Parts of a Decorative Porch Column

Shaft

• The shaft is the column pillar, extending from ground to ceiling. The shafts of Classical Greek columns were slightly tapered cylinders, narrower at the top than at the bottom to make them look completely straight to a person standing in front of the building. Shafts were often fluted or carved. Later, a variety of styles were introduced, including large, square shafts and shafts shaped like ropes twisted together.

Base

• The base is the portion of the column between the shaft and the ground or building foundation. The simplest base is a flat or circular block called a plinth. More ornate bases have a second and sometimes even a third block above the plinth, often with ornamented surfaces. These upper blocks are usually separated by curved bands.

Capital

• The shaft is topped by a capital, which separates it from the roof. Visually, this is often the most ornate part of the column, and each column style has its own particular type of capital. In general, the capital is composed of three parts. The necking, which is usually circular and may be grooved, is connected to the top of the shaft. Above it is a large block, usually circular, called the echinus. The top portion of the capital is another block, the abacus, which may be square or circular.

Wrap

• Traditionally, the shape of a column could not be changed without dismantling the column and replacing one or more of its parts. Today, however, kits are available to enclose the column, giving it an entirely different style. Column wrap kits are usually made of molded fiberglass, although wood and wrought iron wraps are available. It is even possible to purchase temporary wraps to change the appearance of the column for a special event.