How to Build A Post/Pillar
Posts/Pillars create beautiful accents to any patio wall project. Use them as entry monuments, light posts or as an architectural feature to your landscape. These basic steps will help you learn how to build a simple post/pillar either on an existing patio or on soil.
Building on Pavement
Install First Course
Square Up Post Blocks
Alternate the Patterns
Stack the Next Course
Secure Post Caps with Adhesive
Installing on Existing Patios or Pavement
If you will be building in an area that does not have an existing patio or pavement, see the instructions below on how to build a wall panel on soil
Step 1: Layout
Determine the location and placement of the post/pillar.
Step 2: Building your Post/Pillar
Install the first course with 4 Corner Blocks with the long sides facing out. Square up and level the blocks. Use shims if needed to help level the blocks if the existing surface being built on is not level.
Step 3: Continue Building your Post/Pillar
Continue stacking courses, alternating between the patterns shown to offset the seams from the course below until the desired height is achieved.
Do not stack the blocks up using only one pattern (seams should not create a straight line the full height of the post/pillar).
Step 4: Finish Your Post/Pillar
Finish the post with two Post Caps. Secure the Post Caps in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive along the outside edge of the top course of Corner Blocks and then set the Post Caps in place.
Taller posts/pillars will require added stability.See How-to sheet #140: Building Taller Posts/Pillars for more information.
Building on Soil
Set Your Post Layout
Dig the Foundation Pad
Compact the Base
Level the Base
Build the Base Course
Offset the Patterns
Installing on Soil
Step 1: Mark Your Layout
Determine the location of the post/pillar and lay the first course of block to establish where to dig the foundation pad.
Step 2: Build Your Foundation*
Mark the location of the post/pillar with a shovel, remove the blocks and dig a hole 24 in. (600 mm) square, 4 in. (100 mm) deep hole.
*NOTE: The soil beneath the foundation pad must be a good quality compactable material. If soft soils are encountered, they will need to be removed and replaced with additional base rock. A good foundation will ensure a stable post/pillar for years to come.
Step 3: Fill
Place 4 in. (100 mm) of base rock in the hole and compact using a hand tamper.
Base Rock: Using the proper materials to create the base foundation for the panels is important when building on soil. We recommend using a compactible base rock material that is gravel in varying sizes of angular or smooth aggregates similar to the wall rock used in retaining walls or a road/ paver base type material.
Step 4: Level
Level the foundation pad. Make adjustments as needed by adding or removing the base rock.
Step 5: Build
Install the first course with 4 Corner Blocks with the long sides facing out. Square up the blocks, tamp into place and level.
Step 6: Continue Building your Post/Pillar
Continue stacking courses, alternating between the patterns shown to offset the seams from the course below until the desired height is achieved.
Do not stack the blocks up using only one pattern (seams should not create a straight line the full height of the post/pillar).
Step 7: Finish Your Post/Pillar
Finish the post/pillar with two Post Caps. Secure the Post Caps in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive along the outside edge of the top course of Corner Blocks and then set the Post Caps in place.
Helpful Tips
Additional Information: