Three column layout with equal heights

HTML & CSS
1

Dear Folks,

I am working on three column layout for website but want a design where the sidebars on the left and right side of the main content area stretches down to the length of the middle column.

I am aware of the faux column technique but dislike the use of a background image. There are other CSS techniques I am aware of but have the restriction of having both columns the same colour. I would like the colour of the sidebars to be independent.

I would like to know if there is a pure cross-browser CSS technique without hacks that will do what I want and how to go about it. Links to websites that details the techniques are most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Yours sincerely,
Nanda

2

Here is one example:

http://www.pmob.co.uk/temp/3colfixedtest_4.htm

Will your middle section be fixed width or fluid?

3

Is there any way to accomplish this in HTML 5 or CSS 3 without having to resort to negative margins? I know CSS 3 has columns, but those are more for displaying text like newspaper columns and not columns for layout.