Most people confuse when asked the difference between pillar and column. They often times interchange the meaning of these two terms. These terms share some similarities but they are quite different from each other.
Pillar
Pillar is a vertical structure designed to bear the weight of building’s roof and it can also be used as a decorative element in a structure. It can even stand on its own. It is constructed from a single piece of timber, concrete, steel, reinforced concrete or masonry bricks. Typically, the pillar is not constructed for resisting the load-bearing function. While the column is a structural member, that is used for the transfer of the compressive load safely to the foundation. Pillar may be made from natural rock. Pillars may be rounded, square, rectangle in shape but most of the pillars for the architectural view are rounded.
Column
The column is a structural member that transmits the load of the structure to the footing and the soil. In other words, the column is a compressive member that is constructed from concrete, reinforcement concrete, bricks and blocks etc. Columns are used to support beam or arches where the slab or ceilings are rested. It can be constructed in many shapes such as rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal, octagonal etc. The column rises from the base and rests on the foundation. It is constructed of masonry or steel. It is designed to resist the lateral forces and for the purpose of wind or earthquakes. It might be used for decorative purpose.
Difference between Pillar and Column
the main objective of this article “Differences between Pillar and Column” is that the pillars are mostly used of decoration and some times for bearing the load of building roof. While columns are only used for bearing the load of the beam and slab etc. in a building.
