Pump Up Those Porch Columns
Hey there! Thinking about leveling up your front porch with some brick columns? It’s like giving your home a snazzy new hat—adds flair, boosts curb appeal, and can even up your property value. Porch columns don’t just stand there looking pretty—they’re also working hard, adding real worth to your crib’s welcome mat.
Give Your Home Some Love
Adding columns to your porch isn’t just about making the neighbors do a double-take. It’s also about giving your home’s market value a good kick upstairs. Did you know a spruced-up front, columns included, can lift your home’s worth by about 10%? Those folks at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) dig these numbers! So, shelling out a bit more for slick brick columns is like investing in a treasure chest for your porch. Your future self might just high-five you for this one.
Picking the Right ‘Column Crew’
So, you’re ready to throw down for some brick columns? Awesome! But hold your horses on who’s going to put ‘em up. This is where picking your pros wisely counts big time. You don’t want some klutzy team making your house look like it had a brick-filled pasta fight, right? Check out these smarty pants at It’s The Brick Guys—they know what’s what when it comes to porch columns.
Look, you want a crew that’s got licenses and insurance but more importantly, you want proof these folks know their bricks from their blocks. Dive into their past gigs, check the reviews, and get the ones who’ve been doing this brick dance successfully for a while. That way, your porch won’t just enhance—it’ll be the talk o’ the block!
Bring it Home With Style
When you know what porch columns can do for you and tag the right brick layers, your home’s style-o-meter goes through the roof. Choose top-drawer materials and experts with mad skills to really make that porch sing. Soon enough, you’ll have a porch that’s not just standing tall but shouting charm from your doorstep—putting a big ol’ smile on your home’s face for years and passersby to come!
Building Codes and Requirements
Thinking about jazzing up your porch with a few brick columns? Knowing the building codes isn’t just for the fun of it—it’s your ticket to making sure your porch stays pretty and strong. Here, we’ll chat about what kind of stuff and stylings you need, so those brick beauties are ready to be the stars of your porch.
Material Considerations
So here’s the scoop: Building codes usually say that if you’ve got wood snuggled up to foundation concrete, it needs to be pressure-treated. That keeps it from getting all mushy with moisture or from being lunch for pests. But wait, there’s a cool alternative! You can use a galvanized metal post base that holds your wood off the concrete, so no special treatment needed (Houzz – GardenWeb).
And don’t skip on those post caps—they lock your columns in place, making sure the roof doesn’t take flight during a gusty day. Peek into city permit drawings, too, just to be on the safe side (Houzz – GardenWeb).
Design Specifications
Porch columns are the fashionistas of architecture, pulling their looks from styles like Corinthian, Doric, and oh-so-elegant Egyptian. These designs give a nod to history while also keeping things fresh and functional.
Front porch columns don’t just look good—they’re team players, boosting your curb appeal and blending in just right with the rest of your house. They also make your porch a more inviting space, offering a bit of shade and protection from the elements (Royal Corinthian). The top bits, known as the entablature (fancy words like architrave, frieze, and cornice), add extra visual pizzazz (Royal Corinthian).
Stay friendly with those local building codes and guidelines. Choose the right ingredients and design for your columns, and you’ll have a porch that’s not only a looker but is also as sturdy as your grandma’s dining room table. By following the rules and adding your own touch, your home will sparkle with that perfect mix of style and safety.
Types of Porch Columns
Picking the right columns for your porch can transform your home’s look from “meh” to marvelous. Think of them like porch jewelry—they add style and strength. Here’s the scoop on the main types you can use: brick, stone, and iron columns, fiberglass columns, and wood columns.
Brick, Stone, and Iron Columns
If you’re all about that timeless elegance and rock-solid construction, brick, stone, and iron columns are calling your name. Style-wise, they’re like the little black dress of the porch world—they never go out of fashion. Sure, they might pinch your wallet a bit more than wood or fiberglass, but they’re built to last.
These sturdy champs don’t just look good; they stand strong against harsh weather, making them a reliable choice whether your style is Victorian or ultra-modern. Iron columns bring a little extra charisma to the table, too—they can be painted to match any vibe you’re going for.
Before you commit to these classic bad boys, look around your house. They should play nice with your exterior’s theme, making everything look like it’s cut from the same cloth.
Fiberglass Columns
If you want porch columns that look like wood but with a superhero’s durability, fiberglass is your friend. Say bye to rot and termites, ’cause this material laughs in the face of those problems. It’s a porch lover’s dream for low-maintenance beauty, as mentioned by BHG.
Fiberglass columns boast of customizability—you can paint them up any color that tickles your fancy, be it a serene white or something a bit more daring. They’re like a blank canvas ready for your creative expression.
So if you dream of a beautiful porch without the drama of endless upkeep, fiberglass might just be your perfect match—cost-friendly and as tough as nails.
Wood Columns
For those who like a porch that feels homey and welcoming, wood columns got you covered. They’re your go-to if you adore the natural or stained look that fits your vibe like a glove. Paint them, stain them—whatever floats your boat, wood is flexible enough to keep up with your every whim.
Yes, they do demand a bit of TLC to keep bugs and weather at bay, but their timeless appeal often makes them worth the effort. Like BHG notes, wood columns can be crafted onsite or prefabricated, adding a classic touch to any porch.
Think ahead about how much maintenance you’re willing to take on when opting for wood. Nail the right combo of style and material, and you’re set to give that porch the makeover it’s been begging for.
Choosing the right columns isn’t just about looks—it’s about finding the perfect dance partner for your home’s exterior, blending style with substance effortlessly.
