I learned a trick when working construction. The cheapest column you can get is a 12" PVC pipe. Buy the pipe, fill it with sand, and install the end caps. You can't tell the difference.
There is a nice one here http://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-Column-Fountain-LED-Lights/dp/B001O5C4PY
www.tank-depot.com offers the best prices online for buying a Fiberglass Tank for pressure washing.
Go over the instructions listed here fiberglass column
A fiberglass column would be lighter and would withstand the weathering a wood column would. Also fiberglass is not susceptible to termites nor do they need to be sealed as wood would.
I would not suggest paying extra for the fiberglass column. It is only decrative and has no practical purpose
www.columns.net may be your best choice.
Check local hardware stores to find a fiberglass column. Check out Lowes, Home Depot, and Ace. Or you can visit your local junk yard to see if they have any.
Spaulding Craft Florida Columns‎ can help you 1053 Harbor Lake Dr, Safety Harbor, FL‎ - (727) 726-2316‎
A fiberglass column looks exactly like columns made from other materials, but it is lighter and easier to manipulate. You can use a fiberglass column in any architectural capacity because it is strong and durable enough to provide plenty of support for whatever you are building. Why Fiberglass is Better The benefits of fiberglass as a material are still being discovered. A fiberglass column is a new way to utilize this practical material that has revolutionized construction. The columns are sturdy and strong, and can be shaped into any design that is desired. Fiberglass provides instant protection against termites and other insects that can bore into wooden columns and destroy them over time. Fiberglass is also impervious to the effects of wet weather, which means that they will last much longer than painted wooden columns. A fiberglass column can be created to fit any decorative element, and they can be made as small or as large as you like. Where to Use Fiberglass Columns Many construction companies use a fiberglass column as a larger architectural element in buildings and homes. The lightweight flexibility of fiberglass allows it to be used almost anywhere. Fiberglass columns make perfect supports for front porches or back patios. They can be painted or formed in any color, so they are easy to match to any design. Fiberglass columns can also be used inside the home or office as an interesting architectural feature. They can be used to support room dividers or create interesting accents for built-in bookcases and cabinets. Increasing Popularity The fiberglass column has become very popular as a building tool. Fiberglass is so easy to work with that it can be customized to fit anyone’s taste. You can order a fiberglass column from the manufacturer and give them specific dimensions to build the column to. Fiberglass is less expensive than other traditional column building materials as well, which has helped it to become even more popular. The sturdy, lightweight, flexible nature of fiberglass makes columns that are built from this material durable and beautiful. Fiberglass has been used to create stronger cars for decades, and it has brought the same benefits to the world of home construction.
Columbuilder.com will let you customize a decorative fiberglass column specifically for the front of your house. I just added two fiberglass columns to the front of my house, on my front porch, and I got them from Worthington Millwork. They're exactly what I was looking for and match my house perfectly.
Fiberglass columns are primarily used for decoration. They add elegance and style to your home for many years. It endures the Greek and Roman architecture.
It is easier to shape and could be cheaper. It could even be made to look like wood.