Looking to upgrade your home’s exterior without spending a lot of money? Tired of painting and repainting tall columns in front of your home? PVC column wraps are a magic solution for some homeowners. They're an affordable and simple way to enhance curb appeal, even if you're not a seasoned DIYer. Plus, they stand up to the elements far better than traditional wood columns.
What Are PVC Column Wraps and Why Should You Consider Them?
PVC column wraps are used to give existing columns a professional, polished look. Made from moisture-resistant PVC, they’re manufactured to withstand the wear and tear that comes with outdoor exposure, eliminating common issues found with wood columns—like rotting, warping, and insect damage.
A major advantage of these wraps is that they’re paintable, so if your palette isn't white or beige, it's easy to customize them to match your home. Whether you’re upgrading your exterior as part of regular home maintenance or trying to add value before selling, PVC column wraps offer an easy and stylish solution.
A DIY Project You Can Tackle in a Weekend
"If you’re looking for an easy, cost-effective way to improve your home’s curb appeal without a lot of labor or materials, installing PVC column wraps is a great DIY project," shares Kriss Swint, director of marketing communications and design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products. She offers Royal Column Wraps as a suitable product for homeowners navigating homes with many different architectural styles. The product features best-in-class lock miter joints for easy assembly and can slip seamlessly over existing, outdated columns. She adds, "They're also available in a variety of styles and sizes, and come come ready-to-install in a white or beige finish. They also be painted to complement a home’s exterior color palette, making them ideal for any DIYer or homeowner."
How to Install PVC Column Wrappings
- Measure the height of your existing columns and cut the PVC wraps accordingly.
- Secure the three-sided section around the column with weather-resistant screws.
- Glue the remaining side with PVC adhesive for a smooth joint.
- Clamp the wrap in place and fasten with screws. The glue needs a little cure time, but the screws will hold it in place.
- Repeat the process to install caps and base trim, and you're done!
For those who might feel unsure, don't hesitate to contact a local professional. The easy nature of the installation may make it more affordable to have it done for you if DIY isn't your style.
Why Choose PVC Over Traditional Wood Columns?
When it comes to outdoor elements, wood columns tend to struggle. Structural columns can warp, rot, and even attract insects over time. Cellular PVC column wraps are designed to eliminate those concerns, offering homeowners a more durable, low-maintenance alternative to basic porch columns.
- Moisture Resistance: PVC doesn’t absorb water like wood, which means no swelling or rotting.
- Durability: Unlike raw wood, PVC wraps won’t warp, crack, or suffer from insect damage.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, there’s very little upkeep. Just occasional cleaning is all that’s required to keep them looking great.
- Customizable: You can paint them to suit your home’s aesthetic, adding a personal touch to the exterior.
FAQ
What tools do I need to install PVC column wraps?
You'll need basic tools you likely already own, including a circular saw, a drill with appropriate bits, a hammer, and two bar or quick clamps. Additionally, have a level, tape measure, pencil, square, weather-resistant screws, and clear PVC glue on hand to complete the installation process.
How long does it take to install PVC column wraps?
If you’re comfortable with DIY projects, you can complete the installation in a single weekend. For those less experienced, the process is still simple and can be finished with a little patience and time. You'll get faster as you get accustomed to the process. Alternatively, a professional could have it done in just a few hours.
What are the benefits of using PVC over wood for column wraps?
Four-sided column wraps are moisture-resistant, durable, and insect-proof, unlike traditional wood post columns, which are prone to rot, and warping, and can attract pests. As a traditional box column wrap, PVC also requires much less maintenance and can be customized by painting to match your home's exterior.
