Square Panel Aluminum Columns

Columns from Superior Aluminum provide modern functionality while maintaining a traditional appearance, making them the perfect choice in many settings. Maintenance-free aluminum columns keep style prevalent and create load-bearing support. Superior columns can be used either as a stand-alone structure or a wrap-around cover for a quick renovation. Many styles of caps and bases are available, creating dozens of customization options.

Superior’s Aluminum Columns

Porches, entryways, gazebos, and more utilize columns to support overhead structures without obstructing nature’s views.

Columns have supported many architectural features throughout history, with proven strength and reliability throughout the years. Keeping the traditional details and structures in place is key to the beauty of our columns. Superior Aluminum columns tailor to all design styles, adding a touch of class and elegance to any commercial or residential project.

Multiple styles are available for all columns, caps, and bases. Each of these can be customized to any desired diameter, length, and finish. No matter if you call them columns, pillars, posts, or poles, Superior has what you need to finish the job the right way!

Product Qualities:

  • Wrap-Around – All Superior columns can be utilized as wrap-around column covers. Covering old support structures is an easy solution for a quick and effective remodel.
  • Load-Bearing Strength – All Superior column profiles provide load-bearing support to any project…. some sizes can hold up to 75,000 lbs.!
  • Variety – Four diverse columns styles are available with multiple color and size customization options in each style. This creates products to match exact design preferences for everyone and all locations.
  • Durability – Aluminum columns are more resilient than wood columns, as they will not warp, rot, or split and don’t require frequent repainting!
  • Easy Assembly – All columns from Superior Aluminum are installed in just a few easy steps Thanks to a simple snap-together design. Caps and bases only need to be slipped on and attached, or locked together and attached for wrap-around applications.

Square Fluted, Panel, & Smooth Aluminum Columns

There are three square column styles available, each providing load-bearing strength and a natural look to any project. In addition, aluminum is durable enough to withstand the immense weights cast by overhanging areas and will not rust, rot, or warp, unlike other materials. Furthermore, aluminum is also maintenance-free, giving you the chance to install without future headaches!

Moreover, all aluminum square columns also have wrap-around functionality. This feature can be used to hide unsightly old supports, effectively modernizing your space. When used in wrap-around applications, special wrap-around caps and bases should be used.

Additionally, most column sizes only require one person to install. Thanks to their lightweight and easily mobile nature, your column installation will be quick and painless, ultimately saving you time and money!

Square Smooth

Square Fluted

Square Panel

Wrap-Around

All square columns feature wrap-around
functionality to freshen up a tired look.

Load-Bearing

Square columns will support the weight
of roof overhangs or hold up a covered walkway.

Standard Finishes – Always Available

WHITE

BLACK

DARK BRONZE

SANDSTONE

MILL

Square Aluminum Column Dimensions
& Load Bearing Data

Square Fluted

Square Fluted

Nominal DiameterA (OD)Max. Square EncaseableNo. StavesLoad Lbs.Tested LengthStandard Lengths (Ft)*
4″4″3-1/8″213,0008′8′, 10′
6″5-1/2″4-5/8″412,0008′8′, 9′, 10′, 20′
8″7-1/2″6-1/2″418,0008′8′, 9′, 10′, 12′, 20′
10″9-1/2″8-1/2″433,00012′8′, 10′, 12′, 16′
12″11-1/2″10-1/2″427,66015′10′, 12′, 16′, 20′
16″15-1/2″13-3/4″413,00016′16′, 20′, 24′
*Subject to availability.  Unlisted lengths available upon request.

Square Panel

Square Panel

Nominal DiameterA (OD)Max. Square EncaseableNo. StavesLoad Lbs.Tested LengthStandard Lengths (Ft)*
6″5-1/2″4-3/16″438,0008′8′, 9′, 10′, 20′
8″7-1/2″6-3/16″460,0008′8′, 9′, 10′, 12′, 20′
10″9-1/2″8-1/8″480,00012′8′, 10′, 12′, 20′
12″11-1/2″10-1/8″475,00016′10′, 12′, 16′, 20′
16″15-1/2″13-7/8″875,00016′16′, 20′, 24′
*Subject to availability.  Unlisted lengths available upon request.

Square Smooth

Square Smooth

Nominal DiameterA (OD)Max. Square EncaseableNo. StavesLoad Lbs.Tested LengthStandard Lengths (Ft)*
4″4″Not Available as Wraparound115,0008′8,’ 10′
6″5-1/2″4-9/16″413,0008′8′, 9′, 10′, 20′
8″7-1/2″6-1/2″419,0008′8′, 9′, 10′, 12′, 20′
10″9-1/2″8-1/16″445,00016′8′, 10′, 12′, 20′
12″11-1/2″10-1/16″450,00016′10′, 12′, 16′, 20′
*Subject to availability.  Unlisted lengths available upon request.

