About Architectural Elements

Architectural Elements are decorative in nature and are not designed to be structural or bearing. Even our Natural Stone Columns are fabricated to wrap around and unattached to a structural post or tube. There are three major elements of a classic column: capital, shaft and base. There are many types of column designs in our industry. Individual Column designs are also classified as a specific architectural column order. The easiest way to define a column’s specific architectural order is to look at the Capital. The capital defines the classical order of the column. The most popular styles are Doric, Tuscan, Ionic and Corinthian. The Corinthian column capitals are the most labor intensive to carve and manufacture due to the intricate leaf patterns. Doric and Tuscan capitals are usually fabricated mainly by machine (stone lathe) and are less labor intensive. Column shafts also further define the column order. Column shafts are manufactured with a variety of shapes and contours. Most popular architectural column shafts are straight, partial and full tapered, belly tapered and fluted. Columns designs as they pertain to the structure; are typically full, half or engaged (incorporated in the building). Columns may also be square or round in overall appearance. Bases are the foundation of the column. Column bases are unique in the sense that they are very versatile: the shaft maybe round and tapered, but the based itself maybe round at the top and square at the bottom.

Moldings (also spelled mouldings) are characterized by an infinite number of shapes and sizes. In regards to carved natural stone molding; simpler profiles are better. Carved stone details less of than _” in width become lost and are more labor intensive than larger contours. Moldings mainly consist of a variety of detailed crowns, sills, parapets, eaves, bases, wall band, window and door surrounds.

Stone Fireplaces and Front Entries are the primary focal points in architecture. These focal points and their styles are timeless and are based on historic/traditional application depending on the country of origin.

Stair treads, pool coping, balustrade assemblies, wall and free standing fountains and feature entry wall caps/pilaster caps are the final details to complete the architecture.

For further information please contact Exact Tile Corporation at 480.705.0724.

For samples and pricing please e-mail your request, with your contact and project information (with quantities and sizes) to info@exactaz.com.