Architectural (Wood) Columns

Greek Doric

The distinguishing characteristics of the Greek Doric Order is the absence of a base, and the height of the column in ratio to its diameter. When used in true architectural proportions, the height of the column, including capital, is five and one-half diameters.  Normally fluted, the Greek Doric has 20 flutes, with no fillets, so the flutes come to a peak.  Greek Doric columns in antiquity are found on the Parthenon in Athens.

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Tuscan

The distinguishing characteristic of the Tuscan Order is simplicity. Seldom fluted, the minimal mouldings and stylishly clean lines provide a robust appearance. When used in true architectural proportions, the height of the column, including capital and base, is seven diameters. Tuscan columns in antiquity are found on the Temple of Piety in Rome.

Roman Doric

The Roman Doric order features an increase of decorative molding over the Tuscan Order. Vignola's Denticulated Doric Cap has a stepped, three-fillet support of the echinus instead of the single-fillet support of the Tuscan Order. The Doric base is similar to the Tuscan, but the addition of bead above the torus molding is an elegant embellishment. According to Vignola, the height of the Doric Column including cap and base should be eight diameters. Vignola Denticulated Doric is imitated closely from the Theater of Marcellus.

Ionic

The distinguishing features of the Ionic Order are the scrolls that decorate the capital of the column. These scrolls derived their intriguing shape from the shell of the Nautilus. The most common representations of the Ionic Order include columns with 24 flutes separated by fillets that are about one-third their width. Ionic shafts are placed on decorative Attic Bases. Customarily, the Ionic Order column height including capital and base is nine diameters. A prime example of the Ionic Order as it was used in Rome is the Temple of Fortuna Virilis. The Ionic columns is very well suited for Ornate Capitols. (by moving you mouse pointer over the picture to the left you will see a secondary example).

Corinthian

Columns of the Corinthian Order are crowned with an inverted bell-shaped capital. The capital is richly adorned with Acanthus leaves, this column is almost always fluted. Like the Ionic, the Corinthian column exhibits 24 flutes and an Attic Base. The height of Corinthian columns, including capital and base, is ten diameters. This is a common Roman order that was used on the Temple of Mars Ultor.

Ornate Capitals

Spartan Ornamental Caps and Bases artfully capture natural themes and images. Our capitals and bases are crafted from a number of materials including wood, plaster, and fibers and are shaped into the appropriate proportions for the various styles of architecture and sizes of column shafts. Exterior and paint-grade interior columns feature polyurethane or fiberglass Caps & Bases to provide crisp, true architectural detail and increased durability. (Special-order wood Caps & Bases are also available).