How To Hide Structural Columns (5+ Ways)

Structural columns are necessary for providing support and stability to buildings. However, they can disrupt interior design and take up valuable floor space if left exposed. Fortunately, there are creative ways to hide columns to open up rooms without compromising structural integrity.

Hiding columns can provide both practical and aesthetic benefits:

Practical Benefits

• Gain usable floor area
• Improve room layout flexibility
• Reduce obstructed pathways

Aesthetic Benefits

• Streamline interior design
• Visually expand small spaces
• Enhance home value

While hiding a load-bearing column takes skill and proper building techniques, the payoff of a more open, attractive room makes it worth the effort.

Common Building Column Types

Before covering solutions for concealing columns, it helps to understand the most common structural column types found in residential buildings:

Wood Columns

Wood columns consist of strong vertical wood beams, often made from large dimensional lumbers like 2x10s or 2x12s. They provide excellent load-bearing strength with a classic look.

Steel Columns

Steel pipe or H-columns offer very high structural capacity perfect for supporting heavy ceiling and roof loads. They have a slim profile but can transmit noise.

Masonry Columns

Masonry or concrete columns provide massive strength and fire resistance ratings using materials like concrete blocks or poured concrete. They take up a large footprint.

Decorative Columns

Decorative columns provide style over strength, as they only support very light loads for porches or pergolas. Materials range from fiberglass to PVC, metal or fiber-reinforced polymers.Now let’s explore solutions for concealing each column type while retaining structural integrity.

Hiding Wood Columns

Wood columns offer relatively easy options for concealment behind walls or enclosures while still performing their essential support role.

Building Around the Column

One straightforward method is building a narrow wall around the column to match with existing drywall or paneling:

• Use 2×4 or 2×3 stud framing for easier installation around a bulky column.
• Match wall height and finish to blend seamlessly.
• Box must allow column to remain accessible for maintenance.
• Fire-rate enclosed column using drywall or other approved materials.

This enclosure technique can make a wood column disappear behind any wall finish. Take care to leave access for inspection or repairs.

Boxing In With Decorative Wood Coverings

For kitchens, baths or other rooms where wood matches the decor, an easier approach is boxing the column in with decorative wood surrounding it:

• Craft an open-back box from finish-grade plywood.
• Front side can integrate cabinets, open shelving or other built-ins.
• Use trim pieces like baseboard, crown molding for a built-in look.
• Keep decor back from column minimum 3 inches for fire safety.
• Leave one side open for maintenance access.

With the right wood choice and positioning, this disguises the column while contributing storage or display space.

Hiding Steel Columns

Steel columns have very compact footprints, simplifying enclosure options to make them disappear within surrounding walls.

Building Framing Around Flanges

Steel H-columns have protruding flanges which require some special framing:

• Use metal studs or furring strips to create cavity around flanges.
• Sheetrock, paneling can then enclose column without protrusions.
• Maintain minimum 1 inch clearance between column and stud wall.
• Fire-rate enclosed area up to code.

With furring strips or metal studs, steel columns can easily be hidden behind ordinary wall finishes.

Boxing With Decorative Covers

For quick concealment without framing a full wall, decorative covers offer an alternative:

• Purchase a pre-made steel column cover kit in your preferred style.
• Or, craft a custom enclosure from sheet metal, high-density polymers or other durable materials.
• Maintain a few inches of clearance for fire safety and maintenance access.
• Choose cover depth to allow for column flanges and any protruding bolts.
• Secure panels around column while allowing for easy removal.

Column covers take less work to install while instantly improving room aesthetics.

Hiding Masonry Columns

Masonry and concrete columns provide essential support but pose some unique challenges for concealment due to their sheer size and bulky footprint.

Framing Full Wall Around Column

The most feasible way to cover a massive masonry column is building out an entire wall surrounding it:

• Erect metal or wood stud wall at least 2 inches from column perimeter.
• Match wall height to room for seamless integration.
• Apply preferred wall finish over framing to conceal column.
• Incorporate door panel allowing maintenance access.
• Use non-combustible finishes for fire resistance.

