the Difference between

 Tapered & Non-Tapered Columns

 The taper of a column creates a visual distortion to those that view the columns from afar.  This is known as the entasis of a column whereby the taper ends 2/3rds down the shaft and the balance is straight. The renaissance artists knew about visual distortion especially denoted by the size of the hands in Michelangelo's statue of David from 1501 to 1504 that was placed atop a building. The hands were larger than expected to correct for the placement of the statue at a high level making it look normal from the ground.   This learned visual distortion applied to a column (ie the taper) corrects for the apparent narrowness of the non-tapered column - it simply looks wrong from afar - thus it is corrected by the taper.    

 Should I pick Tapered or Non-Tapered Columns ?

Simple Answer: 

For modernism Non-tapered will look like posts.  This provides a simple look to a facade or deck structure.

For a traditional look use Tapered Columns.  The taper provides the visual distortion necessary for the column to look proper. Keeping within the design principles of  PHi, ie "the golden rule"  there should be approximately a 1/3rd to 2/3rd ratio variation between the top of the column and the bottom diameter. 

Example:  Top diameter of the shaft is 10", the bottom is 16", height 10 Feet. The taper should stop 2/3rds down the shaft, then go straight to the bottom. This can vary per manufacturer.   On a 10 Feet high shaft the taper would stop approximately at the 7-1/2 Feet level.   Using the calculation of Phi .618 the taper would stop at 6.18 Feet level, then go straight.  The use of the 2/3 - 1/3 rule is mostly used by manufacturers rather than true Phi.  

 What is a Load Bearing Column

Column that hold load from an upper lintel carry the load from the top of the shaft to the substrate. It is vital that load bearing columns be centered under the lintel and not moved to one side. The load must be evenly distributed down the shaft to the substrate.  It is critical that the substrate be level at all points of intersection with shaft.   Especially take care that when cutting a column to a specified length that the cut is at an even horizontal distance at all points of intersection with the substrate.  

Columns that a purely decorative cover the interior load bearing posts as seen below.  The column cover must be large enough to encapsulate load bearing posts. One can select Split for Post Wrap for reassembly around the load post.  Load posts can be metal or wood.

Always consult with your own structural engineer when installing load bearing columns.

 What is an Engaged Column

     Half                     Outside Corner           Wall Cover                          Inside Corner

Columns that are split for pilaster applications are considered to be engaged to the surrounding wall.  The engagement can be a 50-50 split known as a half column or it can be split as a percentage of the circle area. Other splits wrap a wall end or cover an inside or outside corner

 What is the difference between Fluted and Reeded

Fluted Columns have concave vertical lines running down the length of the shaft, whereby Reeded columns have convex lines running down the length of the shaft

 Design Questions

 How Big Should a Column be ?

  Simple Answer: 

  Most people undersize their columns, creating a pole effect

  on a porch or deck area.

   It is important to maintain a design ratio between the

   columns size and the house or office as seen in the photo.

 What is a part Fluted Column

These Columns are derived from Neo-Classical Renaissance variations. The bottom third of the column is fluted as seen in the photo taken by me in Amsterdam.  The capital is Corinthian and the column is engaged to background wall - it is not a full column and is purely decorative

  MartinRichards

 Install Questions

 How to Measure

 the Bottom of a Column Shaft for replacement base

 Take a string wrap the bottom of the shaft and provide us with the length of the string which

 is the circumference of the shaft to sit on the base.  The base top flat should be 1/2" larger than

 the shaft bottom.

 Link here to learn How to prolong hardwood bases

 Preparing the Substrate ?

  FRP-PolyCompTM & Fiberglass - Round & Square Columns Install Notes

   It is vital that the substrata be strong enough to support

  a) the weight of the columns

  b) dead structural loads applied (ie 2nd floor or deck)

  c) horizontal loads such as wind and earthquake

  d) variable loads such as snow or ice    

 There must be an adequate foundation poured from

 concrete to hold the types of  loads as described.

 Portland cement is advised and depths vary per locale. 

  For a poured patio around the columns employ

 rebar in the concrete for support and avoid cracking

  The Pad. 

   Create a pad for the column shaft to sit on.

   Ensure it is perfectly level.   This pad is separate from

   the poured patio so that it has an independent foundation.

 Install a gasket around each pad before adding the

 concrete deck - the black material as shown in the

 photo beside stops pressure of expansion or contraction.

 Temporary Supports ?

  PolyCompTM, FiberCompTM & Fiberglass -  Round & Square Columns Install Notes

 In order to slide the columns into place use loly or jack posts to

 temporarily hold the load of the lintel above. 

 Once secure and slightly higher than the shaft to be put in place,

 slide the columns into place on the level foundations. 

 When the temporary post is removed the lintel will lower

 ever so slightly on the dead middle of the shaft. 

 Installing the Columns ?

  PolyCompTM, FiberCompTM & Fiberglass - Round & Square Columns Install Notes

Load bearing columns are those that are Whole and NOT split for reassembly or pilaster applications. Once split they cease to be load bearing.   

If the columns are sold as load bearing they are rated by the manufacturer and all static and non static loads should be assessed by the architect or structural engineer. Always have your project inspected by the City.  

It is vital during placement of the shaft that it is placed directly DEAD CENTER to the dead load applied (ie the lintel).

