What Is a Pilaster?

Pilasters are an ancient and modern addition to the exterior or interior of buildings. Commonly associated with Roman times, there are many types of pilasters used worldwide in large-scale buildings and homes. Like other decorative elements, pilasters can increase home value, maintain traditional styles, and give your home the character it deserves. Working with a professional company is the best way to design, install, and enjoy the benefits of pilasters and pediments for your exterior doors.

Are you looking for advice on exterior door pilasters and pediments? The door pros at Master Seal are here to help. Serving the greater Baltimore and D.C. area, our company provides skilled consultations and installations of storm doors, patio doors, and entry stores alongside pilaster and pediment construction. Whether your project is big or small, the team at Master Seal is here to improve the value and aesthetics of your home. Call us now at 855.608.1580 to learn more about our services.

A pilaster is a rectangular, vertical wall piece that looks like a flat column or half pier that stick out from a wall. It has a base, a shaft, and a capital like a column. Pilaster bases generally include a flat block called a plinth. The plinth should be deeper and wider than the pilaster’s shaft to create organic movement. Some pilasters, called lesenses, are simple shafts or strips without a base or capital. An anta is a post-like pilaster that frames a door or the corner of a building. These various styles decorate both the inside and outside of a person’s home. Today, pilasters are most commonly used to frame doors and entryways around fireplaces and enhance exteriors.

Most Common Types of Pilasters

Knowing the different types of pilasters and their history can help you work with architects and installation professionals to find the right styles for your aesthetic and your home’s value. While pilasters are purely decorative, they can help improve home value and provide a unique style.

First Century Roman

Today, most ready-made pilaster sets feature classical designs influenced by early Roman architecture. The Roman style often combines freestanding columns framed below pilasters to create architectural balance in ancient buildings like the Colosseum. Today, Roman-inspired pilasters are most often found in homes and public buildings on Capitol Hill that are Classic Revival or neoclassical in style.

16th Century Interior Pilaster

The Renaissance architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola used pilasters in his exterior and interior designs. These detailed, ornate pilasters are used throughout the interior of churches and other 16th-century-inspired interiors.

The Residential Pilaster

Along the Eastern Seaboard, residential pilasters are most commonly found around the doorway or porch of older homes. Pilasters can give a home a classical appearance without needing freestanding, two-story columns. Homes with exterior pilasters often integrate a similar style inside with wainscoting, chair rails, baseboards, or crown moldings.

While pilasters cannot improve structural integrity, they can help restore a historical home or provide classical character to newer homes. Whether ready-made or wood carved, pilasters are an easy, adaptable way to personalize your home.

Find a Door Installation Company in the Baltimore Area to Install Exterior Pilasters

Exterior door pilasters can increase your home’s value and its overall appearance. If you’re looking for a free consultation for exterior pilasters in the Baltimore area, our team can help. Based in Parkville, Maryland, Master Seal works with clients across DMV. Our service areas include:

Baltimore City
Washington, D.C.
Baltimore County
Montgomery County

No matter the complexity or style of your home improvement project, the team at Master Seal can help. Since 1994, we’ve helped over 40,000 customers realize their home improvement dreams no matter the project scope or size.