Thread: Graveyard Columns

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Started my fence column project this week and I am using the basic design from ravenmanor.com. Frame and base/supports are constructed from 2x2 and 1x2 lumber. Sheathing will be 1/2" exterior grade plywood. I will also be using exterior grade moulding and trim to pump it up. I want to experiment with monster mud on the exterior to createe a plaster look coating on the columns.

Here is where I am now:

Here are all the pre-cuts for the first column.


Partial assembly completed. These rings are the base, lower level support and top supports.


First frame completed. The lower supports are secured using 3" screws, two per post. The upper support is secured using my brad nailer.


Two entrance columns ready to be closed up.


I will enclose these columns this week. I will also hinge one bottom panel on each for future use in case I want to put a fogger, speaker or even lights on or in the columns. Stand by for future updates.

Looking very nice indeed. I'm looking forward to seeing how you finish then off.

I'm in the middle of making these as well. Pretty much the same thing. I have the styraphome on already. I'm just waiting to get my Dad's router from the cabin this weekend so I can make the parts where the brick come through.

Johnny, looking good so far. How tall are your pillars?

You might also consider using the 7/16" sheathing instead of playwood. The sheathing sells for about $6 for a 4x8 sheet. It's what I build my tower out of. It's pretty resistant, and if you're going to MM the surface, you'll never know it was sheathing.

Hey there TK. Was thinking about it and saw it was a bit cheaper. The plywood I have I got for free (good friend passed it along, 3-full sheets or about $27 worth up here). Obviously enough for these columns (they will be a little over 5'6" when covered). I'll have to buy materials for the 4 footer's, so I'll try out the 7/16" sheathing as you suggest and save a few bucks! Thanks.

Ok...phase two pictures, enclosed the frame and began trimming as well as created an access panel on the back side for future electrical, music or adding a fog machine.

Sheathing completed and trimming underway....


Back access panel....


Panel itself....


Magnetic closure and plates....



Now I've added Bondex to the side as a texture before painting with Kilz....



More to come.......

Oooooh looks prettttty. I am going to try my hand at a couple of pillars this summer. I am going to try to have a drop panel in one for an actor to hide behind and scare the (older) children.

Looking real good, Johnny!

With the next round, could you snap a closeup of the marbling?

The magnetic latch is a really good idea.

I really like them a lot. Keep us posted on your progress.

Looking really nice, keep the photos coming.

Those columns are looking fantastic! It's like deja vu all over again looking at your pics. I also built mine using RavenManor's as a guide. How did you ever find enough 2 X 2's that weren't totally warped and twisted? I ended up using 1 X 4's instead.
Great job!!