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Fiberglass columns add elegance and architectural interest to a house or commercial building. Columns made of fiberglass are lightweight, are not affected by extremes in weather, and are not damaged by insects. Fiberglass is made up of thin strands of glass combined with plastic to make a strong and durable material allowing columns can be load bearing or non-load bearing. Columns are used for exterior and interior design.

There are three parts that make up the entire column, the capital or top, the column itself, and the base. Each component is entirely separate and can be chosen individually to give the desired look. In classic architecture columns fall into one of five distinct styles, or order, that included the capital, column, and base and precise specifications for each order. Today’s architects tend to vary from the traditional orders but it’s beneficial to know a bit about the five distinct styles of columns before deciding on which column to buy.

* Tuscan Order column has the least amount of detail and is smooth and simple.

* Doric Order is the oldest design and is similar to Tuscan but with more design details and may or may not be fluted, or have grooves, the length of the column.

* Ionic Order columns in the classic design will have 24 vertical flutes and it’s capital will have a circular scroll design.

* Corinthian Order is the slimmest of columns and has an ornate capital of acanthus leaves.

* Composite Order has a tapered shaft and an even more ornate capital than the Corinthian.

The versatility of today’s manufacturing allows the buyer to create the desired look by choosing from a variety of designs for each component of the entire column.

Fiberglass columns should last thirty years and require little to no maintenance. Columns may come in colors, can be treated with a stone like finish, or may come unfinished for the buyer to paint in the finish of choice. Fiberglass columns are relatively easy to install, are not prohibitively expensive, and will add to the value of any home or commercial building.

Fiberglass columns can be found at home improvement stores or ordered online.

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