Thread: Attempting these columns- first prop build

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Ok, everybody, wish me luck LOL. By no means do I intend to make these gates, but I am planning to make the columns as similar as possible. I have to thank my boyfriend for helping me with measurements because I just don't have the sense to construct something 3D from a 2D picture. I have the wood on my porch and will be getting started today...finally

I am sure you can do these columns. If not, there are enough of us that have build columns that can/will help you threw this - I for one. Just ask and happy building. Here is a picture of the columns I just build this year. I will put the same toppers on my columns as in the picture you posted with dead flowers and fog coming out.

Thanks, MET42. Those are awesome, esp the exposed bricks. I do have a question. I'm concerned about trim/moulding looking right since I do not have a miter saw. Do you think a miter box is all I need? Or should I use something else all together, like shaving layers foam?

Miss Phantom - I used both methods. In the picture, at the top and the bottom of the columns, I used molding that you get at a home improvement store. (I got mind from a local cabinet/woodworking shop that had small pieces that where no good to him due to the sizes - I lucked out but it doesn’t hurt to try) I did cut them with an electric miter saw that I own. A hand/manual miter saw will work. Just more elbow grease will be needed. In the middle of the column were the size changes, I cut 4 pieces of foam 2”x 2” and then cut a 45 degree angle down the middle on a table saw. (This also can be done with a hot knife, hack saw blade or just sand it down) I glued the pieces on with foam glue from a home improvement store. Where the molding is on my columns meets the raw brick, I broke the molding to give it that broken look from ageing. Making the molding look right doesn’t matter. Who says what is right and what is wrong. What looks good on my columns might not look good on yours. You do what looks good to you. You are the one building the columns and have a passion for Halloween. Do what you think looks good. No one is going to come up to and say “Hey, your molding doesn’t go with anything”. If they, you have my permission to slap them. I hope this helped and if you need anything else, just ask.

Originally Posted by MET42

I am sure you can do these columns. If not, there are enough of us that have build columns that can/will help you threw this - I for one. Just ask and happy building. Here is a picture of the columns I just build this year. I will put the same toppers on my columns as in the picture you posted with dead flowers and fog coming out.
Attachment 11160

Nice columns. Love the underlying brick work.

Very nice columns. You all have more talent than I ever will!!!!

Not as much talent as it is patience, and a good eye for detail.

Miss Phantom I forgot to mention that the cuts you make for the molding don’t have to be perfect. This is where caulk, Monster mud or Drylock will hide what mistakes/defects you have.

good luck, I love the design, post pics as you go!

I am taking step by step pictures. I'll post as each section is developed. My boyfriend took video of me building the base frame but has been forbidden to post it lol. He had me narrate like Bob Villa or something. These columns will be on the huge side. The base is going to be 30"W x 30"D x 24"H with the foam boards. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and tips!