Brick Columns for Porch
Picture this: You’re chilling on your porch, coffee in hand, and your house looks like a million bucks. Sounds good, right? Well, that’s the magic of spiffing up those porch columns. Let’s chat about how a little column upgrade can totally transform your home’s curb appeal, plus whether you should stick with round or square shapes.
Making Thin Porch Columns Pop
You know those skinny little columns on some porches? They often get lost in the mix and can leave your porch feeling, well, a bit lackluster. By giving them a makeover, you can introduce a touch of class to your home. You might want to dress them up with some brick veneer for that old-school charm or go all out and swap them for solid brick columns. Either way, beefing up those columns can do wonders for your home’s first impression.
Deciding Between Round and Square Columns
The big question is: Should you go round or square? Round columns? They scream elegance and might remind you of those grand old manors from the movies. They’re like the tuxedo of the porch world. On the flip side, square columns bring in that clean, sleek vibe, fitting snugly with more modern house styles, like bungalows or craftsman homes. Imagine your home, and think about which style rings true for you.
Both styles have their own dazzling qualities. Round ones offer that timeless, classic look, while squares are all about that fresh, contemporary feel. Your porch, your rules. Need more ideas to spark your imagination? Check out our article on jazzing up your porch with brick columns here. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of round columns or the modern slant of square ones, adding bricks to your porch can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it gives your home’s exterior that extra hit of style and sophistication.
Types of Porch Columns
Checking out different porch columns can really open up some creative home-improvement ideas, especially if you’re looking into brick column porch decoration. Two go-to styles are tapered and non-tapered columns, each bringing their own look and vibe to the table.
Tapered vs. Non-Tapered Columns
Tapered columns are like a blast from the past, all elegant and classic, drawing inspiration from Ancient Greece. They slim down as they rise, giving off a grand and towering feel like the famous Greek temple pillars (HB&G Columns).
Then you’ve got non-tapered columns, standing tall and strong with their steady diameter from top to bottom, favored in modern and industrial designs where uniformity and strength take the spotlight (HB&G Columns).
Modern Appeal of Square Columns
Square columns are all about that modern flair with their crisp lines and versatility. They fit right in with a bunch of styles—think those cozy craftsman homes from post-20th Century. Their simple geometric shape gives a fresh vibe to porch designs and pairs well with lots of exterior styles (HB&G Columns).
Picking the right material for your porch columns is a big deal too. You’ve got options like wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and stone, all with their own perks. What you pick can impact how your porch looks and how long it lasts. For instance, cedar is a champ against rot but might need a bit more TLC because of the weather (Belco).
Whether you’re into the graceful lift of tapered columns or the solid presence of non-tapered ones, choosing the right style will jazz up your porch’s look. And those square columns? They add that modern zing, a go-to option for anyone after a sleek, updated appearance.
Porch Column Materials
When weighing the options for your brick column porch decoration, a big piece of the puzzle is what the columns are made from. This choice not only shapes how nice they look but also decides how long they’ll last and how much work they’ll need. Let’s check out the usual suspects in the world of porch column materials and what you should keep in mind when making your pick.
Wood, Fiberglass, Aluminum, and Stone
Porch columns come in all sorts of flavors, each with its own perks. Here are some of the popular picks:
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Wood: Wood is like the little black dress of porch columns—classic and never goes out of style. It suits traditional and rustic homes perfectly but needs a bit of TLC now and then to fend off rot and decay if it’s outdoors.
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Fiberglass: If playing the long game is your style, fiberglass columns are your go-to. They’re sturdy and don’t need much pampering, standing strong against moisture, bugs, and rot. Perfect for those who want style without the fuss.
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Aluminum: Talk about a lightweight champ! Aluminum columns are easy to install and battle corrosion like a pro. They come in loads of designs to fit just about any home vibe.
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Stone: Want to impress the neighborhood? Stone columns bring the fancy. Whether using real stone or a convincing faux wrap, they offer unmatched durability and a classy look. Just a heads up: they can be heavy and tricky to install, so you might want to call in a pro.
Picking the Right Material
Choosing what your columns are made of isn’t just about style—it’s a strategic choice. Consider the following:
- Durability: The material should be tough enough to handle the weather and resist things like decay and bugs.
- Cost: Not all materials are created equal in price. Make sure your pick doesn’t break the bank.
- Looks: The material needs to match your home’s style and up the ante on curb appeal.
- Maintenance: Some materials are more high-maintenance than others—keep this in mind to save yourself some headache later on.
Breaking down these points with your design dreams and what you actually need, you can make a smart choice for your porch columns. Whether you fall for the charm of wood, the practical strength of fiberglass, the variety-packed aluminum, or the sophistication of stone, your pick will play a huge role in making those brick columns shine.
Design and Styling
Boosting the look of your porch with brick columns is all about nailing those details to make sure they vibe perfectly with your home’s style. It’s like giving your place a little face-lift with some personality.
