Wooden Architectural Columns for Interior & Exterior Designs

Architectural columns are some of the oldest design elements on the planet. From classical Roman buildings to antebellum southern porches, these features have made an impact in countless styles. In fact, wooden architectural columns are still a fixture for both interior and exterior design today.

At TurnTech, we custom-craft wooden architectural columns that are used in renovations all across the country. In today’s blog, we’re highlighting the most popular home column styles – and highlighting how you can best use them in your remodel.  Keep reading to see the styles – and place your order right now!

 

Most Common Home Column Styles

The timeless touch of wooden architectural columns can be the centerpiece of your next home renovation. It’s all about finding the right home column style for what you’re renovating and for your own personal style.

These are the most common home columns we build and how they are used:

Smooth, Straight Columns 

Smooth straight home column style

Key Traits:

  • Simple style
  • Non-tapered
  • No roping, fluting, or other carving

Used For:

  • Outdoor projects
  • Indoor projects

These elegant architectural columns match most home styles and are one of the most popular options as a result. Perfect for interior or exterior designs, these pieces are most often used as porch posts, custom pergola posts, or as indoor support beams.

 

Smooth Tapered Column  

Smooth wooden architectural columns on porch

Key Traits:

  • Simple style
  • Different degrees of tapering
  • No roping, fluting, or other carving

Used For:

  • Indoor projects
  • Outdoor projects

Very similar to the straight tapered column, this style sees frequent use in outdoor designs while being versatile enough to also complete indoor styles.  For interior projects, this style is often seen in foyers and entryways. When used outdoors, it may be the single most popular choice for a historic porch.

Learn more about the best material for porch columns.

 

Fluted Columns   

Textured wooden columns for interior

Key Traits:

  • More classic style
  • Non-tapered
  • Vertical carving or fluting down the column

Used For:

  • Indoor projects
  • Outdoor projects (rarely)

This more ornate home column style does a specific job in a large number of renovations. Fluted architectural columns are frequently used in living rooms or other large, open rooms to visually divide the area.  Whether in a full or half column height, these accent columns are effective at providing special focus on an area such as a separate eat-in kitchen. When used outdoors, these columns are seen on porches creating an ornate classical curb appeal.

 

 Roped Column  

Home column styled with spiral texture

Key Traits:

  • Most ornate style
  • Non-tapered
  • Distinct rope look

Used For:

  • Indoor projects

One of the most ornate home column styles is also the most popular. Sophisticated roped columns are used in numerous ways for indoor renovations. Primarily, we see them as an accent piece to a grand entranceway between rooms. However, they also look exceptional as part of a custom piece of shelving for furniture as well.

 

Belly Columns  

Belly wooden architectural columns under pavilion

Key Traits:

  • Simple style
  • Very tapered, creating the “belly” shape
  • No roping, fluting, or other carving

Used For:

  • Indoor projects
  • Outdoor projects

A fairly rare and distinct wooden architectural column, these can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects. Instantly recognizable by their large tapered bellies, these stout columns have a simple style that matches most spaces. Like other tapered columns, when used outdoors, they complete front porches or custom pergolas. When built for indoor designs, these columns are often used as half wall height support columns.

This breakdown of the most popular home column styles is just the beginning. Since we custom carve all of our pieces, we can build almost any style you can imagine. If you have questions about which of these choices will best match your home or you’d like to discuss a custom project, we encourage you to reach out!

 

Order Your Columns Today

Classic wooden architectural columns can be the front-and-center accent that makes your renovation truly stand out. At TurnTech, we work directly with both homeowners and contractors alike to create top-of-the line custom columns.

If you want to order your columns today, we offer convenient online shopping options – and we ship our products nationwide! However, if you’d like to discuss a custom design, we’re more than happy to help – and to provide you with a custom quote. Contact us today with any questions you have!

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Turntech
Based on 64 reviews
Dear TurnTech,
I had ordered 3 custom posts for the porch refurb project back in August 2024 (reference invoice #36387). I finally got around to installing them (sometimes life gets in the way). Attached is a photo. I still need to stain the deck, but the tough part is finished. Posts look great!

Regards,
Steve Coladonato
Abingdon, MD
Response from the owner:Looks fantastic, Steve! We're so glad you're enjoying the posts - thank you for the great review!
Turntech was a company that I was searching for for several years by way of many cabinet and kitchen companies with no success. But another specialty company referred me to you, and I'm so glad they did. Many thanks for the rope trim and prompt delivery!
Response from the owner:Thanks, Christopher! We’re thrilled to hear you’re loving the rope trim!
Thank-you for the great service. We received our material in good time and is just what we needed. Also thank-you for the gift we received. I don't know of any other company that does this. I will try and remember to send photo's of the finished product may be a while.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Betty! 🙌
This wooden ball is going to be perfect for the stairs!!! Just wait until it’s finished!!!!
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Had a few legs turned for a table that was commissioned. Exceptional Service and communication, quoting was quick, product was turned in perfect tolerances, exceptional lumber choice, and turnings were properly protected for shipment. I Will definitely be using them on future projects.