Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get
column covers in one piece?
Not really. The Tuscan column covers are in two pieces with a
vertical caulk joint. The Rusticated column covers rotate 90%
with each course, but there is still a vertical joint at each
course.
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Are the
column covers available in any finish type?
Yes. All STONEWEAR finishes are suitable for long-term, outdoor exposure.
The components of the various finish types are all
top-of-the-line, best available, spare-no-expense additives and
coatings.
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Can I get
the column covers in an unfinished condition suitable for a final
color coat in latex cement mortar (Dryvit, stucco, etc.)?
Yes. Good idea. Good economy.
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Can I get
½ and ¾ round column covers?
Yes. The recommended practice for a ¾ round column cover (or
similar) is to order a full unit and cut it on site to match
"as built" conditions. The unit is easy to cut and trim
as required. Special column cover conditions, like ¾ round, will
never fit quite right when pre-fabricated to drawing dimensions.
Moreover, it is usually not economically practical to build to
the columns either, but special conditions can be evaluated and
discussed with the STONEWEAR Engineering Group.
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Can the
column covers be used as structural elements?
No. As the name implies, these are decorative enclosures of
actual structural columns, usually made of steel, wood, or
cast-in-place concrete. In some cases, the STONEWEAR columns can be used for light structural applications,
like supporting a trellis or pergola.
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How are
column covers installed?
It is a three-step process where the first half is erected and
attached to the interior structural column in a square and plumb
condition. Then, the second half column cover is attached to the
first half. The method of attachment varies with the finish type.
The third step involves finishing the vertical joint which also
varies with the finish type. Click here to view detailed instructions and illustrations.
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Why are
the STONEWEAR column covers easier to install?
The lightweight, thin-wall nature of STONEWEAR composite stone construction makes the product easier
to handle during installation. All column covers are fabricated,
checked, finished, and packaged in matched pairs, thus insuring a
good fit. If adjustments are required to accommodate site
conditions, the high strength, thin wall allows ease of cutting
and trimming, as well as pushing and pulling of the part to
achieve the desired position.
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How are
the column covers packaged for shipment?
The Tuscan shapes are stretch wrapped in matched pairs and
stacked like logs, alternating cap to base, taking advantage of
the square ends for stability. There is dunnage between the
touching parts and the pallet is enclosed in crating material,
depending on the exact mode of transportation.
The Rusticated column covers are wrapped in a similar manner, but
the caps and bases – being separate items – are
palletized while the shafts are stacked and shipped in long
standard lengths to be cut to specific sizes at the jobsite.
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How long
does it take to install STONEWEAR column covers?
A rough rule of thumb for the Tuscan column covers is .5 man
hours per foot in height; i.e. a column cover eight feet in
height would take about four man hours to install, worst case.
The Rusticated column covers average about one man hour per
course, up to 30" in diameter. At 36" diameter, and
larger, assume 2.5 man hours per course. All these can be
accomplished by one craftsman working alone.
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