Although this takes up some additional floor space, a full wall enclosure lets you hide even very large columns.

Covering With Brick/Stone Veneer

For basements or decorative columns, faux brick or stacked stone veneers can disguise a bulky column:

• Secure metal lath over column for veneer adhesion.
• Use masonry adhesive and ties to apply thin veneer pieces.
• Grout seams for a seamless column of “stonework”.
• Add matching base and capital trim pieces for decorative flair.
• Leave inspection opening at column top or bottom.

With some tiling work, brick and stone veneers transform an eyesore into an accent feature.

Hiding Decorative Columns

When structural capacity isn’t needed, decorative columns offer easy integration into room designs when covered properly.

Matching Decorative Cladding

For non-load-bearing porch or pergola posts, matching exterior finishes like siding, stone or stucco make them fade into the background:

• Extend primary wall finishes over column faces.
• Use trim boards or flashing at seams for clean transitions.
• Select durable finishes that withstand weathering.
• Caulk and prime surfaces thoroughly before painting.

Matching your home’s cladding is the simplest route to camouflaging decorative posts from view.

Integrating Columns With Furnishings

Inside your home, surrounding furnishings and built-ins help decorative columns blend in:

• Place cabinetry, bookcases or hutches around column.
• Align countertops/tabletops across column for a unified surface.
• Incorporate column as a full wall partition for a room divider.
• Add matching crown molding, baseboard and trim for built-ins.

By essentially turning your column into part of the furniture scheme, you allow it to complement the room rather than detract.

Tips for Hiding Any Column

Whatever column type you’re working with, here are key tips to integrate it covertly into your home:

Mind Fire Safety

Always use fire-rated wall assemblies and non-combustible finishes when enclosing columns. Leave access for inspection too.

Consider Maintenance Needs

Leave at least one removable panel for access to the column for maintenance or repairs down the road.

Check Structural Permits

Hiding structural columns requires building permits in many cases to ensure safety is maintained.

Match Room Finishes

Use the same drywall textures, baseboards, trim and paint as surrounding walls for invisible seams.

Allow Adequate Clearance

Maintain at least 1-3 inches of clearance between column and finishes depending on materials to prevent transfer of vibrations.

Insulate Enclosed Cavities

Adding insulation minimizes temperature variations and condensation for hidden columns.

Install Durable Materials

For frequently-used rooms, select wear-resistant wall finishes that hold up to bumps and scrapes.By keeping these best practices in mind, you can successfully hide columns without compromising visual appeal or structural performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a structural column completely?

Removing load-bearing columns without replacing their support capacity can lead to catastrophic building failures. Consult an engineer to determine safe removal options only.

Do hidden columns need ventilation?

Enclosing columns requires maintaining airflow to prevent moisture issues, usually by leaving access panels. Exceptions include masonry columns able to resist humidity.

What if my column is off-center from walls?

Use multiple framing stages or furring strips to adjust wall alignment if your column sits away from room partitions. Boxing in the column itself offers more flexibility too.

Can I hide a column with drywall alone?

Lightweight drywall cannot span the gaps next to columns without proper 2×4 stud wall framing for support. Framing provides essential structural backing.

How much space do I need around a column?

Clearances between 1-6 inches are common depending on the column size, wall materials and need for maintenance access. Building codes provide minimum legal limits as well.

Conclusion

Hiding structural columns allows you to open up floor plans, improve aesthetics and boost your home’s functionality without compromising needed supports. Columns of any size and material can disappear seamlessly into the background using the right enclosure and finishing techniques suited to your goals, room layout and building style. Just be sure to mind essential maintenance access and fire rating needs when concealing columns.

With some strategic framing, finishing and decorative touches, you can transform intrusive columns into integrated design elements or make them vanish inside your walls for good. This lets you expand and beautify living areas while retaining critical structural integrity, for the best of both worlds.