Column for wood siding

Abstract

A column and method for siding a wall to simulate wood log construction are described. The column ( 100 ) includes a partial cylinder core ( 101 ) having a channel ( 103 ) that complements the shape of the wall to which the column attaches. Lateral supports ( 117, 119 ) are attached to respective grooves ( 113, 115 ) along respective lateral edges ( 109, 111 ) that are formed at the intersection of the flat surfaces ( 105, 107 ) of the channel ( 103 ) and a curved surface ( 123 ). A decorative skin ( 121 ) attaches to the curved surface ( 123 ). In a siding system that simulates wood log construction, planks ( 200 ) are attached to wall adjacent to a column ( 100 ).

1 . A column comprising: 
 a partial cylindrical core having a curved surface, and a channel that complements the shape of a wall to which the column attaches;    at least one lateral support disposed near a lateral edge where the curved surface meets the channel; and    a decorative skin attached to the curved surface.    
   
   
       2 . The column of  claim 1 , wherein the lateral support is formed from a rigid material.  
   
   
       3 . The column of  claim 2 , wherein the rigid material is wood.  
   
   
       4 . The column of  claim 1 , wherein the curved surface and a surface of the lateral support forms a continuous curved surface.  
   
   
       5 . The column of  claim 1 , wherein the curved surface and the lateral support are formed such that the lateral edge meets a wall to which the column is attached at approximately a right angle.  
   
   
       6 . The column of  claim 1 , wherein the core is formed from rigid foam.  
   
   
       7 . The column of  claim 1 , wherein the decorative skin is bonded to the curved surface.  
   
   
       8 . The column of  claim 1 , wherein the decorative skin is a heat-treated hard board.  
   
   
       9 . The column of  claim 1 , wherein the decorative skin comprises at least two layers.  
   
   
       10 . The column of  claim 9 , wherein an outer layer is wood veneer.  
   
   
       11 . A siding system comprising: 
 at least one column attached to a wall, wherein the column comprises a partial cylindrical core having a curved surface, a channel that complements the shape of the wall to which the column attaches, and at least one lateral support disposed near a lateral edge where the curved surface core meets the channel; and    at least one plank attached to a wall, wherein the plank comprises a generally cylindrical core having a curved surface, and a flat surface, wherein planks adjacent to the column are formed to butt up against the column.    
   
   
       12 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the plank further comprises: 
 a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge at the intersection of the curved surface and the flat surface;    an alignment member extending laterally along the flat surface; and    a rigid member capable of engaging the alignment member, attached to the flat surface, and having an upper spline and lower spline, wherein the upper spline is disposed near the first lateral edge and the lower spline is disposed near the second lateral edge.    
   
   
       13 . The siding system of  claim 12 , wherein the second lateral edge of the plank is shortened and a portion of the core removed, so that a complementary upper spline of an adjacent plank extends under the second lateral edge and is concealed when adjacent planks are interlocked.  
   
   
       14 . The siding system of  claim 13 , wherein the upper spline along the first lateral edge of the plank extends beyond the first lateral edge to form a surface for mounting the plank to the wall wherein the surface is concealed when the adjacent planks are interlocked.  
   
   
       15 . The siding system of  claim 13 , wherein the surface is formed from nailable material.  
   
   
       16 . The siding system of  claim 14 , wherein the surface is formed for the application of grout.  
   
   
       17 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the cylindrical core of the plank is formed from rigid foam.  
   
   
       18 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the plank further comprises a decorative skin attached to the curved surface.  
   
   
       19 . The siding system of  claim 18 , wherein the decorative skin of the plank is bonded to the curved surface.  
   
   
       20 . The siding system of  claim 18 , wherein the decorative skin of the plank is a heat-treated hard board.  
   
   
       21 . The siding system of  claim 19 , wherein the decorative skin of the plank comprises at least two layers.  
   
   
       22 . The siding system of  claim 21 , wherein an outer layer is wood veneer.  
   
   
       23 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the lateral support is formed from a rigid material.  
   
   
       24 . The siding system of  claim 23 , wherein the rigid material is wood.  
   
   
       25 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the partial cylindrical core of the column is formed from rigid foam.  
   
   
       26 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the decorative skin of the column is bonded to the curved surface.  
   
   
       27 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the decorative skin of the column is a heat-treated hard board.  
   
   
       28 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the decorative skin of the column comprises at least two layers.  
   
   
       29 . The siding system of  claim 28 , wherein an outer layer is wood veneer.  
   
   
       30 . The siding system of  claim 11 , wherein the column is attached to the wall with an adhesive.  
   
   
       31 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 attaching at least one column having a partial cylindrical core made of rigid foam to a wall;    cutting planks to a desired length for installation adjacent to the column; and    attaching planks on a wall adjacent to the column.    
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the column is attached with adhesive.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising the step of applying grout to the joints formed between planks and columns.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising the step of applying a sealant to planks and columns so as to form a water-resistant siding system.  
   
   
       35 . A method of manufacturing a column comprising the steps of: 
 machining a block of rigid foam to form a partial cylindrical core having a curved surface, and a channel that complements the shape of a wall to which the column attaches; and    laminating a decorative skin to the curved surface.    
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising the step of machining grooves disposed near lateral edges where the curved surface meets the channel.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising the step of attaching lateral supports in the grooves.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising the step of painting or staining the decorative skin.