Standard Square Caps & Bases

Standard Square

Nominal DiameterA (ID)B (OD)C (Height)
4″4″6″1-3/8″
6″5-1/2″8-1/2″2″
8″7-1/2″10-1/2″2″
10″9-1/2″12-1/2″2-5/16″
12″11-1/2″15″2-1/2″
16″15-1/2″20″3″

Doric Square Caps & Bases

Doric Square

Nominal DiameterA (ID)B (OD)C (Height)
4″Not Available
6″5-1/2″10-1/2″3-3/4″
8″7-1/2″12-1/2″3-3/4″
10″9-1/2″14-1/2″3-3/4″
12″11-1/2″16-1/2″3-3/4″
16″15-1/2″20-1/2″3-3/4″

Charleston Square (CAP)

Charleston Square (CAP)

Nominal DiameterA (ID)B (OD)C (Height)
4″Not Available
6″5-1/2″9-1/4″6-1/2″
8″7-1/2″11-1/4″6-1/2″
10″9-1/2″13-1/4″6-1/2″
12″11-1/2″17-1/4″10″
16″15-1/2″21-1/4″10″

Savannah Square (BASE)

Savannah Square (BASE)

Nominal DiameterA (ID)B (OD)C (Height)
4″Not Available
6″5-1/2″8″5-1/4″
8″7-1/2″10″5-1/4″
10″9-1/2″12″5-1/4″
12″11-1/2″14″5-1/4″
16″15-1/2″18″5-1/4″

Round Fluted Aluminum Columns

For years, architects have utilized round columns to accentuate historical buildings. However, round fluted columns from Superior Aluminum embrace this traditional look but with a modern touch. Superior columns are manufactured with durable and sustainable aluminum, elevating them above the structures of yesteryear. Aluminum columns are able to withstand harsh weather conditions and keep their impeccable looks to keep you satisfied with your project for years to come.

Both strength and beauty are exemplified with Superior Aluminum’s round fluted columns. Not only can they withstand load-bearing weights thanks to the incredible power of aluminum, but they also provide a durable finish that will not rust, rot, or warp the way other materials might.

In addition, all aluminum round fluted columns contain wrap-around functionality. This allows for easy hiding of dated existing supports, effectively modernizing your space. However, when used in wrap-around applications, special wrap-around caps and bases should be used. It’s worth noting that 6” and 8” round columns can be both load-bearing and wrap-around, while any larger size (10″ and over) only contain the possibility to be either load-bearing or wrap-around.

Most column sizes only require one person to install. Thanks to their lightweight and easily mobile nature, your column installation will be quick and painless, ultimately saving you time and money!

Wrap-Around

All round columns feature wrap-around
functionality to freshen up a tired look.

Load-Bearing

Round columns will support the weight
of roof overhangs or hold up a covered walkway.

Standard Finishes – Always Available

WHITE

SANDSTONE

MILL

Round Aluminum Column Dimensions
& Load Bearing Data

Round Fluted

Round Fluted

Nominal DiameterActual OD (A Above)Actual IDMax. Square EncaseableNo. StavesStandard Lengths (Ft)*Load Lbs.**Tested Length
6″5-5/8″4-3/4″3-1/2″38′, 9′, 10′, 12′13,0008′
8″8″7-1/8″5-1/4″38′, 9′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′22,0008′
10″10″8-7/8″6-1/4″48′, 9′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, 20′25,00012′
12″11-1/4″9-7/8″6-7/8″58′, 9′, 10′, 12′, 16′, 18′, 20′30,00012′
15″14-3/8″13-1/8″9-1/4″612′, 16′, 18′, 20′34,00012′
18″18″16″11-5/16″616′, 18′, 20′38,00018′
24″24″22″15-9/16″616′, 18′, 20′, 24′50,00018′
30″30″28″19-13/16″816′, 18′, 20′, 24′58,00018′
*Subject to availability.  Unlisted lengths available upon request.
**Includes safety factor.  Wraparound applications of 10″ diameter and greater are non-load bearing

Standard Round

Standard Round

Nominal DiameterX (ID)Y (OD)Z (Height)
6″5-5/8″7-3/4″1-15/16″
8″8″10″2-1/16″
10″10″12-1/4″2-7/16″
12″11-1/4″14-1/8″3″
15″14-3/8″17-7/8″3-1/2″
18″18″21-5/8″3-3/4″
24″24″28″4-3/8″
30″Not Available

