Client needs to trim out a newly converted garage. Two steel lolly columns in the middle of the room. Typically I box them in with pine. She wants a different look. She stated that the previous contractor (whom she fired for reasons unknown) stated that there are split cylindrical column covers made of drywall that she can install. (A drywall wrap that you slip over the columns, adhere in place, then finish off like regular drywall.)
Anybody know of such an item? I’m not sure of the practical application for a child’s playroom, but if it’s what she wants…
Thanks.
I never met a tool I didn’t like!
Replies
I doubt they're drywall. I've seen fiberglass and other plastic material advertised which are split down the middle and glued in place around a column. Then painted. I can't remember any names right now.
bandsaw some 6" pvc pipe down the center..use a 'VEE" groove jig..
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Interesting idea. How would you treat the seams? Not much sticks to PVC (other than the cement.) I could scuff the whole pipe, maybe skim it with some epoxy...
Might have possibilities. A little more work, but a little more cost, as well.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
PVC glue..I would make a tape hinge on one side runa strip of duct tape the length..and a few cross ways..open it up , put it over the pipe..glue the hinge side first, then the open edge..brush it on quickly ( no primer) and close it..add more tape to clamp. let it sit a while and untape, hit it with RO disc sander. Spray it with KRYLON for plastic , get paid.
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Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Gorilla glue, (not the wood glue guy) makes a PVC glue that is clear w/0 a primer needed.
Another thought along the lines of the pvc wrap would be to rip the pipe into 4 or 6 or 8 equal segments and mount them vertically with 1x ribs that have a dado cut in each side to accept the edge of the pvc. You could paint the plastic and finish the wood for a unique look or go with whatever ideas the homeowner has.
Edited 2/17/2004 10:26:30 PM ET by Homewright
Your client sounds like someone who is not going to be happy with PVC pipe. She wants a higher end look if she doesn't want a pine box, and PVC pipe would be a step down.
You mentioned two characteristics about her which suggest she can be difficult to deal with. First, she let the previous contractor go. Second, she wants you to tell her what columns to use then she wants to do the work herself. She may be an interested and genuine do it your selfer, or she's cheap and milking you.
If she is going to do the work herself, I'd let her research and find what she wants on her own and you move on to a better client. If you are going to do the job, she'll want a high end look (but may not want to pay for it), so you'll have to go to a real column supplier and not try to put something together on your own.
Thanks for the feedback. She can do some stuff herself (painting, for example) but I'll be the installer. The PVC idea might work with a little spiffing up, and it's something I'll present. I spent some time at the yard this morning, and it looks like the only thing available in a split column is a 8" fiberglass unit that the mfgr cuts down the middle (for about $100!) So the cost of one is about $250. The lady is on a budget and I'm sure that practicality and financial common sense will win the day, and I'll box them in (like the two posts at the bottom of the stairs, by the way.)
The client is a referral, the referree (?) being her mother, whom I did work for last summer. I don't get the impression she'll be difficult; she has her ideas, and when I present the costs of those ideas, she will probably have a change of plans. If not, well, we'll see what happens. The job is over a half an hour away, farther than I usually travel (truck gets 7 mpg) and I'll price it accordingly.
Thanks again.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
What's she using for a floor finish? I've finished a couple of basements where the columns got wrapped with the same carpet used on the floor. It came out pretty well.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Excellent idea, I'll add that to the list. Carpeting. Also great scratch post for the cats. What adhesive is used to glue the carpet to the post? I'm assuming the carpet people would do this, but maybe not; I (or she) might do it afterwards with remnants.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
and if there is a male dog..the cats are the least of yur worries..LOL
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Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I've seen these columns in commercial work. Heavy and expensive. I believe composed mostly of gypsum. Someone with contacts in the commercial dw business can surely come up with the manufacturer's name. Also, there are wood column covers. Here's one link of many found by Dogpile search.
http://www.architecturaldepot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=_co_covers
ya mean wrappin an old mattress around with duct tape ain't OK??..
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Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
You must have seen that in a Martha Stewart magazine.
Would that be "Martha Stewart Living Behind Bars"?
Al
Thanks for the link. Between your suggestion and Jeff's, the selection of manufactured solutions is impressive. It will appear as though I researched this all week.
Thanks again.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
I was interrested in the idea of the drywall wrap .... did as much of a search as I could ... got nothing.
Doesn't mean it's not out there ... but I'm usually pertty good at finding the stuff I'm looking for ...
I even ordered myself a "free sample" from one of those places I found for ya.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Ooo, ooo, free sample, which one? I must have missed the offer.
Also check out Tim's link from architecturaldepot.com. They have a lolly column cover that is put together using biscuits; about as close to drywall as I've found.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Polewrap ... the wood stuff ....
first page ... one of the choices on the left side of the page.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
those round wood ones do look nice.
Here's a pic of a fancy one a desginer I worked with came up with ...
he got rid of the sharp square edges by having us butt 1x at the back ... inside ... edge .... the 1x's sat on a 5/4 base ... the "void" left by having then butt at the back corners was filled with regular old 3/4 cove ... which was run thru the table saw to make it more like 5/8th in each direction ... to leave another reveal.
Went together real quick for a real nice effect.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Sonotube--split downthe middle and glued around column. Can be finished with wallpaper or faux paint job.
Muggs
Another good idea. Hopefully I could find some about 6inches (around here there are only 8" and above.)
I never met a tool I didn't like!
I've seen them wrapped with rope. Provides a little padding when they run into them.
So much for my first thought ...
which was to tell ya ... they're lally columns ... not lolly ....
give http://www.lollywrap.com a look ...
might be idea ... didn;t look to see what it costs.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
dirt cheap ... $40 per and $10 for the "designer wrap".
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
http://www.polewrap.com
for some fancy oak stuff ... $50.
yer lucky I'm bored .....
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Wow. You're right, I am lucky you were bored.
Thanks for the info, two great solutions to present. Although Tim also has a nifty solution. It's a toss-up between the Pole-wrap (which is slightly cheaper) and the LOLLY column cover (which allows more finishes, such as paint and paper.)
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Thanks for the info, Jeff, she chose the Polewrap. Now I just have to place an order and get it here by next week.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
cool .. let us know how it works.
I can see a few of them in my future.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry