Building a Post/Pillar with AB Courtyard

Posts/Pillars create beautiful accents to any project. Use them as entry monuments, light posts/pillars or as an architectural feature to your landscape.

How to Build a Concrete Post/Pillar with AB Courtyard

Watch the How to Video: Posts/PillarWatch the Video
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Installing Posts on Existing Patios or Pavement

Step 1: Mark Your Layout

Determine the location and placement of the post/pillar.



Step 2: Building your Post/Pillar

Install the first course with 4 Corner Blocks with the long sides facing out. Square up and level the blocks. Use shims if needed to help level the blocks if the existing surface being built on is not level.



Courtyard Corner For Building Posts

Post/Pillar Course Patterns





Step 3: Continue Building your Post/Pillar

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 4: Finish Your Post/Pillar

Finish the wall 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: Building Stronger Posts/Pillars for more information.



Place first row of post blocks
Install First Course

Square up Post Blocks
Square Up Post Blocks

Alternate the Patterns of the Post Blocks
Alternate the Patterns

Stack the Next Row of Post Blocks
Stack the Next Course

Secure Post Caps with Adhesive
Secure Post Caps with Adhesive

Concrete Post with Cap
Your Post/Pillar
is Complete



Building a Post/Pillar On Soil - Building on Soil

Step 1: Mark Your Layout

Determine the location of the post/pillar and lay the first course of block to establish where to dig the foundation pad.

Foundation Pad Layout

Step 2: Build Your 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.
Courtyard Corner For Building Posts

Post/Pillar Course Patterns

Step 5: Continue Building your Post/Pillar

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 Your Post/Pillar

Finish the wall 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)

Set Your Post Layout
Set Your Post Layout

Dig the Foundation Pad
Dig the Foundation Pad

Compact the Base
Compact the Base

Level the Base
Level the Base

Build the Base Course
Build the Base Course

Finish Building the AB Courtyard Post/Pillar
Your Post is Complete