Doric Round

Doric Round

Nominal DiameterX (ID)Y (OD)Z (Height)
6″Not Available
8″8″12-1/4″3-3/4″
10″10″14-1/2″4-1/4″
12″11-1/4″17″5″
15″14-3/8″20-3/4″5-3/4″
18″18″25-1/2″6-1/2″
24″24″31-3/4″7-1/8″
30″30″43-5/8″9-1/2″

Scamozzi Round(CAP)

Scamozzi Round (CAP)

Nominal DiameterX (ID)Y (OD)Z (Height)
6″Not Available
8″8″12″5-1/8″
10″10″12″5-1/8″
12″11-1/4″14-1/2″6-1/2″
15″14-3/8″18-1/2″7-1/2″
18″18″27″7-3/4″
24″24″38-1/2″14-3/8″
30″Not Available

Corinthian Round (CAP)

Corinthian Round (CAP)

Nominal DiameterX (ID)Y (OD)Z (Height)
6″Not Available
8″8″15-3/4″10″
10″10″15-3/4″10″
12″11-1/4″20″12-1/2″
15″14-3/8″23-1/2″15″
18″18″26-1/2″18″
24″24″35-1/2″25″
30″Not Available

Aluminum Columns | Frequently Asked Questions

Are aluminum columns load-bearing?

Yes, most Superior Aluminum columns are load-bearing. Reference the table below for information on maximum load-bearing capabilities for each aluminum column style.

Aluminum Column Maximum Load Bearing Capability

Please note that round wrap-around columns with a greater than 10” diameter are not load-bearing and should not be used in load-bearing applications.

How much weight can an aluminum column hold?

Load-bearing capabilities vary by style and size of the column. For more information on maximum load-bearing capabilities, reference the table below.

Aluminum Column Maximum Load Bearing Capability

Please note that wrap-around columns with a greater than 10” diameter are not load-bearing and should not be used in load-bearing applications.

Can you paint aluminum columns?

All of Superior’s aluminum product lines are available in a mill finish if painting or chemical treatment by a 3rd party is preferred. However, Superior does not recommend that any of its products be installed permanently without adequate surface protection.

How do you clean aluminum porch columns?

For basic cleaning, Superior’s aluminum products can be cleaned with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and debris from the product. For more intense cleaning, a 1:1 vinegar/hot water mix can help clean and shine your metal. Regular cleaning of the product is suggested to keep your aluminum products in good condition and ensure the durability of the product.

Click here to read our full cleaning and maintenance guide.

Can aluminum columns be set in concrete?

Aluminum columns can be secured to your surface using standard construction practices. L-brackets are a commonly used method to secure your column to the concrete surface.

How to install aluminum columns?

Click here to read our Aluminum Column Assembly and Installation Instructions.

Can you wrap aluminum columns around existing structures?

Yes, almost all aluminum column sizes and styles are available with wrap-around functionality. 4” square smooth columns are not available with wrap-around functionality. For more information please reference the table below

Aluminum Column Maximum Square Encaseable

Can the aluminum columns be cut down?

Aluminum columns can be cut down to size. A chop saw with a metal/carbide tipped blade is ideal for cutting columns down to size. It is recommended that columns be cut slightly smaller than the height of the install area in order to more easily fit.

Click here to view Aluminum Column Assembly and Installation Instructions.

What type of paint is used on the aluminum columns?

PPG Duracron paint is used to paint Superior’s aluminum columns and caps and bases. Duracron extrusion coatings meet AAMA 2603 specifications and offer good film integrity, color control, and weather resistance. They must be factory applied to properly cleaned and pretreated aluminum for optimum performance.

What type of primer and paint should be used if painting Mill?

 A multi-purpose primer that is specially designed for metal should be used to prime your column. This information can be found on the “applications” section on the label of the paint.

Please make sure your surface is clean, dry, and dull before applying primer. The surface of the product should be prepared in alignment with the recommendations of the chosen coating manufacturer to ensure proper adhesion. 

Superior does not recommend that any products are installed permanently without adequate surface protection. We encourage you to talk to your local paint store expert or a professional painter to recommend a proper combination based on your particular environment, preferences, and application.

Can I attach railing to aluminum columns?

Yes, your aluminum railing can be attached to your column via Superior Aluminum brackets. Most commonly used are level brackets but vertical or horizontal swivels are available as well. Round Superior Aluminum columns have an option to include an adaptor to create a flat surface. 

Attaching a railing to an aluminum column using level brackets

Please note Superior will generally not provide anchors for attaching these brackets to the column. At this time, premium railing options are not able to attach to columns with this system.

Where can I buy aluminum columns?

Visit our online store at BuyMBS.com for online ordering of aluminum columns, PVC columns, caps, bases, and accessories. To find a local store or lumber yard that can order Superior Aluminum columns, visit our “Find a Location” page.