Large wood columns can almost always be restored rather than replaced. No materials available today are as durable and rot resistance as the original first growth lumber from which these columns are made. For this reason, restoration of wood columns will give the most years of trouble free satisfaction.

Shown, George Yonnone ratchets tight a splined column 20 inches in diameter and 18 feet long. Such columns are likely to rot near the top (from roof leaks) or near the bottom (from splashback). Rotted sections were completely replaced and splined, as original. These pieces were milled by "coopering" a barrel to the column's diameter, turning it to exactly match the column and then disassembling it for the needed repair pieces.

The building is a 1903 Colonial Revival style residence in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Corinthian capitals were molded from period materials (including horsehair, for re-enforcement) and split, to install. To "pick" these columns, they were equipped with a modified collar for metal pipe. To support the roof, we custom made 30 foot jack extensions for the purpose, each a 3 part telescoping tube.

Jacks supported the roof for removal and installation of the columns. Note 30 foot tubular jack extensions.

Modified metal collar for picking water pipe is used to set columns in place.

George ratchets tight assembled column, note flared end, and sets base plate.

Assembling new and old column staves, note spline connections.