The ShopColumns Process

	What we ask a Column Manufacturer
	What We Look Out For
	Buy Locally, or Through a Column Manufacturer?

What We Ask a Column Manufacturer

Column Manufacturers are not created equal. There are a number of regional manufacturers that deal in one material type, and a few larger companies that service the entire United States. Knowing what to ask a column manufacturer, and knowing what to look for are key in purchasing columns.

Number of Employees

The size of the company can tell you a lot about where they are in the industry. Small column companies often use older technologies, inferior materials, and have longer product manufacturing and shipping times. They are also more limited in the variety of styles and sizes they carry.

Number of Distribution Points

If a manufacturer only has one distribution point, you will pay extra in shipping costs. The best manufacturers have locations nationwide. We find the manufacturers that can get their product to you the quickest, at the best price.

Time to Ship

Standard lead time for most column companies can number in the weeks. The best column manufacturers ship their main products in just days due to larger on-hand inventories.

Manufacturing Process

Exterior column manufacturing has changed drastically over the past 25 years: From wood column construction, antiquated chopped fiberglass molding, and concrete casting, to newer manufacturing materials and techniques like Fiber-Polymer (FRP) Rotocast, a stronger, lighter, more versatile compound.

What We Look Out For Breadth of Line

A true column manufacturer can provide a solution for any column need. Whether you are looking for an interior stain-grade decorative column with carved capital or a large 24 foot tall exterior column, the best can get you exactly what you need, not just their next best thing.

Smaller/Regional Manufacturers

Smaller and Regional column manufacturers tend to use outdated manufacturing processes and materials, and are limited by geography.  For example, many producers still use chopped fiberglass hand molding, which is an inexpensive manufacturing process used in the late 1970’s that has since been replaced by superior Rotocast Poly-Fiber (FRP) columns.

Smaller/Regional manufacturers also tend to used concrete “form based” manufacturing techniques. These small manufacturers tend to be contractors and installers that will create the concrete forms on the jobsite and manufacturer the columns right then and there. These columns are often made out of GFRC (commonly know as sidewalk concrete) and tend to not be architecturally inaccurate.

Base Materials

One major factor to look out for is the structural integrity of the column’s base.  The base has the most potential for damage, so you want to make sure that the material is durable and proportionally correct.

Column companies often change the material type to a urethane foam or plastic to save money on material costs. You want to avoid these materials. Although they may cost less, you will end up needing to fix or repair these bases often. Also, many manufacturers undersize the proportions of the base to save on material and shipping costs.

When comparing columns, notice the weight of the base as urethane foam and plastic are light weight, whereas a Fiber-Poly (FRP) base will be heavier. Avoid lightweight bases.

Buy Locally, or Through a Column Manufacturer?

One question that often comes up is whether to buy locally through a lumber yard or home improvement supply store, or to purchase from a column company.

First off, you must be comfortable with the company you are purchasing from. Local companies give you the ability to shake the hand of the person you are buying from. This cannot and should not be under valued.
           
On the other hand, the tradeoff for the security and proximity of the lumberyard and supply store is often price, quality, and product knowledge. Column companies and manufacturers are experts in what they do. They will be able to answer any product question that may arise: sizing, material benefits, installation instructions, etc.

Let Us Find Your Best Fit

Because every column company is a little different, they each have unique advantages and specialize in different styles and sizes. Provide the your column need and information and we will find the best fit for your project. When manufacturers compete, you win.