How to Build Stone Pillars

Measure the plywood bases and order the stones -- allowing from two to three weeks for delivery. The veneer stone used in this project cost approximately $1,000 and regular fieldstone would have cost $1,200 plus shipping. Five-inch Indiana limestone was also ordered to use as capstone to finish off the column bases.

Cover the base with two-ply tar paper secured with a hammer stapler and be sure to start from the bottom and work your way up the column. Pull the corners tight and trim the excess with a utility knife. Be sure to wrap tar paper over the horizontal surfaces to prevent moisture from seeping in.

Note: The veneer stone can't be attached directly to the plywood because it expands and contracts with changes in temperature, thus the use of the two-ply tar paper, which will act as a water-vapor barrier.

Cover the column with expanded metal lathe so the stones will have something to adhere to. Place the side with ridges toward the tar paper (Image 1). The front should be smooth. Nail the metal lathe through the plywood into the studs. Nail between the mesh so it's tight. Overlap the mesh about 4" on the horizontal seam (Image 2). Overlap the lathe to the next stud, which will prevent mortar from cracking. Cut and fold the metal lathe at the top of the column and nail down.

Use pre-mixed mortar to apply the scratch coat. When mixing mortar, always start with less water than you need because you can always add more.

When the mortar is the consistency of frosting, use a rectangular finishing trowel and a London style mason's trowel to apply generously and thoroughly over the lathe. Start on the inside and pull in from the corners. After applying the scratch coat, rough the surface up with a whiskbroom. This will allow a better bond for the stone. Allow at least two hours for the scratch coat to dry. Utilize this time to lay out the stones. Be sure to vary the size and style of the pieces for a more natural look.

Once the scratch coat has dried, start applying the stones at the bottom of the column. Place 1 x below the area because you want to leave a little room for expansion.

Start with a corner piece. Backbutter the stone with a thin coat of mortar and then put a lip around the edge creating a cup. Set it in place, wiggle it around and hold it for about 5 to 10 seconds to make sure you have good adhesion. Prepare the stone for the opposite corner in the same way.

Fit in the center stones between the corners. Make sure each stone is completely covered with mortar.

Note: Before putting mortar on the mud/mortar board, sprinkle some water on the board. This will prevent the board from sucking moisture out of the mortar.

Grout the seams as you go to add extra support to the stones.

If you need to make a stone smaller to fit in a space, first mark the stone with a pencil and then use a mason's hammer to chip the stone. Always chip on the flat side.

Use a cut-off saw to trim the tops of the corner pieces. You'll want a level surface for the capstone.

Note: If mortar gets dry while you work, add a little water, and if the stone is too heavy, use a small rock as a shim to hold the stone in place.

When mortar between the joints crumbles off, tool it with a tuck pointer. Let the mortar set for about 40 minutes. Scrape down the excess mortar in the joint to expose the edges of the stone. Make sure that the depth of the joint flows smoothly.

Mark 45-degree angles on the stone and measure down 21-1/2" (the length of the base for these particular columns). Use a cut-off saw to cut the stone.

Put a generous bed of mortar on the top of the column base.

Note: You'll definitely need some help at this point because it takes more than one set of hands to apply the capstones.

Allow a slight cant, about 3/8" so that water will run-off of it. Also make sure it's level. Leave a 3/8" gap between the corners of each side and fill that with grout when finished.

Leave a 3/8" gap between the corners of each side and fill that with grout when finished. When grouting, start filling the capstone joints from the bottom and work your way to the top.

Fill in the voids between the limestone and the column so water will not collect in there. Tool the joints for a nice finished look and a stronger bond.

If you prefer a rough edge on the stone, mark the top and bottom of the stone about 5/8" from edge, use a metal chisel and strike the edge of the stone at a slight angle. This is a technique called "rock facing."