Brick columns or pillars are often added to courtyards, boundary walls and driveways. They last a long time, even decades, and cost-wise they are affordable compared to other types of fence and column materials.
Steps
Step 1. Determine the section of the pillar you intend to build, in order to calculate the amount of material that will be needed for the construction
- For a 30x30 cm section pillar you will need 4 bricks for each layer.
- For a 40x40 cm section pillar you will need 6 bricks for each layer.
- If you intend to build a larger construction, for example a 75x75 cm pillar, to ensure its solidity, you will first need to create an internal support core (in this case, a pillar with a 60x60 cm section) and then cover it all around. with a layer of exposed brick.
- The calculations below are for a 2.10m high brick pillar with a section of 30x30cm.
Step 2. Soak the bricks for a couple of hours before starting the pillar construction
This way they won't absorb too much water from the grout.
Step 3. Trace on the ground the perimeter (a square with side 30x30 cm) of the pillar, in the point where you intend to place the base
If the pillar has to reach a ceiling (e.g. a canopy), trace the perimeter on the ceiling as well.
- If you are building around an iron rod, the rod will need to be in the center of your pillar.
- If you are building a row of pillars, first mark the base of the first and last pillar; then divide the space between these two equally and trace the bases of the remaining pillars. This way you will get an equidistant space.
Step 4. Attach a string to the base of the pillar, in the point where one of the edges will be, and stretch it vertically up to the maximum height of the pillar itself
The wire will serve as a reference to make sure that the bricks are placed and spaced accurately; the edge of each brick must be aligned with the wire to obtain a perfectly vertical construction. This method of aligning brick edges well from the start requires some care, but will save you a lot of time compared to other methods, such as using a spirit level after laying each layer (or course) of bricks..
Step 5. Spread a thin layer of mortar to start the base of the pillar, leveling it with a straight edge
The ruler is a rigid board, or a special tool made of aluminum, which is used to level concrete or mortar.
Step 6. Lay 4 bricks to form a square, leaving a space of just over 1cm between the bricks
This space is called a joint.
Step 7. Grout all joints between bricks
Step 8. Spread another layer of mortar, just over 1cm thick, over the first course of bricks to create the top joint
Step 9. Repeat the previous 3 operations for all 37 courses (or layers) that you will need to create a pillar approximately 2 meters high
Step 10. Every 2 or 3 courses perform the so-called joint styling with the special tool for concave joints
This operation fixes the mortar in place and promotes the flow of water due to rain, snow or other causes. Do not let the mortar dry to the point that it is no longer malleable.
Step 11. After styling, brush the lime with a light brush to remove excess grout
Advice
- During the construction, frequently step back a little and take a good look at your work. This way you can check if the joints and bricks are correctly spaced and well leveled, to achieve a high quality and aesthetically pleasing result.
- When building more than one pillar use tight twine to precisely align the perimeter of each pillar, this will ensure flawless alignment.
