Product Overview
For years the basement has been considered a dark, damp, forgotten zone in the average North American home. Basements were the place where old appliances went to die and long forgotten keepsakes were stored in piles from floor to ceiling. In short, the basement was the last place in a home where anyone would want to spend their time.
But these days there's a new trend in home design. Homeowners, Contractors, Architects, and Interior Decorators have discovered that the basement is a perfect place to design a family fun space or even an additional guest room for visiting friends and family. One challenge to this bonus room make over is the cold and uninviting basement pole known as the Lally Column.
"Lally Column" (Sometimes referred to as a "Lolly" Column) is the term used to describe typical cement filled steel basement poles found throughout the Northwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of North America. These circular metal tubes are commonly used in basements and garages to support overhead beams and girders.
While these concrete filled metal pipes are an effective means to holding up a ceiling, most homeowners consider them to be an unsightly eye sore when designing home decorating plans for their basement living space.
In answer to this home makeover dilemma, Architectural Depot has designed decorative basement pole covers with warm wood veneers and paintable finishes. Our stain grade basement pole coverings are made of real wood veneers in Cherry, Maple, and Red Oak and if you prefer, there is also a paintable version.
Whether you are a licensed Contractor or just your average Homeowner, these decorative Lally Column Covers are easy to install, adjustable, and add the perfect finishing touch to your basement remodeling project.
The Architectural Depot Lally Column cover is a breakthrough in home design and decoration. Taking what was once considered an obstacle to basement remodeling and turning it into a value adding asset for homeowners across the country. What was formerly a cold, immovable obstruction can now be transformed into a decorative accent to your new family living space adding warmth and value to your home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Great solution for a common problem
1.1.2013
After a lot or research this was the easiest/nicest looking solution for covering a basement lally column. The item arrived in a timely fashion. As a pevious review mentioned some of the biscuit slots had split open a little bit. This was easily fixed with some wood glue, clamps, and very minor sanding. Once the cover was ready installation couldn't have been easier. The column was covered in about 45 minutes. All that is left is to put a few finish coats of paint on. ALL in ALL this product was a choice I would make again, and will recommend to any friends who need to dress up a lally column. Thanks Depot!
Meh..
5.26.2012
The column was poorly packed. The box was damaged and all the plastic ties securing the column together had popped open during shipment. The column was damaged fortunately it was at the bottom, so it got trimmed off to fit. There were other minor damaged spots we ended up patching with wood filler.
Overall, the product quality and look after installation was under whelming.
nice
3.4.2011
these poles worked great! covered the weeping rust from my basement lally columns and were easy to install.
A couple of things to know
11.2.2009
You have to have 6" or larger C Clamps to install these covers. The base moldings were too long, and both sets had to be trimmed, else there would have been a 1/4" gap between the pole cover and base trim. The description says "with top and bottom trim", but I only received trim for the bottoms of both covers.
Great Product
10.29.2009
Just what I was looking for to cover my one exposed lally column.
Inexpensive and easy to install!
Nice system and easy to install
11.23.2008
Product arrived right on time and in good condition. It includes brads to pin the spacers to the column and glue to secure the biscuits and joints. Instructions are clear. Two small nits are that the wooden spacers did not quite fit my 3" lally column and I had to get rid of one and instead shim it with cardboard. The other is that the trim was not properly cut and instead of nicely surrounding the column it made an oval. It was not difficult to trim this down, just unexpected. I had to cut down the 8' length to fit my application and I was happy to see that they had placed biscuit slots and biscuits in mulitple places near the end, making it simple to ensure that there was a biscuit near the end (top or bottom) of my cut.
Lally Columns Sturdy...
6.14.2008
We order 2, but only received one. ArchDepot was fantastic in getting the other one sent ASAP. The second column was slightly damaged where the cookies are (the material was split). We went ahead and used it and looks like it will be OK.
Overall, the columns are very sturdy and it is nice that they don't have to attach to the ceiling or floor, but are still very rugged.
column covers
6.2.2008
I have no experience in putting this stuff together. It was easy to put in. I wish they had better trim, but overall not bad.
Paint grade Lally Column cover
4.2.2008
Easy to install, Put the finishing touch on the room.
I'll use these again on future projects.
Paintable Lally Column
2.27.2008
This item needs better packaging during shipment. On one column, biscuit pockets were torn to the surface, on others merely split from not enough tie wraps (for a 96" stretch one at each end is not enough for cross country shipping). They replaced one column after I sent photographs and I repaired the splits on the others. Also the precision of the biscuit slots leaves some alignment problems at the joints that adds extra sanding. Overall this is a good solution for hiding basement lally columns.
Mixed Feelings
2.6.2008
The Bad:
The columns did not meet my expectations of quality as described on the web site. I feel that the price is a little steep for what I received; I would have no gripe at a price range of $125.00. It is made of 1/8" layered MDF which is a fine material (very stable) but it was so inconsistent from half to half that it required ample sanding to try to blend the column seamlessly. Some of the pre biscuit holes were so close to the outer edge they almost blew right through. The amount of glue provided is extremely insufficient and the top and bottom trim leave a lot to be desired in the style category. Finally, I ordered three columns in two orders and was assured that I would receive them in one shipment. When only one column arrived on time I contacted Architectural Depot and only then was I notified that the other two were on back order. This was extremely frustrating and costly to have to go back to a job twice to install the columns.
The Good:
As a remodeling contractor I usually wrap lally columns with pine boards, but I like the fact that there are no sharp corners for children to bump into (as finished basement tend to be used as playrooms). Installation was as described with no surprises; any "Handy Homeowner" would have little trouble. The MDF material takes paint very well and is extremely stable. Architectural Depot's customer service was very polite and attentive following up with me daily as to the progress of the columns availability; once the columns became available they were delivered by 3 day mail at no additional charge.
Conclusion:
I would probably purchase this product again for basements that did not require a higher end finish. I only wish the price would drop enough to reflect the quality. Installation Tip: Instead of using the zip ties provided which are very difficult to close tight enough, I recommend using ratcheting tie down straps.
Great product and service
12.6.2006
This cover was just the thing I had in mind when I started finishing my basement. I had seen one other type of cover - the one with the oak strips on a flexible backing - and this type did not appeal to me. I'm glad I kept looking. I got the product in an acceptable timeframe, and it arrived in good condition. I used all spacers for my 3.5" column. One almost gotcha though the directions didn't address - depending on the height of your column, make sure you cut the cover leaving biscuits spaced along the entire length of the cover, i.e. don't just cut the cover on one end leaving a big gap.
Lally Column Cover - paint grade
11.28.2006
Installed the column cover this morning. By my self (no helper today) 5 min. prep time - 5 min. to install - fit like a charm! The crown pieces did not fit together perfectly but, hey, they were good enough with a little caulk and some paint - nobody's gonna know but me. I would definately use this product again.
As Advertised
9.11.2006
I ordered the Paint Grade columns as I will be painting them white. They arrived on time and were very easy to set up. I cut them to size with a compound miter saw. Some have noted problems with the spacers; unless they were covering 1 inch columns with 4 inch covers I have no idea what problems they could be having. I highly recommend.
Just ordered a second time.
6.26.2006
Goes together easily and quickly. I recommed using expanding foam to install. Worked so well I just ordered one for another basement finish project.
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