Fiberglass or aluminum columns?

10 years ago

Our builder needs a decision this week on fiberglass or aluminum columns for the porch. He had a small sample of the aluminum and up close it looked cheap looking but it may not look bad once it's up. But what I like about the aluminum is it doesn't have to be painted and is more maintenance free. Though I feel the fiberglass may look better?? Any opinions on this?

Featured Answer

millworkman

10 years ago

Fiberglass looks more traditional in my opinion and probably would only need to be painted one every 10-15 years if done correctly. Aluminum looks kind of fake (for lack of a better term).

Comments (7)

sombreuil_mongrel
10 years ago
Only with wood or Fiberglass (or permacast) can you achieve a taper, which is quite a refinement over a straight column.
Casey
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renovator8
10 years ago
Fiber-reinforced polymer composite (FRP) and cellular PVC both hold paint extremely well and require minimal maintenance.

HB&G calls the former "PermaCast" and the latter "PermaWrap".
threeapples
10 years ago
Permacast
worthy
10 years ago
Fiberglass or wood is what I've used. I wouldn't even consider aluminum unless cost were the only consideration.
lsst
10 years ago
Fiberglass
HU-835505841
last year
Our pool chemicals have erroded the aluminum spacer caps. Can you use fiberglass caps /spacer plates on an aluminum column?