Building a pillar post with hardscape materials is functional and decorative. They can make your landscaping appear more substantial and add value to your property. The good news is that they are not difficult to construct if you take your time and follow some basic steps. The team at Hilton Landscape Supply can help you compile all the materials you’ll need and deliver them to your project site. Here are a few tips for building a hardscape pillar post that will withstand the test of time.
Tip #1: Plan your layout and prepare a solid foundation.
Tip #1: Plan your layout and prepare a solid foundation.The longevity of your hardscape pillar posts will depend upon the strength of their base foundations. Use a measuring tape, a carpenter square, and landscaper spray paint to mark the locations for each of your pillars. It’s a good idea to call 811 to initiate utility location services to make sure you don’t accidentally dig into electrical, plumbing, or natural gas lines.
Remove the sod and dig down about 10 inches into the ground. Don’t use a tamper to level the ground. Fill with about 3 inches of compacted ¾” minus gravel and level it again with the tamper. Add another 3 inches of gravel and tamper again.
Tip 2: Make sure your base blocks are level.
After your gravel is ready, it’s time to set out your first layer of bricks. Four rectangular blocks will create a square with a blank space in the middle where you can place a pipe for electrical wiring. Be sure to plan ahead for electrical wiring since it’s best to install conduit piping before laying the first layer of bricks. Your work may require an electrical installation permit, so check with municipal codes.
Once your first layer sits on the gravel, use a carpenter’s level to ensure it is flat. If your first layer is crooked, your entire post will not be level and can easily topple over. Use a mallet to pound the bricks until they are level.
Tip 3: Use masonry glue between bricks.
Use a flex bond adhesive made for bricks. Make two running beads of glue around the bricks, but avoid getting more than 2 inches from the edge of the bricks. Doing so will help keep glue from bleeding over the edge of the bricks.
Tip 4: Make sure the column is level and square at each layer.
As you add additional bricks, check to ensure each layer is perfectly level and square. Use a masonry mallet to adjust bricks as necessary. While you’re at it, make sure you’re offsetting the seams of the bricks, too!
Tip 5: Top it off with a capstone.
This final stage will be slightly different depending on if your pillar will hold an electrical conduit pipe or if it is purely decorative. Ask the experts at Hilton Landscape Supply for the best capstone options depending on the type of pillar you are building. Measure the distance between the edge of the capstone and the post on each side to ensure it is centered accurately.
Hilton Landscape Supply makes building a hardscape pillar post simple.
Whether you’re looking for the broadest selection of hardscape materials perfect for our local area or need help figuring out where to start with your dream project, Hilton Landscape Supply is the place to go. We’ve been serving Southern Oregon and Northern California since 1956, so we know the best materials to bring your projects to life. Our team members will walk you through the steps you’ll need to take, help you select the best materials for the project, and arrange to have them delivered right to your property. Don’t let another season pass you by. Visit us in Central Point, and let’s get started on your project today!