Building an AB Courtyard Post/Pillar In Soil - How To Sheet #220

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Building an AB Courtyard Post/Pillar on Soil
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Posts/Pillars create beautiful accents to any project. Use them as entry monuments, light posts/pillars or as an architectural feature to your landscape. Posts/Pillars can be built on existing patios or pavement, as well as on soil. These instructions show how to build on soil. For information on building on an existing patio, click here.
Base Construction - Building on Soil	Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
Step 1: Layout Determine the location of the post/pillar and lay the first course of block to establish where to dig the foundation pad.

Step 2: Build Foundation Mark the location of the post/pillar with a shovel, remove the blocks and dig a hole 24 in. (600 mm) square, 4 in. (100 mm) deep hole. Step 3: Fill Place 4 in. (100 mm) of crushed rock in the hole and compact using a hand tamper. NOTE: The soil beneath the foundation pad must be a good quality compactable material. If soft soils are encountered, they will need to be removed and replaced with additional crushed rock. A good foundation will ensure a stable post/pillar for years to come. Step 4: Build Install the first course with 4 Corner Blocks with the long sides facing out. Square up the blocks, tamp into place and level.

Step 5: Continue Building Continue stacking courses, alternating between the patterns shown to offset the seams from the course below until the desired height is achieved. Do not stack the blocks up using only one pattern (seams should not create a straight line the full height of the post/pillar). Step 6: Finish Finish the post/pillar with two Post Caps. Secure the Post Caps in place with a bead of masonry adhesive along the outside edge of the top course of Corner Blocks and then set the Post Caps in place. (adhesive optional). Taller posts/pillars will require added stability. See How-to sheet #140 for more information.

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