Finding the Right Type of Columns for Your Porch

Almost every porch, regardless of its structure or design, uses some type of column to support its roof. These columns can be simple and utilitarian or ornate works of art and they can be incorporated into the porch’s railings or stand-alone. Whatever style your porch has been built in, there is a column that will meet your needs.

Greek-Style Columns

Greek architecture has influenced a great many of the modern architectural styles you see. Because of this, the Greek-styled columns fit well with the look many of today’s homes. Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns are the most commonly seen types today.

Doric Columns

The Doric column is one of the oldest recognized Greek styles, in fact, it is the type featured in the Parthenon. Simple and elegant, this style has fluted sides, a rounded top and no base. The sides and top are smooth, without additional ornamentation.

Ionic Columns

Ionic columns, unlike the Doric, sit on rounded bases. They are cylindrical in shape and their sides are smooth, without decoration. However, the top is adorned with elaborate, scroll shaped ornaments.

Corinthian Columns

The Corinthian is the most modern of the Greek-styled columns. Like the Ionic columns, they feature smooth straight sides and rounded bases. Instead of scrolls at the top, these columns have decorations that look like upside down bells that were traditionally filled with olive or laurel leaves.

Egyptian Columns

Ancient Egyptians did not use columns as often in their architecture as the ancient Greeks did. As a result, the Egyptians did not develop as many distinct styles of columns as the Greeks did. Most of the columns used were very similar in shape and decoration.

The Egyptian columns were modeled after the shape of the lotus flower. This means that they are wider at the bottom and the sides taper as they go up and then flare out just a bit at the very top. The columns are free of any ornamentation and do not sit on a base.

Romanesque Columns

The Romans often valued strength and functionality over aesthetics. Their columns reflect this point of view. Neither delicate nor decorated, these columns give the impression that they will last forever.

Unlike the other columns you will see, the Romanesque columns are square. Usually the columns themselves are short but they rest and support massive, tiered bases and tops. They would only be appropriate for use on a very large porch.

The most important thing to remember when considering a type of column for your porch is that the style you choose should match the style of your home. A Victorian house will not look good with heavy Romanesque columns supporting its elaborately detailed porch roof. Ideally, the columns should appear as an integral part of the overall style.

As with any construction project, be sure that you are very clear about what style of column you want before you start. Do some research, look at lots of pictures and consider having someone draw you some sketches of what the finished porch will look like with different styles of columns. After all, you do not want a change of heart once the project has begun.

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