How to Construct a Decorative Stone Lamp Post
One of the most important features in landscaping is the lighting. Unsightly light poles among a serene garden detracts from the natural beauty. Lighting structures, in a sculpted yard or garden, should be as attractive as the area they are illuminating. A simple answer to this problem is to construct a natural looking stone lamp post fitted with a lovely solar light. This solution is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also environmentally friendly. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Mark out a circle in the dirt using the tip of the spade. The diameter should be the size you want for the base of the stone post. Dig the out the marked area, 36 inches deep.
-
2
Pour the concrete mix in the wheel barrow. Add the amount of water specified on the bag and stir the mix. Continue stirring the mix for a few minutes, as the concrete absorbs the water it will become thinner. Stop mixing the concrete when it is smooth and thick.
-
-
3
Pour concrete in the hole until it is about 3 inches from the top. Layer the largest stones in the hole for the base of the decorative stone post. Gently push the stones into the concrete. Add concrete to the sides of each stone before butting the next stone against it. Use the trowel to scrape off any excess blobs of concrete.
-
4
Make another ring of concrete on top of the stones. Choose the next size smaller stones and begin laying them in the concrete ring. Offset the stones by centering the current stones at the joint of two of the lower stones. Add concrete between the stones. Scrape away excess concrete with the trowel. Continue building the post in this manner. Decrease the size of the stones slightly on each layer to give the post a tapered look and to add stability.
-
5
Add the decorative solar stake light to the center of the post when it is about 6 inches from the desired height. Lay stone around the stake of the light using the same method used for building the base of the post. Stop at the base of the light's decorative housing.
-
6
Spray a fine mist of water on the decorative stone lamp post multiple times every day for a week.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A series of warm, but not hot, days are best when working with concrete.
Wrap the post snugly, in a plastic drop cloth, for seven days and eliminate the need to spray it with water.
Wear gloves and safety goggles when working with concrete.
Do not take a break from construction as the concrete will dry in around three hours.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