Design Considerations
Dreaming about the perfect porch? Let’s talk about columns. As the big guns holding up your porch roof, they need to look good and do their job right. Two things you’ve got to nail: what they’re made of and the style that ticks your architectural boxes.
Material and Style Choices
Picking a material for your porch columns isn’t just about what looks nifty; it also needs to hold up against the elements and time. Tons of options exist, each bringing its own vibe to the party. Check out more on this here.
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Wood Columns: They’re the OGs of porch land. Tugging at nostalgic heartstrings, they give your entrance a cozy, warm hug. Just make sure they’re moth-proofed and weather-sealed to keep those pesky termites and the elements at bay.
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Fiberglass Columns: Robust as a superhero, minus the cape. They don’t rot, warp, or attract bugs, which is why they’re a no-brainer for modern pads. Plus, fiberglass has the camo skills to blend in with any architectural design you’ve got.
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Brick Columns: Talk about standing the test of time. Brick columns are your go-to for that everlasting, sturdy feel. They’re the strong silent types that boost your home’s curb appeal like nothing else.
Architectural Roots
Columns in modern homes like to nod to their ancestors. We’re talking design vibes from corridors of history; think Corinthian, Doric, Ionic… you name it. These styles haven’t just hung around—they’ve evolved to suit modern tastes and needs. Check out some examples over here.
- Royal Corinthian Columns: These guys bring back the classics with a splash of modern flair. You can cherry-pick styles that fit your crib, whether it’s Doric dignity or Corinthian elegance. Sold? Here’s more info.
Channeling the right mix of materials, style choices, and architectural flair in your porch columns isn’t just about keeping up appearances. It’s about crafting an inviting welcome that captures the essence of you and your home. Don’t shy away from getting a bit of expert advice to make sure everything gels perfectly.
Benefits of Porch Columns
Thinking about catching up with the Joneses and sprucing up your entrance with some sturdy brick columns for porch enhancement? Well, get ready to impress the neighborhood because those columns aren’t just standing there looking pretty—they’re packing a punch of style and usefulness.
Aesthetics and Value
Picture this: front porch columns making a house look all decked out, flaunting elegance and a touch of that architectural charm our grandparents knew all about. They’re like the jewelry for homes, a flashing sign that says, “Check me out!” The folks over at Royal Corinthian say they make your porch the star of the block, pulling eyes and hearts like a newborn puppy. This isn’t just hearsay—those grand columns can bump your home’s worth by a juicy 10%, according to real estate gurus from NAR (Royal Corinthian).
Adding more layers with what the fancy folks call the enta-something-or-other (it’s the architrave, frieze, and cornice) on top of those columns, these make your home more intriguing than an issue of “Mystery Weekly” with depth, class, and, of course, bragging rights.
Functional Advantages
Aesthetics are cool, but those columns are not just standing there looking fab—they’re working hard, too. Life on the porch gets a spicy twist as they jazz up the whole look. Not to mention, these columns sort of sketch out your outdoor domain, practically begging you to sit, breathe, and maybe even have a heart-to-heart on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
It’s like those columns are modern-day architects, weaving the outside with flair, while also providing some shade and a shield from the elements—because no one wants sunburns or to be rained out during a BBQ! Built like a brickhouse (literally), these sentinels of style ensure your structure stays tough as nails and secure, keeping everything upright for those summer shindigs.
Simply put, brick porch columns are more than just eye candy. They’re the backbone of good looks, making your property safer and snugger, striking that balance between beauty and brawn. If you’re in it to win it with your porch, these brick beauties make the perfect remodeling partner, transforming those outdoor spots into everyone’s favorite hangout spot.
Cost and Construction
Thinking about upgrading your porch with a brick column? You’ve got to consider both the stuff you need and how much it’ll set you back. Knowing what goes into building brick columns and checking out alternatives like lightweight concrete columns can help you make a smart choice.
Material Quantities and Cost
Building a lasting brick column isn’t just about stacking bricks – you need the right materials. For a column that’s 12″ x 12″, you’re looking at 4 bricks per layer, but if you want a bigger one at 16″ x 16″, you’ll need 6 bricks each layer. Nowadays, for a 12″ x 12″ column, people generally use around 10 bags of mortar, weighing 60 lbs, to make sure everything sticks together (Morton Stones).
Say you’re building four columns that are seven feet tall and each 12″ x 12″; you’d need about 620 bricks. That’s because you’re looking at around 37 layers, with every one needing 4 bricks to get the job done (Morton Stones).
Before you dive into adding brick columns to your porch, remember to think about how much material you need and how much you’re gonna spend. Costs can change depending on the quality of bricks, the type of mortar you choose, and what you pay your crew. Gathering quotes from builders and suppliers can give you a decent idea of what you’re in for financially.
Lightweight Concrete Columns
If you’re hunting for something that’s easier on the wallet and takes less effort than brick columns, lightweight concrete columns might just fit the bill. They’re much lighter than bricks, so they’re a breeze to move around and put up. Plus, you can stack ’em to get columns up to 8 feet tall (Morton Stones).
These columns stand out because they’re pretty versatile. Need to fit metal poles for railings or awnings? No problem. A saw with a diamond blade can easily cut them, and you can wrap them with different stone or brick veneers if you’re aiming for a specific look (Morton Stones).
Beyond their flexibility, lightweight concrete columns offer tough and eye-catching support for any porch. They don’t come with the heavy lifting and setup hassles that traditional brick columns do. Picking these columns can smartly tick all boxes — they look good, do their job, and are kind to your budget for your porch renovation plan.