Abstract: Simulated decorative architectural columns comprising an axial member and a jacket surrounding the axial member. The jacket is comprised of a plurality of elongated rigid foam material members of truncated wedge-shaped cross-section, or jacket wedges. After the jacket is assembled around the axial member the outer surface of the jacket is sanded to provide a smooth surface, and the smooth surface is provided with an overcoating resembling a cut surface of stone. Groups of jacket wedges are fabricated from corresponding blanks by means of a hot-wire foam cutting machine. Each blank is first subdivided into a lower portion and an upper portion by a parting surface the profile of which is substantially identical to the intended profile of the finished column. The lower or relievo portion of the blank is then subdivided into a plurality of wedge members by a series of oblique cuts each extending from end to end of the lower portion of the blank.