A stone column is a beautiful addition to any property. They can be used as the central feature in your garden or as a decorative element on the edge of your driveway. Stone columns are easy to make yourself and they look very impressive when finished.
You will need:
2x10x12 pressure treated lumber (for the base)
2x2x8 pressure treated lumber (for cross pieces)
Step 1 – Prepare the site
To build a stone column, you must first prepare the site. The first step is to create a level base for the column. If you are building a driveway or walkway, then it is best to dig out the dirt underneath where you want your stone column to be. If this is not possible, then you will need to make sure that your ground is completely flat so that your column does not sink into the ground when it rains or snows.
Step 2 – Measure and mark
Once you have prepared the site properly, measure and mark out where your stone column will be placed. You can use string and stakes to help guide yourself if necessary. Make sure that you leave enough space between each side of your stone column so that it does not take up too much room in your yard or garden area.
Step 3 – Dig out holes for each stone
Next, dig out holes for each individual stone in order to make room for them when they are set into place later on during construction of your new stone column project. You can use a hand shovel or power drill to do this step quickly and efficiently without causing any damage to yourself or others around you while working on this project.
Step 4 – Set stones into place
Stone columns are a traditional element of an ornamental garden, and they can be used in many different ways. You can use them as part of a fence or around the edge of a patio or deck. You can also use them as part of a gazebo or arbor. And, if you like to entertain outdoors, you can even build a stone column bar for your patio.
Step 1 – Decide where you want to place the column. The most common location for a stone column is at the edge of a path. You may also want to place one at each corner of an outdoor dining table or by the entrance to your back yard. If you have enough space, you could even build an entire wall out of stone columns!
Step 2 – Lay down stakes with string tied between them so that they mark out the area where your column will go. Make sure that these stakes are level and hold down any loose soil so that it doesn’t wash away when it rains. Place stakes at least two feet deep into the ground so that they won’t blow over in windy weathers or shift because they’re too shallowly planted in soft soil (this will also help them last longer).
How to build a stone column:
Step 1:
Select a suitable location for your stone column. It should be in an area where you can easily access it.
Step 2:
Mark the ground with chalk or string to make sure that your stone column is straight and level. If you are building a free-standing column, dig a hole at least one foot deep and at least 36 inches in diameter. If you are building a freestanding column, dig an entire 12-inch diameter circle around the spot where your post will be placed. Make sure that you have enough space between the hole and any surrounding objects so that you don’t damage them when digging out the hole for your stone column.
Step 3:
Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow until it is smooth and creamy looking. Pour some of the concrete into the center of your hole or circle and spread it around with your hands until about one inch thick over the entire bottom surface of your hole or circle. Make sure that there are no rough spots in this layer of concrete as they will cause cracking later on in the project. Let this layer dry completely before moving on to Step 4 below!
Stone columns are a great way to add architectural interest to your landscape. They help define garden spaces, mark entrances and exits, and provide a focal point for a variety of other activities.
🛠️ What This Is About
Building a stone column the easy way—using old wood as formwork.
🧱 How It Works
- Pick your stone type (granite, sedimentary, etc.). Each has a different hardness and look.
- Cut stones into manageable sizes.
- Use a wood box (from scrap plywood or lumber) as the base frame to stack and glue stone onto.
- Let stones cure in a dry, well-ventilated space.
📋 Materials or Tools Needed
- Chosen stone pieces
- Scrap wood or old plywood boards
- Mortar or thin-set
- Screw gun, level, wooden shims
- Chisel or hammer (for fitting stones)
⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- 📌 Prepare stone — Cut to fit your size.
- 📌 Build base form — Make a snug wood box around the post or outline.
- 📌 Lay first course — Apply mortar, place stones flush with wood base.
- 📌 Stack courses — Continue with second and third courses, level as you go.
- 📌 Cap it off — Add a stone or concrete cap for a finished look.
✅ Pros and Cons
✅ Simple, use recycled materials
✅ Cost-effective, DIY-friendly
⚠️ Need some skill with mortar or thin-set
⚠️ Manual labor — stone fitting takes time
🔍 Compared with Column Kits
Affinity Stone column wraps simplify the job—just screw pre-cut veneer to a wood box in about 30 minutes. Traditional builds may take half a day or more.
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip leveling the wood box—first course guides the whole build
- Avoid voids behind stones—use mortar or concrete fill to solidify
👷 Who Should Use This
- Handy DIYers or small‑job contractors
- Folks wanting rustic or custom aesthetics
- Anyone working with reclaimed or local stone
🧰 Expert Tips
- Keep the formwork tight so mortar doesn’t leak
- Use a torpedo level after each layer
- Let mortar dry fully before removing wood base
📌 Quick Facts
| Feature | Advice |
|---|---|
| Wood formwork | Reuse scrap—must be level and secure |
| Stone types | Granite is hardest; sedimentary easier to shape |
| Mortar vs concrete fill | Use mortar for bonding, concrete to fill voids |
| Steps in Creating Stone Columns | Description |
|---|---|
Choosing the Right Side of Each Stone
| DetailsIt’s important that the stones match well with adjoining pieces to create a unified appearance. |
Preparing the Wooden Base
| DetailsThe strength of the base is critical to the stability of the column. |
Attaching Stones to the Wooden Base
| DetailsProper adhesion is crucial to withstand weather elements and mechanical stresses. |
Finishing Touches
| DetailsA well-finished column enhances the overall appearance of your yard. |
The first step in building a stone column is to decide on the size of the column and what type of material you want to use for it. You can build a stone column out of brick or concrete blocks using mortar, which will give it a solid base that will not shift over time. You could also use wood as the base material for your stone column if you want something lighter but sturdier than mortar alone would provide.
You’ll need to measure the dimensions of your chosen material before cutting them down into smaller pieces. The number of pieces you’ll need depends on how tall you want your stone column to be and how thick each piece needs to be for stability purposes. If you’re using concrete blocks as an example, one block will usually be enough for each side panel of your column if it’s going to stand 6 feet high with two panels per side plus an additional panel at the top where