Toronto Column Builder

Let Columns Support Your Landscape Vision

There's a hot new trend in landscaping that, ironically, is as old as time itself: columns. As a fundamental element of architecture dating back to the Bronze Age, columns were used both indoors and out by the ancient Egyptian, Assyrian, and Minoan civilizations, to name a few.

They were ornamental as well as vital structural supports that were built to last. You can still find many examples from those bygone eras around the globe. Greek and Roman ruins, and even Stonehenge, feature the prominent use of columns. Machu Picchu has columns. Even Mesoamericans used incredibly ornate ones, as seen at the spectacular Tula archaeological site in Hidalgo, Mexico.

Add Elegant Features to your Outdoor Space

Take a drive around the vast neighborhoods of Toronto, and you'll notice this timeless yet trendy hardscaping feature popping up everywhere. Columns (also referred to as pillars) are becoming an exciting part of the modern landscape, adding class, elegance, and beauty to residential and commercial properties.

No longer made from just stone or wood, a column can be constructed from various materials, including brick, concrete, metal, fiberglass, and more. Their shape and style can be virtually anything you want them to be—fancy or rustic, a stand-alone feature, or part of another structure. Your creative options are endless.

What are some ways columns are being used to enhance landscaping today:

• As Roof Supports – A column is the perfect hardscape element to support porches, patios, carports, and other roofed structures. It can easily replace more traditional metal or wooden supports and imparts an eye-catching impact that elevates the roof and the overall look of the home.

• With Gates And Entranceways – They can be used to accentuate gates, entrances, and other approach ways, adding not only strength but a valuable, artistic element to your home's curb appeal.

• With Stairs, Walkways, & Exterior Walls – A well-placed column as part of a stairway, walkway, or retaining wall adds depth and dimension to the hardscape and improves its visual appeal and structural stability. Another popular hardscaping feature, seating walls, are often punctuated by columns on each end.

• In The Garden – Nothing enhances the look of a garden like columns. Incorporating them (and other hardscaping elements) with softscaping like flowers, trees, and other vegetation adds height and definition to your landscape, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

• With Patios, Walkways, Decks, Fire Pits, And Pergolas – They add a decorative flair to outdoor spaces and structures. And, beyond the attractiveness it imparts, it can also add functionality. How about an outdoor kitchen with columns that have storage space built-in? Or a seating area around a fire pit with columns that also store firewood or other supplies? And when it comes to outdoor seating, a table becomes more useful when you add a pergola overhead supported by columns, providing shade and protection from the elements.

• As Concealment – They also work wonderfully to conceal unsightly features. You can use them to disguise vents, drains, plumbing, outlets, etc. They also pair well with water elements such as ponds and can be used to conceal equipment like electrical panels and pumps.

• To Support Lighting – Placing a light source on top of a column is not just a visually stunning addition to your landscape. The added height improves the light's reach and visibility.

• As Statuary – They do not need to be holding anything up or serve a special function. Placed thoughtfully around your home, they add a delightful ornamental element to the landscape and make great cornerstones and property markers as well.

From rustic to classical, to modern and lavish, your home can benefit from the addition of columns. This versatile hardscape feature is a worthwhile investment that can boost your home's resale value and increase your outdoor space's pride and enjoyment. When you are ready to get started, there is no finer choice in Scarborough, East York, and throughout the GTA than Luke's Landscaping. As the leading local experts in design, materials, and construction, we'd love to help you transform your landscape. Contact us today, and let's chat about the possibilities.