Thread: Cemetery Columns

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I've never tried anything like this before but here I go! I'm learning here on the Forum that you go BIG or go home. I built these two 8' tall column (frames) in about an hour last night. I plan to wrap them in 3/4 inch foam and then coat them in monster mud and distress them. Maybe some lanterns on top? I think my wrought iron (PVC) fence will have to be about 6 ' tall to match up with the height of these columns. I'm going to make my fence with 1" x 3" wood rails with holes drilled through them (6" o.c. ?) and PVC pickets thru the holes. I tried to figure out a way to make the columns so they can be disassembled for storage but I haven't worked that out yet. Suggestions anyone?

Whoa! Those are impressive! Very nice, and going with a 6 foot fence will really stand out! Can't wait to see your progress on this!

Ive found that if you use thin plywood for the sides and hinge one side of them you can use them as storage boxes until next year. they also make great hiding spots for speakers and any wiring you might want. i have four outlets in one of mine

Gryphon has a good suggestion and for reduced weight you can use 5mm Laun plywood on all four sides or just on two sides with 1/2 foam on two and use them for storage. I use my coffin for storage which comes in handy. My only other suggestion is a re-design where by using coarse thread drywall screws you can just drill it together and apart.

Wonderful, how about sending them my way? lol Seriously, you are off to a great start.

Tick, tick, tick......getting close to display time. Got any updated pics?

These look great! Very impressive, I can't wait to see pics of them when they are done!

They look good so far. Suggest you had a "Hatch" to the bottom to add additional weights for stability. They can be unstable in high winds or with children who are blonde.


Can't wait to see the finish pics!

Great suggestion oaklawn Crematory! You specially need weight in your columns if your putting a sign between them because the sign will act like a sail in the wind! My "hatch" to my graveyard entrance gate is a simple cut out on the bottom of each base, that you can't see, that I can put four or more bricks inside. On my mausoleum entrance gate I have no weight since its base is quite substantial, yet I'm even considering adding weight on it's inside base if come Halloween we have high winds.

Thank you for your kind words Spookzilla.

I would plan for high winds just to be safe, especially if he uses plywood on the sides. I would use at least 35 to 50 lbs of steel weights each to be safe. You just never know what might happen.

My columns are not as narrow and I use 100 lbs in each one. I can’t afford to replace a light kit. Let alone dealing with a hurt child.