Pillar vs. Stilt — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Pillars are vertical supports integral to a structure's stability, usually made of robust materials, while stilts are poles used to elevate buildings above ground or water.
Difference Between Pillar and Stilt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pillars are structural components made from materials like stone, concrete, or metal, designed to support buildings from the ground up and often carry loads from the roof or upper floors. Whereas, stilts are slender poles made of wood, metal, or concrete used to raise the main part of a building above ground or water, typically to prevent flooding or to utilize space beneath the building.
Pillars are often decorative and integral to the architecture, prominently featured in the design of temples, courthouses, and historic buildings. On the other hand, stilts are primarily functional, seen in beach houses, flood zone constructions, and traditional dwellings in some cultures.
Pillars serve a key load-bearing function in many structures, providing essential support and stability. In contrast, stilts primarily serve to elevate a structure for practical reasons such as flood prevention and do not typically bear as much load as pillars.
While pillars are usually part of the building's initial design, stilts can sometimes be added to existing structures to raise them above ground level.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A vertical, structural element, often cylindrical, that supports buildings.
A pole or post used to elevate structures above the ground or water.
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Primary Material
Stone, concrete, metal.
Wood, metal, concrete.
Function
Support loads and contribute to structural stability.
Elevate buildings for protection against environmental factors.
Architectural Use
Integral to building design, often decorative.
Functional, used in specific environmental conditions.
Placement
Used throughout various parts of a structure.
Typically used at the base to lift the structure above ground.
Compare with Definitions
Pillar
Often cylindrical and made of robust materials.
The new courthouse features reinforced concrete pillars.
Stilt
Enhances building functionality in specific geographic settings.
Stilt parking is common in hilly areas to maximize space.
Pillar
A structural column that holds up parts of a building.
The ancient temple's roof was supported by stone pillars.
Stilt
Used to lift structures above their surroundings.
Stilt homes in the bayou are protected from seasonal floods.
Pillar
A crucial support that bears loads within a structure.
The pillars in the underground parking are crucial for the building’s stability.
Stilt
Can be added to existing buildings for elevation.
After the flood, many homes were retrofitted with stilts.
Pillar
Symbolically represents strength and support.
Pillars of the community gathered to discuss the new policy.
Stilt
A pole used to elevate buildings, particularly in flood-prone areas.
The beach house was built on stilts to avoid water damage.
Pillar
A supporting, often ornamental architectural element.
The grand hall was lined with marble pillars.
Stilt
Made of durable materials to withstand environmental challenges.
The observation deck was supported by steel stilts.
Pillar
A slender, freestanding, vertical support; a column.
Stilt
Stilt is a common name for several species of birds in the family Recurvirostridae, which also includes those known as avocets. They are found in brackish or saline wetlands in warm or hot climates.
Pillar
Such a structure or one similar to it used for decoration.
Stilt
Either of a pair of upright poles with supports for the feet enabling the user to walk at a distance above the ground.
Pillar
One who occupies a central or responsible position
A pillar of the state.
Stilt
A long-billed wading bird with predominantly black and white plumage and very long slender reddish legs.
Pillar
To support or decorate with pillars or a pillar.
Stilt
Either of a pair of long, slender poles each equipped with a raised footrest to enable the user to walk elevated above the ground.
Pillar
(architecture) A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
Stilt
Any of various tall posts or pillars used as support, as for a dock or building:a beach house on stilts.
Pillar
Something resembling such a structure.
A pillar of smoke
Stilt
Any of several shorebirds of the widely distributed genus Himantopus or the Australian genus Cladorhynchus that have long pink legs, usually black-and-white plumage, and a long slender bill.
Pillar
(figuratively) An essential part of something that provides support.
He's a pillar of the community.
Stilt
To place or raise on stilts.
Pillar
(Roman Catholic) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
Stilt
Either of two poles with footrests that allow someone to stand or walk above the ground; used mostly by entertainers.
Pillar
The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Stilt
A tall pillar or post used to support some structure; often above water.
Pillar
(bodybuilding) The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.
Stilt
Any of various wading birds of the genera Himantopus and Cladorhynchus, related to the avocet, that have extremely long legs and long thin bills.
Pillar
To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.
Stilt
A crutch.
Pillar
The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament.
Jacob set a pillar upon her grave.
The place . . . vast and proud,Supported by a hundred pillars stood.
Stilt
The handle of a plough.
Pillar
Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state.
By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire.
Stilt
To raise on stilts, or as if on stilts
Pillar
A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
Stilt
To apply unnecessary pomp or formality
Pillar
The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
Stilt
A pole, or piece of wood, constructed with a step or loop to raise the foot above the ground in walking. It is sometimes lashed to the leg, and sometimes prolonged upward so as to be steadied by the hand or arm.
Ambition is but avarice on stilts, and masked.
Pillar
Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
Stilt
A crutch; also, the handle of a plow.
Pillar
A fundamental principle or practice;
Science eroded the pillars of superstition
Stilt
Any species of limicoline birds belonging to Himantopus and allied genera, in which the legs are remarkably long and slender. Called also longshanks, stiltbird, stilt plover, and lawyer.
Pillar
Anything tall and thin approximating the shape of a column or tower;
The test tube held a column of white powder
A tower of dust rose above the horizon
A thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite
Stilt
To raise on stilts, or as if on stilts.
Pillar
A prominent supporter;
He is a pillar of the community
Stilt
A column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure
Pillar
A vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)
Stilt
One of two stout poles with foot rests in the middle; used for walking high above the ground;
He was so tall I thought he was on stilts
Pillar
(architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure
Stilt
Long-legged three-toed wading bird of brackish marshes of Australia
Stilt
Long-legged three-toed black-and-white wading bird of inland ponds and marshes or brackish lagoons
Common Curiosities
Can pillars be decorative?
Yes, pillars often serve both structural and decorative purposes in architecture.
What is the primary purpose of a stilt?
To elevate structures above ground or water, protecting them from environmental factors.
Can the use of pillars enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building?
Absolutely, pillars can add grandeur and elegance to building designs.
Are stilts considered permanent parts of a building?
Yes, once installed, stilts are considered permanent and integral to the structure's design.
What is the primary purpose of a pillar?
To provide support and stability to buildings and structures.
Are stilts only used in certain regions?
Yes, stilts are typically used in areas prone to flooding or where elevation is needed for other practical reasons.
Do pillars have a standard shape?
Pillars are often cylindrical but can come in various shapes depending on architectural style.
Can stilts be added to any building?
While technically possible, adding stilts is complex and depends on the building's design and structural requirements.
How do materials differ between pillars and stilts?
Pillars are generally made from more robust materials like stone or concrete, while stilts can be made from a variety of materials including wood.
What are the benefits of building on stilts?
Stilts prevent water damage, deter pests, and can provide space for parking or storage beneath the building.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
