How to Build Square Wood Columns

Wooden Columns

If columns are an accent that you would like to add to the front of your home, there are only a few things about woodworking that you need to know. You need to know how to use a table saw or a skill saw. By using material that is already the width of the desired column you can save a lot of time and energy. For example, if you use solid lumber such as a 1 by 10, the only other measurements that you need to concern yourself with are the size of the blocks that will go on the interior of your column and the length of your column.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape 1 by 10-inch lumber 2 by 12-inch lumber Table saw Skill saw Wood glue Hammer 8d finish nails 3-inch drywall screws Drill Philips screw tip Nail set Wood putty Electric sander

Instructions

1. Measure the distance that determines the length of your square wooden column. Subtract 3 inches from this measurement and cut four pieces of the 1-by-10-inch lumber to this length.

2. Lay the pieces cut in Step 1 on a flat surface. Starting from one end measure and make a mark every 16 inches. Count the number of marks you draw and cut the same number of 8 ½-inch square pieces for the interior of the column.

3. Run a bead of glue on one of the edges of an 8 ½-inch square from Step 2. Place it against the 1 by 10-inch pieces from Step 1 and secure it with the 8d finish nails. Repeat this until you have all of them secured.

4. Next run a bead of glue on the edges on the same side of the squares and lay another piece of lumber from Step 1 and secure it to the squares and the previously secured 1 by 10 with the 8d finish nails. Repeat this until all four sides of the column have been secured to the squares and to each other.

5. Cut two pieces of lumber from the 2 by 12 so they will be exactly 11 ¼ inches square. Set one aside and secure one of these on one end of the column using the 3-inch drywall screws. Be careful not to split the square on the column to which it is attached.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for each column needed. Set all the nail heads with the nail set and fill the holes with putty. Once the putty is dry, sand it with the electric sander and 100 grit sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses. When installing the column, stand it up and gently tap the other 2 by 12-inch block you made in Step 5.

• Never leave power tools and attended. Do not allow excess glue to dry.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Cutting Wood Columns
• Creating Wood Columns in a Doorway