Building Parts: Ornaments, Trim, Roofs, Windows, and More
If you're wondering about decorative details on your home or an intersting building, this page is a good place to find answers. Included are descriptions and illustrations for roofs, windows, columns, gargoyles, moldings, brackets, corbels, and other architectural details and building parts. Compiled by Jackie Craven.
Balustrade
A balustrade is a row of repeating balusters -- small posts which support the upper rail of a railing.
A balustrade is a row of repeating balusters -- small posts which support the upper rail of a railing.
Buttress
A buttress is a support -- usually brick or stone -- built against a wall to support or reinforce it. Illustration.
A buttress is a support -- usually brick or stone -- built against a wall to support or reinforce it. Illustration.
Bargeboard / Vergeboard
Bargeboards -- also called vergeboards -- hang from the projecting end of a roof.
Bargeboards -- also called vergeboards -- hang from the projecting end of a roof.
Columns
Definition and illustrations for classical columns, Doric columns, Ionic columns, Corinthian columns, Tuscan columns, and other column designs.
Definition and illustrations for classical columns, Doric columns, Ionic columns, Corinthian columns, Tuscan columns, and other column designs.
Corbels
Definition, illustration and links for corbels and other supportive architectural brackets.
Definition, illustration and links for corbels and other supportive architectural brackets.
Castle Parts
Illustration for battlements, parapets, merlons, and more.
Illustration for battlements, parapets, merlons, and more.
Cupolas
Definition and illustrations for these dome-shaped roof structures.
Definition and illustrations for these dome-shaped roof structures.
Friezes
Drawing and definition of an ornamental frieze.
Drawing and definition of an ornamental frieze.
Gargoyles
From our Architecture Glossary, a short definition with illustrations.
From our Architecture Glossary, a short definition with illustrations.
Pilasters
These flat columns are often found on Greek Revival Buildings. Definition, illustration and links, from our Architecture Glossary.
These flat columns are often found on Greek Revival Buildings. Definition, illustration and links, from our Architecture Glossary.
Roofs
Whether flat or steeply pitched, a roof's shape suggests the personality of a house and provides important clues to its architectural style. This column from Realtor Magazine Online will help you identify the most popular roofing shapes and styles.
Whether flat or steeply pitched, a roof's shape suggests the personality of a house and provides important clues to its architectural style. This column from Realtor Magazine Online will help you identify the most popular roofing shapes and styles.