Enhancing Columns with Details
Jazzing up your brick columns can really make ’em stand out and turn your porch into a head-turner. Here are some ideas to consider:
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Classical Touches: Add some flair with Corinthian, Doric, or Ionic capitals. These classical styles offer their own unique pizzaz and can give your porch a fancy, old-school feel. They’re like jewelry for your columns.
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Trim and Molding: Spruce up your columns with decorative trim and molding. From sleek to elaborate designs, these elements pack a punch and make your columns look polished and refined.
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Painting and Staining: Play around with paint or wood stain to give your brick columns a fresh face. Pick colors that go with your home’s exterior to pull everything together in harmony.
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Faux Stone or Brick Veneer: Want an upgrade without tearing stuff down? Slap on some faux stone or brick veneer. It mimics the real deal, adds texture, and won’t break the bank.
Amping up your brick columns with these touches can give your porch a classy vibe, boosting your home’s curb charm.
Matching Columns to Home Styles
Getting your brick columns to groove with your home’s architecture is key to a smooth and balanced look. Here are some pointers on matching columns to various home styles:
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Craftsman Style: Square columns complement the simple, geometric allure typical of Craftsman homes. Tapered square columns can amp up the modern edge of this style.
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Colonial Revival: Go for round or square columns with fluting or ornate capitals for a grand, historical vibe. They pair perfectly with Colonial Revival homes, adding a dash of elegance.
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Transitional or Contemporary: For a contemporary home, sleek columns reign supreme. Straight, non-tapered designs with clean lines suit a modern look like a glove.
Choosing brick columns that align with your home’s style will make your porch pop, adding to the elegance and charm of your place.
Repair and Maintenance
Keeping your brick porch columns looking sharp and standing strong takes a bit of elbow grease but pays off by adding charm and sturdiness to your entrance. Regular care can help you save on big repair bills and preserve that classic look everyone loves. Key steps here include keeping them gleaming naturally and adding protective layers of paint and seal when needed.
Preserving Natural Beauty
Brick columns are like a good wine; they age gracefully, showing off their character and richness over time. Whether they sport a crisp marble finish or rustic brick vibe, it’s all about keeping them real and unspoiled. Opt for lightly touching up your columns with finishes that show off their real self instead of hiding it. Maybe think about a paint color that plays well with your porch’s mood, serving up a balanced look. Looking for more tips on keeping your columns stunning? Dive into our brick column for porch beauty guide for ideas.
Painting and Sealing Columns
A good coat of paint and a layer of sealant can be your porch column’s best friends in defending against weather woes and updating its look. Before jumping in with the paintbrush, scrub them clean of dirt and fingerprints. Got pressure-treated wood going on? Skip straight painting; grab a sealer and primer to ensure that paint job doesn’t go south too soon (Beneath My Heart).
Sealing is like giving your columns a raincoat, keeping out the wet and wild while holding their shape and flair. Hunt down a top-notch sealant made for brick, and slap it on as directed. Keep an eye out for any signs of wear or cracking—don’t let those turn into bigger headaches.
By folding these practices into how you care for your home, your brick columns will stay a showstopper, radiating elegance and homey vibes all at once. Give your porch the love it deserves by maintaining the natural grace of those columns. For a deeper dive into maintenance magic, hop over to our brick column porch renovation piece.
Customization and Transformation
Got some brick columns on your porch that are screaming for a makeover? Don’t worry, you don’t need to break the bank to give them a new life. We’ve got a couple of tricks up our sleeves, like using interior films or getting creative with repurposing and lighting to jazz them up.
Using Interior Films for Columns
Interior films are like the magic wand for columns. Picture it: a range of finishes and textures from sleek wood grain to shiny metallic, or even that classy marble look. These films, found at handy places like Bodaq Interior Films, make it simple to get the style you want without the fuss. They are not only easy on the wallet but also handle daily wear with ease—perfect for those areas that see a lot of action. Stick on some film, and bam—you’ve got yourself some snazzy columns that spruce up your porch and elevate the whole shebang.
Repurposing and Lighting Columns
Maybe you’re up for some DIY cheer. Turning those columns into shelves or storage can do wonders for both the aesthetic and usefulness of your porch. Imagine having some extra space and maintaining that seamless design vibe (Bodaq Interior Films). And if you’re feeling artsy, why not transform them into canvases? Get some paint, add murals or even sculptures, and let your creativity run wild to reflect your unique flair.
Now, let’s not forget the power of lighting. A well-placed sconce or spotlight can make your columns pop, highlighting their shape and structure while adding depth to your space. Check out Bodaq Interior Films for inspiration on how lighting can tweak the vibe from drab to fab—making your porch not just a place to hang out, but a delightful retreat with a touch of elegance.
So, whether you go with interior films, get inventive with repurposing, or use lighting to your advantage, your brick columns can morph into the porch’s crowning glory. These ideas pack a style punch, making your outdoor hangout a cheerful and chic spot to kick back with family and friends.