How to Build Your own Brick Pillars

Thrifty gardener Marianne Binetti offers tips, tricks and innovative ideas to make your gardening dollars stretch.

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Filed under: Bricks, How To

Build Your Own Brick Pillars

Brick pillars can add drama to a landscape, especially to accent driveways or paths. Made by a mason, they can cost hundreds of dollars to install. Here’s how to make one for under $30.

Figure A

First choose a level area that will form the base for the pedestal. Firmly place four recycled bricks onto the soil, making a hollow square by placing the bricks end to end. With your first layer formed, use a level to ensure your pillar base is straight and sound (figure A).

Figure B

Continue layering bricks to the desired height, making sure to stagger the seams. Top off your brick column with a 16" x 16" stepping stone (figure B).