Column wraps may not steal the spotlight in a custom build, but they do more than finish a facade—they signal quality craftsmanship from the curb. That’s why one experienced builder approaches every column with the same mindset: Balance aesthetics, durability, and expectations without compromise.
Design by History, Not Guesswork
“Luckily, I don’t have to design,” says Travis Fedor, owner of Big O Contracting in Sanford, N.C. “But having knowledge in architecture is a plus.” Understanding traditional styles helps him match wraps to the home’s broader design language—even when clients don’t realize the significance of certain details.
“Most people don’t understand that just about everything is mimicking an old style or way of doing things,” he says. “Most of those details had a real function, not just a look.” Consider layered trim or molding profiles, for example. Many crown or base moldings were originally drip edges or shadow lines designed to prevent water intrusion and manage rain runoff.
While those high-end details aren’t disappearing, Fedor says they often take a back seat to cost-effective alternatives that still deliver visual punch. That’s why some of his clients are turning to simple, clean-lined profiles and low-maintenance materials that mimic the look of traditional craftsmanship—without the labor or cost of custom millwork.
Installation: It All Starts with Prep
Success starts before the first cut. “Prep, prep, prep,” Fedor says. “Make sure the substrate is square, plumb, and ready to accept.”
Fastening is another key detail. “Blind nail where you can. And use enough fasteners. One of the most common mistakes I see is not using enough—it leads to bowing, and that leads to callbacks.”
What’s Next for Columns?
Innovation, he says, should focus on bridging aesthetic trends with practical materials. “People love rough-sawn, rustic finishes—especially for modern farmhouse-style homes. But there aren’t many options outside of big ol’ checking timbers. And those have tie-down issues in some municipalities.”
That need brings attention to engineered materials that offer both texture and performance. MiraTECTreated Exterior Composite trim performs like cedar in appearance but exceeds it in durability and longevity—especially when moisture resistance is non-negotiable on exterior wrap jobs.
Material Picks for Long-Term Durability
When choosing materials that can handle exposure, Fedor doesn’t hesitate: “Composite first, then PVC. PVC is still too susceptible to heat.”
Likewise, moisture resistance is crucial. “If we’re talking about column wraps, moisture resistance would have to be on top. It’s what’s protecting the structure underneath.”
For contractors looking for wrap materials that are both durable and low maintenance, MiraTEC checks a lot of boxes: It offers moisture resistance to protect the structure beneath and works like wood, eliminating the need for specialty tools or complex processes. That fits well with Fedor’s philosophy that performance and jobsite efficiency should never come at the expense of a quality finish.
Learn how MiraTEC can help you create eye-catching column wraps—backed by a 50-year warranty.
