Stone columns have long been a symbol of elegance and permanence in architecture. Whether you’re designing a grand entrance, adding structural support with decorative flair, or creating a colonnade for a commercial property, natural stone columns deliver a timeless aesthetic that few materials can match.
But stone columns also come with significant challenges. The material is extremely heavy, requiring extensive structural reinforcement and often costly foundation work. Fabrication is time-consuming and labor-intensive, with skilled craftsmen needed to carve and finish each piece. Shipping costs can be astronomical due to weight, and installation demands specialized equipment, multiple workers, and careful planning to avoid damage or injury.
At Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles, we manufacture stone column alternatives using cement-coated architectural EPS that captures the visual impact of natural stone without the logistical and financial burdens. Our products are used throughout the United States and Canada by architects, contractors, and builders who want the classical beauty of stone columns but need a solution that is lighter, faster to produce, easier to install, and more cost-effective for the entire project.
If you are considering stone columns but want to explore a modern alternative that delivers the same aesthetic results, Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles is available to provide additional information. Call us at 206.953.5209 in the United States or 604.285.6550 in Canada, or complete our online form.
About Stone Columns and Their Architectural Challenges
Stone columns have been used in architecture for thousands of years, from ancient Greek temples to modern luxury estates. They are available in numerous classical styles including Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite. The material – typically limestone, granite, marble, or sandstone – provides an authentic, substantial appearance that commands attention and adds value to any property.
However, working with stone columns presents several practical obstacles. The weight of natural stone requires structural engineers to calculate load-bearing capacity and design adequate support systems. A single stone column can weigh several thousand pounds, which means foundation work, reinforced framing, and specialized lifting equipment are often necessary. Fabrication requires quarrying, cutting, carving, and finishing by skilled stonemasons, which drives up both cost and lead time. Shipping is expensive because of the weight, and there’s always a risk of cracking or chipping during transport. Installation is labor-intensive, typically requiring a crew of workers, cranes or lifts, and careful coordination to position each column safely and correctly.
These factors make stone columns impractical for many residential and commercial projects. Even when budgets allow, the extended timeline and complexity can create scheduling conflicts and increase the overall project cost. Many architects and contractors find themselves looking for alternatives that provide the same visual impact without the logistical challenges.
Cement-Coated Architectural EPS – A Modern Stone Column Alternative
Our stone column alternatives are manufactured using a reinforced EPS core that is coated with a proprietary blend of polymers and cementitious materials. This combination creates a column that replicates the appearance and texture of natural stone while eliminating the problems associated with weight, cost, and installation complexity.
Patterson Whittaker stone columns offer the following advantages:
- Lightweight Construction – Easier to transport and install without heavy equipment or extensive structural reinforcement
- Faster Production – Shorter lead times compared to quarrying and fabricating natural stone
- Lower Shipping Costs – Reduced weight means significantly lower freight expenses, even for long-distance delivery
- Simplified Installation – Can often be installed by one or two workers without cranes or specialized equipment
- Weather Resistance – Designed to withstand freeze/thaw cycles, UV exposure, and moisture without cracking or deteriorating
- Eco-Friendly Materials – Made with recyclable components and produces less waste during manufacturing and installation
- Cost-Effective – Substantially lower material, fabrication, shipping, and labor costs compared to natural stone
Our columns have been tested under extreme conditions and maintain their structural integrity and appearance over time. Because the EPS core is coated with a durable cement-based finish, the final product is resistant to impact, moisture penetration, and environmental wear.
Available Column Styles and Finishes
Patterson Whittaker manufactures stone columns in a wide range of classical and contemporary styles. Whether you’re working on a residential project that requires traditional proportions or a commercial property that demands custom dimensions, our manufacturing process allows for flexibility in design and scale.
We can replicate the appearance of various natural stones to match your project’s aesthetic requirements:
- Limestone – A popular choice for its warm tones and refined texture, but prone to weathering in harsh climates
- Granite – Valued for its strength and polished appearance, but extremely heavy and costly to fabricate
- Marble – Known for its elegance and veining patterns, but expensive, fragile, and susceptible to staining
- Sandstone – Appreciated for its earthy colors, but softer and more vulnerable to erosion over time
- Travertine – Offers a distinctive pitted surface, but porous and requires sealing to prevent water damage
Our finishing process can mimic the look and feel of these materials, allowing you to achieve the desired visual effect without the drawbacks of working with actual stone. The columns can be smooth, textured, or carved with decorative details, and they can be produced in round, square, or fluted profiles to suit your design vision.
In addition to columns, our system can also replace other stone architectural elements such as cornices, quoins, trim, arches, and wall panels. This allows architects and contractors to maintain design consistency throughout a project while using a single material system that reduces complexity and cost.
Why Architects and Contractors Choose Patterson Whittaker
Natural stone will always have a place in high-end architecture, but for most projects, the cost, weight, and installation requirements make it less practical. Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles provides an alternative that delivers the same aesthetic results while addressing these concerns.
Our cement-coated EPS columns give architects greater design freedom because the material can be produced in custom shapes and sizes without the limitations of working with quarried stone. Contractors benefit from reduced labor demands, faster installation times, and fewer logistical challenges on the job site. Property owners get a final product that looks and performs like stone but requires less maintenance and holds up better over time in varying weather conditions.
The material is also more forgiving during installation. Unlike natural stone, which can crack or chip if mishandled, our columns are resilient and can tolerate normal construction site conditions. If adjustments are needed, the material can be cut and shaped on-site without specialized masonry tools.
Get Started with Stone Column Alternatives
If you’re planning a project that calls for stone columns, Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles can provide a solution that meets your design requirements while reducing cost, weight, and complexity. Our team works with architects, contractors, and builders throughout North America to deliver high-quality architectural products that perform well and look authentic.
To learn more about our stone column alternatives, request a quote, or discuss your specific project needs, contact Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles today.