How to Build Square Paver Columns
Concrete pavers have a multitude of uses when it comes to using them in outdoor spaces. In addition to patios and walkways, you can use them to build square columns for decorative accents in walls. Any type of paver project needs a solid, level base, and a square paver column is no exception. If you are building the columns on top of a concrete slab, the base is already there. If you don't have a base, you need to do some digging to create one necessary to carry the weight of the square columns.
Step 1
Mark the location of a patio column with two sets of string and stakes. Use a carpenter’s square to ensure the outside corners of the string lines meet at right angles.
Step 2
Dig a trench one and one-half times the length of the concrete pavers you are using for the project, using a shovel. Align the outside corner of the trench with the string markers. Make the trench four to five inches deep.
Step 3
Add three inches of crushed gravel to the bottom of the trench. Compact it with a hand tamper. Check that the surface of the gravel is level side to side and front to back with a carpenter’s level.
- Mark the location of a patio column with two sets of string and stakes.
- Align the outside corner of the trench with the string markers.
Step 4
Set the first four pavers at right angles to each other to create a square. Place them firmly into the gravel. Check the levelness of the four pavers. Add or remove gravel, as necessary, to make them level.
Step 5
Place the next four pavers on top of the first row, or course. Arrange the pavers so that all of the joints are staggered between the two courses. Check that the walls of the column remain straight up and down, or plumb, by placing the carpenter’s level against the sides of the column.
- Set the first four pavers at right angles to each other to create a square.
- Check that the walls of the column remain straight up and down, or plumb, by placing the carpenter’s level against the sides of the column.
Step 6
Lay the third row of blocks on top of the second, staggering the joints. Run a bead of masonry glue along the top of the third row of pavers. Set the fourth row of blocks on top of the masonry cement. Remember to stagger joints for this course as well. Continue to check that the column is level on top and plumb on its sides.
Step 7
Continue placing pavers to erect the column. Place masonry glue between the sixth and seventh and seventh and eighth course. Glue the top of the eighth course and set a square capstone on top of it to finish the column.
- Lay the third row of blocks on top of the second, staggering the joints.
- Run a bead of masonry glue along the top of the third row of pavers.
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Denise Brown is an education professional who wanted to try something different. Two years and more than 500 articles later, she's enjoying her freelance writing experience for online resources such as Work.com and other online information sites. Brown holds a master's degree in history education from Truman State University.
