I’ve got a number of exterior 14in square post columns to replace. They were originally done in winsor1 and the cladding has failed due to moisture problems. I was thinking of re-doing them in azek but the material and labor costs would be stiff, which got me thinking about alternatives. The fypon stuff looked good online but the distributor thinks that cast aluminum columns would be more durable over time. Probably so,… but has anybody had any luck with the urethane column wraps or this material at ground level?
Thanks
Replies
http://www.hbgcolumns.com/squarecolumns.html
I've used this company's columns several times; never square, though. Quote I'm working on now includes 8" x 8' round smooth Tuscan, including capitals and bases, for $141 delivered.
10" x 10' same description are $221. Vertical load is 14000#; column probably weighs around 120#.
<edit> forgot to add that they are easy to split with an abrasive circular saw blade, and PL back together with just strapping tape holding them aligned - seam is invisible after some Bondo work.
Forrest
Edited 2/13/2008 7:02 pm ET by McDesign
no problem with fypon. Looks good. I have used this atuff on lots of houses. The down side to it is it is easy to dent.
I bet you will find the Fypon as much or more $ than Azek.
Depends on style desried and how much detailing he would need to do in the Azek
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Here there are a few shops that fabricate square Azek columns. They do something they call a "V-fold" which is basically a miter but it works like this: I think they have some kind of CNC machine that routes the sheet Azek, They use a 45° V-grove router bit that looks like this. Here's the trick though. The bit does not cut all the way through the material. Let's say the Azek is 3/4" thick. The bit might cut a grove that is 11/16 deep. Then glue is applied to the grove and the column (post wrap) is folded up to make a long box. So there is only one seam that shows and that one is mitered too, so most people wouldn't ever notice it.... Sweet! They do square tapered columns too in the same manner. They can do fluted stuff too. Even if I were doing something very custom (square column) I'd still start with a blank of one of these or similar. They aren't cheep though - like maybe $200 depending on what you are getting - but then again neither are the Fypon column wraps.
To the OP: in my opinion comparing Azek or Fypon column wraps to aluminum is like comparing a Cadillac to a Uego. Part of the problem with the way the aluminum columns is the way the plinth and capitol look. I think they are appropriate for inexpensive vinyl houses or where a no-paint situation is desired (which means you are pretty much stuck with white).
The alternative of course being wood. We can get these laminated KDAT wood box columns that I like pretty well. Around $65 for a 6x6 - just the shaft and it's structural.
I've never used a square permacast type columns but I also believe these are significantly more than the round ones. I priced them once and remember I was surprised, but can't remember how surprised :-)
That is a pretty sharp system. I like that idea. But it isn't available everywhere.
What I meant about how Fypon can be cheaper depending on detailing is whether there is recessed panels to rout in, flutes, or whatever that take time with Azek. The labour cost there wouold kil yuou compared to a fypon column if they have the style you want
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Agreed...
You're right about the material expense but the difference would be the labor. To build each of the 14" sq. recessed panel columns complete with mouldings, base and cap of azek would be in excess of $500 a piece. Maybe half that again in labor to glue,screw, and install.
A 12 x 12 column wrap complete with cap, base, and moulded recessed panels would run about the same in fypon but the installation would be under an hour. While I have experience with azek, I just haven't done anything with fypon and have visions of the lawn maint guy shredding it with the weed whacker. ("About the same density as white pine" gives me a sense of it's durability.) Wish I could find something in 14" sq wrap of pvc.
Anyway, thanks for your input. I like the looks of those laminated square columns and will take a glance at that site.Thanks,
Eric
Density is a little less than white pine. They can be scuffed up in some locations fairly easily
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