subject: Decorative Post Covers - Transform Your Patio Or Porch [print this page] Too many people feel as though they are stuck with a patio or porch they aren't completely happy with. This is hardly ever the case, even if you are on a limited budget. For instance, decorative post covers can usually be applied to your existing infrastructure quite easily and, in the process, can transform the way your porch looks. These sleeves or coverings are often made of vinyl, although some companies offer more elaborate coverings in a variety of materials. Not only can these applications give you a whole new aesthetic, they can help in protecting your wood from water and other harmful elements.
Classic
If your primary goal is to protect the wood beneath without making a big change in the aesthetics of your porch, you may want to go with classic, traditional decorative post covers. These are meant to conform exactly with the wood underneath, allowing you to retain everything about the railings that you already loved. Some come with a certain degree of ribbing which can make them easier to grab onto as well as protect them from inadvertent damage.
Classical Architecture
If you really are tired of the boring porch railings you currently have and would like to introduce some elegance to the fray, you might want to consider decorative post covers meant to evoke classical architecture. These hearken back to ancient times with the kind of appearance you would expect from Greek columns or European designs. The details are often exquisite, particularly around the base and the cap, ensuring you won't grow bored with this new look anytime soon.
Southern Style
The antebellum South may not be a source of great pride for some, but for others there is a rich history of tradition that must be maintained and celebrated even in spite of some of the era's less appreciable offerings. The architecture of the plantation South is certainly nothing to turn your nose up at, and certain decorative post covers can give you a hint of those elements in your current porch or patio. The basic style here is all about turned wood and the contours that made that early architecture so desired and timeless.
Freedom to Choose
Of course, this is but a mere sampling of the styles you can include with decorative post covers. With some shopping, you can find a style in almost any tradition. Find a good manufacturer willing to work with your size needs and it won't be long before you have a porch that seems brand new for a price you'll find most affordable.
