Anyone have instructions to make faux columns for a home?
Question:Our new house plans call for 8 columns but we're out of money. Composite columns run from $150-$400 each and more. Thought we could make some out of 6' plastic pipe. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Answers:
try this site
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lv_diy_peo...
I assume these are non load bearing posts. Use PVC pipe stuffed with fiberglass insulation.
diy network .com
That is a tough one. The only thing that comes to mind is plaster of Paris. I know this sounds crazy but if you put up the pipe or a pole of some sort close to the width you need, surround it with chicken wire, & plaster of paris it it would hopefully turn out like the real thing. Probally best to purchse or make sturdy tops & bottoms bolted to the ceiling & build from there. Hopefully you have someone who can mold the plaster into the normal column shape & texture. I have seen it done on walls to look like rocks, even done as free standing boulders, so it may work. Best to do a mini version to be sure. Hopefully this helped! Good luck!!
I wish you had added some details, IE: Interior/exterior, Aesthetic/practical, Load bearing/non.
Certainly there are multiple ways for any or all scenarios. How OUT OF MONEY are you? PVC at a decent column diameter at 6 ft long plus any embellishments, attachments, and finish, will still be something to consider for your budget, as well as any REAL practical use they may have to serve.
Decorating PVC will be iffy at best, other than with a Paint that will adhere to and remain on the PVC. To get into any more depth, IE: Plaster, wire mesh for stucco, etc, will probably be out of your range as well.
If they must be supports you could use (sauna/Berk) SP... Tubes and pour concrete reinforced with rebar.
If decorative you could still use the tubes and finsh the exteriors with various choices of paint, mortar, stucco, etc.
You could use Plumbing grade galvanized pipe.
Steven Wolf
Plastic is a bit dodgy when used with most building materials as it offers poor adhesion properties and it expands/contracts at much different rates. Certainly it would be foolish to use it in external conditions as you would almost certainly get separation problems
However you could use plastic pipes as 'formwork' or moulds for casting your own circular columns. But then you need to know a little bit about concrete-work, mixing, reinforcing,casting, agitating(vibrating or tamping), additives, lubricants,etc. And the plastic pipes would be a write off each time they were used.
Or you could get in touch with demolition companies. They often salvage items like columns, which they sell at a quarter of the original price. You might strike lucky!
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