Thread: Graveyard Columns from Milk crates.

Tweet

Those pillars look great very nice work!

Originally Posted by imindless

A few years ago there was one other person I knew of on the internet who created milk crate pillar/arch for their graveyard. Since then, geocities has closed down so the site no longer exists. From what I remember though, he did not even make a wooden structure around it. I believe he glued the foam board directly to the milk crates, then used expanding foam inside of the milk crates to give it a little more stability and to have the creases come together. Them he took tools to it to 'chip' off the foam to make it look old, distressed and like it was weathered pretty bad, from there then he painted it.

I like what you did with the wooden structure because you plan on disassembling yours for storage reasons. But for those of you who do not want to spend the money on wood and tools, then 'zip ties' are a way you can secure the milk creates together and then put the foam board on all sides of the crates, glue or use expanding foam to secure it even more. This way you will not be able to disassemble the structure for storage, but its a cheaper alternative to using wood and buying tools which you might not have.

Your pillars are looking great and I cant wait to see them come along even further!

Good thoughts on alternatives to the wood panels. I still need to attach the milk crates together somehow (probably just a few small bolts and nuts so they can be easily removed), but I've been busy this week and haven't had a chance to get out and finish things - running out of time!

Thanks. That is what I mentioned though. You can use Zip Ties, from the dollar store or from the grocery store. They are SUPER cheap and they will hold anything together, tighten the crates together and cut the long strand of 'tie'. That way its a REALLY easy break down, use scissors, and you can still put a wooden frame over it and the walls.

Just a thought, tell me what you think. Even if it takes a lot, they are super cheap and it will make it really sturdy and an easy set-up/break-down for after Halloween.

Doh! Zip-ties, yes. I'll give those a try. Should probably work well. Thanks!

Zip ties worked great! I put two on each side and it really sturdied (that's a word, sure) them up! I have the first two coats of paint on them. Starting to look good, if I do say so myself!






One more highlight coat with a sponge and I think that will do it. If I have time, I may try and create some moss/lichens. We'll see...too many projects (as usual) to get done though.

Your columns are looking great! Several years ago I used the milk crates to make my columns. But the milk crates are only for stability on the inside. I used the white beaded foam that comes in a package (14 1/2" x 48") and I didn't have to cut except for making the top piece. They are very light weight but still hard to get up into the attic. I would like something I could totally break down, so I'll be following your tutorial for maybe next year.

Thanks for trying this out. It's a really great idea. This is also something I could do and I'm not a very good handy man so thanks!

Oh and they look amazing.

I am glad my zip tie idea worked well for you. Considering I am always looking for the best and cheapest way to do something on a project, zip ties were just the way to go for yours

Awesome job!!!

Lord! I need to stay off this site! I HAVE TO DO THIS! FANTASTIC IDEA! GENIUS!