Wood Column - Square, Base & Capital, Tapered Dimensions & Drawings

Comparison drawing of Tapered Square Base & Capital Wood Column compared to similar wood column configurations

Description

A tapered square wood column is a structural member that is typically used to support a roof or other structure. The column is made of wood and has a square cross-section. The column tapers from a wide base to a small top width. The base of the column is typically wider than the top in order to provide a more stable foundation. The top of the column is typically capped with a capital, which is a decorative element that helps to protect the top of the column from damage.

Dimensions & Sizes

Tapered Square Base & Capital Wood Columns are available in a range of sizes with widths of 12”, 16” (30.5, 40.6 cm) and typical heights from 6’-10’ (1.83-3.05 m).

Scaled set of drawings of Tapered Square Base & Capital Wood Column in front, side and top views

Description

Dimensions & Sizes

Tapered Square Base & Capital Wood Columns are available in a range of sizes with widths of 12”, 16” (30.5, 40.6 cm) and typical heights from 6’-10’ (1.83-3.05 m).

Series of illustrations of Tapered Square Base & Capital Wood Column seen from views with varied sizes

3D Model

Common Questions

What are the benefits of wood columns?

Wood columns offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice in architecture. They provide a warm, natural aesthetic that can enhance the ambiance of any space. As a renewable resource, wood is eco-friendly and sustainable, contributing to lower carbon emissions compared to other construction materials. Wood columns are also versatile, available in various styles, sizes, and species, allowing for unique customization. Additionally, they are cost-effective and relatively easy to install. With proper maintenance, wood columns can serve as long-lasting, sturdy, and visually appealing structural elements.

How do you protect a wood column?

To protect wood columns, start by selecting a durable, rot-resistant wood species or pressure-treated lumber. Apply a high-quality wood preservative to guard against decay and insects. Regularly maintain the column by cleaning and inspecting for damage, sealing any cracks or splits. Use a water-resistant paint or stain to shield from moisture and UV rays. Ensure proper ventilation and drainage to prevent moisture buildup. Finally, avoid direct ground contact by using column bases to elevate the column from the ground.

What is the difference between a column and post?

A column and a post both serve as vertical structural elements, but they differ in purpose and design. Columns are typically more substantial and decorative, designed to support large loads while adding architectural interest. They often feature distinct styles like Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian orders. Posts, on the other hand, are simpler in appearance and primarily used for supporting structures like decks, porches, and beams. While columns are usually associated with grand buildings, posts are more common in residential and utilitarian applications.

What are the benefits of wood columns?

How do you protect a wood column?

What is the difference between a column and post?

What is the most common column type used in construction today?

The most common column type today is the reinforced concrete column, widely used in modern construction. Its popularity is due to the excellent strength, durability, and versatility it offers. Reinforced concrete columns combine the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel reinforcement bars (rebar), providing reliable support in various building types, from residential to commercial and industrial structures. Additionally, these columns can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes, allowing for greater design flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

What are the different tparts of a column?

A column typically consists of three main parts: the base, the shaft, and the capital. The base supports the column and distributes the load to the foundation, often featuring a decorative design. The shaft is the elongated vertical section, which can be fluted or smooth, and varies in thickness and tapering depending on the column style. The capital is the topmost part of the column, providing a transition to the supported structure, such as a beam or an architrave, and often features intricate detailing or ornamentation.

Why were columns ornately decorated in the past?

Columns were ornately decorated in the past as a reflection of cultural and artistic values. They conveyed a sense of grandeur, elegance, and sophistication, reflecting the social status and power of the building's owner. Ornamentation also showcased the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans who crafted the columns, often depicting mythological or historical scenes or patterns. Columns played a significant role in defining the architectural style and conveying symbolic meaning through their decorative elements.

What is the most common column type used in construction today?

What are the different tparts of a column?

Why were columns ornately decorated in the past?

3D model of Tapered Square Base & Capital Wood Column viewed in perspective

Under Development

Height:

6’-10’ | 1.83-3.05 m

Width:

12”, 16” | 30.5, 40.6 cm

Depth:

12”, 16” | 30.5, 40.6 cm

Length:

Weight:

Area:

Materials:

Pine, Cedar, Douglas fir, Oak (Typical)

Drawings include: 
Tapered Square Base & Capital Wood Column plan (various sizes), elevation

Wikipedia - Column
Wikipedia - Post (Structural)

2D Downloads

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3D Downloads

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