Load is borne on the shaft not the capitals or bases as the free float. Any variation to the application center load will subject the column shaft to an uneven amount of weight on one side of  the shaft resulting in possible breakage or cracking.

Also ensure that 100% of the bottom of the shaft is sitting evenly on the substrata. 

 Securing the Columns ?

  PolyCompTM, FiberCompTM & Fiberglass - Round & Square Columns Install Notes

The base: 

Once the shaft is in place slide the base up the shaft about 1 foot up the shaft and wedge it temporarily with a shim.

To prevent horizontal movement from winds and earthquake it is necessary to secure the bottom of the shaft to the substrata.  We  recommend consulting with Simpson Strong Ties for your particular application. "L" angle iron are not a wind uplift device.   You can leave the base detached or use silicon to secure them to the substrata.

The Capital:  

As stated before the load is borne on the shaft only. The capital is purely decorative and should be attached with screws by pre-drilling a pilot hole and counter sinking screws on 4 sides.

  Cover the screw head with poly Spackling Compound or in the case of fiberglass car Bondo.

 Finishing Notes

  for FRP-PolyCompTM, Fiberglass - Round & Square Columns

Once in place, we recommend using a wet wash cloth to remove any surface dirt.  Once dried use 200 grit sandpaper to remove any raised areas.   Remove any powder with a damp cloth prior to painting

  All About the Materials

  Can Imperial supply Custom Textures ?

  Yes - click for Texture Options

  Class A ArchPolymerTM and GRG-NeoPlasterTM

  What is the ArchPolymerTM?

  Simple Answer:  Like a synthetic wood 

  It is not a cheap plastic really looks like plaster but is

  lite weight and easy to install.  

  They come primed and need to be painted. 

  Interior & Exterior use.

  ArchPolymerTM meets class A fire rating only when it is

  on Custom special order to have the fire retardant put into

   the material mix or fire barrier primer can be applied in 3

   coats.  This is a requirement in some jurisdictions or

   commercial buildings such as offices or places of worship.

  What is the GRG-NeoPlasterTM?

  Simple Answer: 

  Like a traditional plaster but heavier and less fragile

  for packing.  GRG-NeoPlasterTM is Class A fire rated. 

  Priming and painting by others.  Interior Use

  <- Watch the Video

  for PolyComp Load Bearing Columns

  Fiberglass

  Fiberglass is made from Glass Fiber Cloths embedded with Poly Resins making it extremely strong. This composite is ideal for exterior applications.

 Can I specify custom Fiberglass Columns ? 

  Yes

  Our FRP-PolyCompTM Series is the only Fiberglass that can be customized. 

  They are available in Square or Round sizes. 

  You can specify the height and variable cuts for post wrap or pilaster application.

  Select from inside corners, outside corners, wall wraps, or engaged variations. 

  Remember any split column ceases to be load bearing. 

  This applies to Round and Square columns

  ZeamentTM Properties

  Simple Answer:  Known as GFRC, our ZeamentTM is

  a stone composite for exterior applications.

  Class A fire rated, Finishing by others

  Hardwood Properties

  Imperial offers Capitals / Bases / Columns in

  24 Hardwoods

 Can I specify custom Sizes on Hardwood columns ?

  Regardless of species, any hardwood column can be

  custom made.

  You can

  a) Specify the exact height within 1/8" 

  b) Specify the diameter on round columns

  c) On tapered columns specify the Entasis or variance

      between the top of  the shaft and the bottom of the shaft. 

      Most columns are made to a 2/3rd taper and a 1/3rd straight

      to the bottom.   

  d) Split hardwood columns can be ordered for post wrap

      or pilaster (engaged) column applications.

       Remember the walls are approximately 1-1/2" thick on

       either side when considering post wrap.

  e) Refer to our page - click below for the post wrap page

  Can I use any wood outside?

    For historic homes, Imperial

   offers exact duplication of

   rotted columns.

  No.  The following woods are good for outside use.

  Pine:  This wood has inherent properties to ward off rot.

  Knotty Pine:  Before painting Knotty Pine you need to seal the 

  knots with shellac to avoid the knots from bleeding any

  remaining sap in the wood. 

  Western Red Cedar:  Like pine it has inherent anti rotting

  chemicals in the wood.

 White Oak: 

  It is the hardest wood that we offer making it very strong.

  The issue of white oak is that it will turn grey and dark overtime. 

 About Decorative Hardwood Columns & Bases

Hardwood Columns

These are sold as decorative columns only.  They are not intended to be load bearing although they do hold load on the 1-1/2" wide walls.   You can order hardwood columns to be load bearing with a solid wood core.    Rely on your structural engineer for advise.

Hardwood Bases:

These are load bearing as they are made from solid wood staves.  Use exterior woods like Pine, White Oak, Western Red Cedar for Bases.  They are made from two parts a square and a round section. All parts can be customized.

 If columns need to be prepared for outside use

 <= Here is a helpful article 

  How to Order Products  1-800-399-7585     +1-416-264-6096  

  email: sales@imperialproductions.com

  * All Prices & specifications in this website subject to change without notice

  * Prices are net, Freight, Taxes & Duties charged where applicable

     otherwise client is responsible for remittance

  * Measurements are approximate only, Final Product may vary from this website

   COPYRIGHT  MRDCI Martin Richards Design and Contracting Inc, Martin Richards DesignTM 

     and Imperial Productions®                                                        Feb 2018  all rights reserved

   Last Update NOV-25