Classic Wood Columns
Consider using traditional wood columns to add ambience and elegance to your home. They have both interior and exterior applications. They are available in all sizes and wood species, ready for either stain or paint. As you probably already know, certain woods like redwood, and western red cedar, are better suited for exterior use. You can also find fiberglass and polyurethane synthetics which hold up very well outdoors. You can find columns that are round, square, or flattened into pilasters. The shafts can be fluted or plain, tapered or straight. You can purchase standard sizes, or they can be custom made for you. If your wood column is going to be load-bearing, it should be made of solid material. Decorative columns can be hollow - these are much cheaper. Of course, you can install a hollow column around an existing structural support (like a lollie column), simply to dress it up. In order to maintain the authenticity of classic columns, attention must be given to the capitals and the bases. The first three were used by the ancient Greeks over 5,000 years ago. Corinthian Columns 
The Corinthia column is defined by its elaborate capital, and is the most textured of the classic columns. The Corinthian column features a slender, tapered shaft, crowned with a detailed capital enriched with acanthus and curling scrolls, which are reminiscent of plants emerging from a basket. As the name implies, it originated in the ancient city of Corinth.
Greek Doric Columns 
This is by far the simplest design of the classic wood columns. The simplistic form makes this design very versatile. With a stocky un-tapered shaft, the Greek Doric column typically does not have a base, and rests directly on the platform. Columns will usually have deep fluting running their entire length.
Ionic Columns
The Ionic column, with its capital depicting a partially rolled scroll, is the most unique and often considered the most elegant of the classic wood columns. A proportionately elongated shaft resting on a detailed base, accentuates the elegant design of this column.
Roman Doric Columns About 1,000 years later, the Roman Doric column became an enrichment of the Greek Doric. In response to a desire for more ornamentation by ancient Roman architects, the Doric column was refined and given more details, including a base, astragal rings, and an enriched capital.
Tuscan Columns 
Another 1500 years passes and the architects of the day are rejecting the Roman embellishments and returning more (but not completely) toward the original Greek design. The Tuscan column returns to simplicity, keeping the original stocky proportions. The shaft is unfluted and smooth.
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