By Kara Masterson
When it comes to home renovations and remodeling projects, a load-bearing column can be a major obstacle. Whether you plan to construct your floor plan or layout around load-bearing support, incorporate a column into the surrounding decor or arrange to have it removed completely, there are plenty of options to consider when it comes to dealing with a load-bearing column. Here are a few of the most popular:
Designing Your Floor Plan Around a Column
Working around a column or other load-bearing support is not always ideal, but it's often the cheapest and easiest option. Columns can be used to better define an area or to control the overall flow of your floor plan. Designs that make better use of an existing column can turn an eyesore into a far more attractive feature—one that will be better able to complement the surrounding decor.
Furnishings That Utilize Columns
Using a column to anchor an island, countertop or even a railing for a staircase or other design feature is another option you may wish to consider. Incorporating the column into the surrounding layout is a great way to optimize the existing space or to ensure the column itself does not become the dominant feature of the environment.
Removing or Relocating a Column
While working around a column or making an effort to ensure it is better able to blend into the surrounding decor are both viable options, there are still situations where removing or relocating load-bearing support is the best solution. Altering or removing any load-bearing support can compromise the structural integrity of your home, so seeking professional help for your interior column relocation or exterior patio column removal is always a must.
Functional and Decorative Columns
There are plenty of clever design ideas that allow you to dress up an existing column or even use it to create a functional feature like a bookshelf or even an entertainment center. A new paint job or the addition of stonework, siding or other materials suitable for use on an exterior column can make a dramatic visual impact.
Redecorating a column or selecting a design scheme that makes better use of it can be the most cost-effective option for dealing with load-bearing support. While it is certainly easier to work with or to design around load-bearing support, there are still times where removing a column is the most desirable option.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her family. If you are in the market for a patio column removal, Masterson recommends working with Load Bearing Wall Pros.
