Replies

1. 
   ErnieConover | Jul 26, 2006 09:35pm | #1

   Firstly we need to consider structural considerations. A good thing to remember is that a wood or masonry column cannot be longer than 11 times its diameter before buckling forces outweigh its compressional strength. (Steel is much stronger that the fore mentioned materials and can be much thinner.) For square columns the distance across the flats of the square is the limiting distance. So, for a 1" square column we cannot have it longer than 11 inches. If you taper the column you usually take the size about 2/3 rds from the bottom as the diameter and go 11 times that.

   The grain of the wood should run the length of the column as wood is strongest in compression along the grain. Coppering your columns from four staves saves material, weight and you can still go with the 11 times rule as long as the walls are reasonably thick. For up to a 6" column you could go with 3/4" material. Coppering a square is easy as you just cut 45 degree angles on the edges of all the pieces. If you want square columns you can use a tapering jig to cut the miters.

   Square plinths and capitals that are larger than the column make for good aesthetics. Here, of necessity, the grain runs across the column. Usually they are just short cutoffs from a quatersawn plank of appropriate width. The capital should be thinner than the plinth.

   The final consideration is aesthetics and I would say most 21st century designers make columns too large for the height. Keep the proportions good and tapered columns usually look better than straight. A good place to start is to look at columns in buildings, on furniture at antique stores and museums and in books. In the final analysis you have to just make something that pleases you and your friends. You should do fine.

   With best regards,
   Ernie Conover