Full round columns are decorative architectural elements made with a circular shaft, capital, and base to add visual emphasis to architectural structures and give spaces a classical appearance. These non-structural elements are commonly used to encase existing steel or reinforced-concrete columns or as standalone decorative features.
Material Construction and Key Features
Our products are molded from high-strength rigid polyurethane with a density of 150-220 kg/m³ (production target ~160 kg/m³). Thanks to their closed-cell structure, water absorption remains below 1%. This prevents the material from rotting, developing mold, shrinking, or warping, even in areas exposed to water. Their wide operating temperature range of -100 °C / +80 °C allows them to retain their shape in both freezing conditions and high heat.
Compared with Traditional Architectural Materials
Compared with traditional wood, plaster, or concrete, they offer the following technical advantages:
- Compared with Plaster and Concrete: They are considerably lighter. The product's own weight and the loads from its fixings must be assessed together with the application surface and supporting system. Their flexible, impact-resistant structure makes breakage highly unlikely.
- Compared with EPS Foam: They have a significantly harder surface. The molding process produces exceptionally sharp, well-defined pattern details, fluting, and ornamental motifs. The surface can be easily filled and sanded.
- Compared with Wood: They are not affected by outdoor conditions, insect infestation, or moisture. They require little maintenance and provide a long service life.
Surface Preparation and Painting Requirements
Full round columns are supplied with a factory-applied primer. This primer is designed to help the paint adhere to the product. However, paint manufacturers do not guarantee adhesion when their own primer systems are not used. Additional priming is therefore optional, and the final choice and responsibility belong to the applicator. Polure does not guarantee the performance of paints used on the product.
For exterior applications, UV-resistant paint must be used. A properly applied paint system protects the column surface from the damaging effects of sunlight and helps preserve its original appearance for years.
Usage Areas
Full round columns are suitable for a wide range of applications. In residential projects, they are used at villa entrance portals, verandas, and terraces to create an impressive arrival feature. Indoors, they add a sense of depth to hotel lobbies, wedding and ballroom venues, restaurants, spacious corridors, and retail environments.
They can also be installed as two half-shells around existing circular or square reinforced-concrete columns that look out of place, transforming an unattractive structural element into a refined architectural finish.
Installation
For a safe and successful installation, carry out the following technical steps in full:
- Surface Preparation: The floor, wall, or ceiling surface must be completely free of dust, clean, and dry.
- Cutting and Mitering: Align the column components and shaft sections to the required dimensions, paying close attention to 45° miter cuts.
- Bonding: Apply polyurethane (PU) installation adhesive to the joints and contact points. Silicone adhesive must never be used.
- Mechanical Fixing: In addition to adhesive, mechanical fixing with screws is mandatory to secure the weight of the column components.
- Touch-Up and Sanding: Fill joints and screw heads with a suitable filler. Once dry, sand smooth with 180-220 grit sandpaper.
- Topcoat: After optional priming, complete the application with at least two coats of water-based or synthetic paint.
Care Information
Polyurethane full round columns are easy to maintain. Dust and surface dirt can be removed quickly with a damp cloth and mild, non-abrasive soapy water. Avoid highly acidic or solvent-based chemical cleaners. If the exterior paint becomes worn over time, lightly sand the surface and refresh it with exterior-grade paint.
