Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Decorative Columns
Our extensive range of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian decorative columns and column components is split into two categories, Full (360°) Columns and Half (180°) Columns. Please select the category you wish to view. Guidance is available on the Column Selector Guide page. We also offer column style cladding to disguise internal structural supports.
Exterior Or Interior Use? - Our Columns and Half Columns come pre-painted with primer and can be used in either application. Select a paint suited to your needs. Remember that you can disguise rainwater down pipes inside your column where it is being used under a canopy or portico.
Full Column Or Half Column? - Whichever you choose, we can help. Typically full columns are used for interiors and new build applications, where half columns can be used against a wall or to cloak unsightly structural support on exterior applications.
Plain Or Fluted? - The choice is yours, but consider the application. Whilst plain columns are very popular, the fluted design is the easier option for cloaking steel uprights. The ridge of the flutes effectively masks the join where two half columns are used to create a full column.
Wide Or Narrow? - Imposing detached houses in their own grounds will look far more elegant when featuring a 300mm (12") diameter "slim" column, whilst more modern housing on estates lend themselves to the 200mm (8") "wide" designs. Always ensure that you allow sufficient space for access through doorways.
Tall Or Short? - Our standard range benefits from a variety of plinths. Where heights in excess of 2325mm (7'8") are required use a taller plinth and cut it down accordingly to create a suitable column.
Can I Fit It? - Any competent DIY man or woman should find the installation possible. All columns and pilasters are supplied in three sections (shaft, capital and plinth) for ease of handling and positioning. Fitting guidelines come with each column or can be downloaded from the product pages.
Decorating Your Columns - Having installed your columns, leave the adhesives to cure for 24 hours before decorating. Each column comes with a white primer, and is ready to accept a final coat of paint. We recommend water based acrylic paints, which are readily found at Painter and Decorator merchants or DIY shops. Please ensure you select a paint suitable to your application.
Whilst a high proportion of our customers finish their columns in white, you may wish to create a coloured or marbled effect.
Advantages of Orac Decor Columns
Orac Decor mouldings are installed in many exclusive worldwide developments. Examples include The Savoy, Hilton and Intercontinental. 60% of
European continental builders now specify products which Orac Décor manufacturers and are increasingly being used in the UK.
Ready for immediate use: Orac Decor columns are available from stock for next day delivery. Plaster columns need to dry before installing; this
can take up to two weeks. Wood columns need to be primed and undercoated. The glues used with Orac Décor cure quickly whereas plaster installation takes time
to dry before finishing can commence.
Clean: Orac Decor columns only require glue, perfect for refurbishment and new build projects. Plaster columns are dirty to install, creating
considerable amounts of water and dust. Wood columns normally require nailing, filling the head dent and smoothing off. Refurbishments using plaster columns can
problematic and damage the existing infrastructure.
Easy to install columns: Orac Decor columns, due to their lightweight, only require glue to install. There is no need to pin as
with plaster or wood columns. Plaster columns normally require two people due to its weight, whereas installation of Orac Decor columns can be installed by just one
person. Due to its lightweight Orac Decor columns can be installed on to any type of surface, including partitions and board. Stone columns require heavy industrial
lifting equipment.
Time saving: Orac Decor columns can be installed much faster and easier, whereas installing plaster columns, wood columns and stone columns is
a heavy and difficult job which takes time and additional skills.
Fast finishing: Orac Decor columns are pre-primed ready for the chosen final coat of paint. Orac Decor columns have a smooth surface which does not
absorb paint, so only the final coat is required. Plaster columns do not come primed and requires sealing. Plaster columns are difficult to paint as they do not have
a smooth surface. Importantly plaster columns absorb paint and up to three coats are required. Wood columns need to be knotted, primed and undercoated first.
Detailed design features: Traditional plaster columns moulds tend to produce rounded detail. The steel moulds used for Orac Decor columns are very
detailed and precise. The repeated use of plaster columns moulds rounds the detail whereas with Orac Decor columns the detailing is consistent. Wood columns are
limited in the designs that can be achieved.
Strong & shock resistant: Orac Decor columns are tough, hard and difficult to break. Plaster columns are easily broken and shattered. These
issues are extremely relevant in both delivery and installation.
Developing cracks: Orac Decor 'Extra Fix' fuses the column joints to produce strong joints. Plaster and wood columns joints move through drying and
aging resulting in cracks in the columns and joints.
Suitable in humid environments and exterior use: Orac Decor columns are impervious to moisture. Plaster and wood columns can take in moisture and
so is less suitable for humid and exterior environments.
Hollow: Orac Decor columns are hollow and available either as full columns or half columns. Therefore Orac Decor columns can surround new or existing
structural supports.
Separate elements: The separate plinth, shaft and capital elements allows a flexibility in design choice. Fluted, plain, slim, wide, tall, short,
segmented, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian.
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