Outdoor Projects
How to Build a DIY Brick Pillar


BLACK+DECKER B+D Contributor 120 Projects
Decorative pillars are easy to design because you don’t have to be concerned about the seasonal shifting of attached brick or stone walls. We designed a pair of 12 × 16” pillars using only whole bricks, so you don’t need to worry about splitting or cutting. These pillars are refined in appearance but sturdy enough to last for decades.
Once the last course of bricks is in place, you can add a brick or stone cap for a finished look. Or, build two pillars connected by an arch. If you’re planning an arch, consider attaching hardware for an iron gate. It’s far easier to place the hardware in fresh mortar, so make a note of the brick courses where the hardware will go. The settings will look cleaner this way and the hardware will stay secure for a long time