In addition to the ever-popular wood, posts for outdoor structures can be made from other materials, including concrete and steel. Most often, alternative materials are chosen because the structure needs additional strength or for style reasons—to better complement the home’s architectural style or landscape.

Architectural posts and columns
Many millworks produce classical and decorative columns, available through dealers. Those that need to function as structural members are usually made from solid wood, aluminum, or fiberglass composites. Columns that do not need to support the structure usually have a post made of wood or steel covered by a decorative “shell” that may be made from wood, aluminum, fiberglass composites, or polyurethane. You can also purchase columns in kit form and customize them with caps and bases to create the decorative look you want.

Concrete & stucco columns
Columns made from concrete are produced using wood forms (for square or rectangular) or fiber tubes (for round) into which concrete is poured. Columns intended to be stuccoed may be built from concrete blocks or have a frame made from wood with a plywood sheathing.

Steel columns
Due to its expense, steel columns are rarely made for residential applications unless the structure is large and the ground or siting is unstable, requiring that they be custom-fabricated. However, because steel doesn’t burn, rot, or get eaten by termites, it does provide considerable value. Steel columns are often covered with a decorative wood facade.