A square column is the easiest to build; if you're feeling more ambitious, you can get into more complicated projects like octagonal or round columns.
Things You Will Need
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Measure the height of the post that you want to surround with your faux column.
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Cut the four boards to the length that you determined in Step 1.
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Screw one of the 10-inch boards to one of the 8-inch boards at their sides to create an "L" shape that measures 10-by-9 inches. Put in a 2-inch screw every 12 inches. Be careful to keep the ends of the boards even.
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Screw the other 10-inch board onto the other side of the 8-inch board to create a "U" shape that is 10 inches wide on each side.
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Stand up the assembly that you made, and put it in place so it surrounds the iron post.
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Place the second 8-inch board in the remaining space in the column to create a solid, 4-sided square column. Screw this board onto the others on both sides.
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Tap in wood shims at the top and bottom as needed to stabilize and strengthen the column.
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Cover the screw holes with wood filler. After the filler has dried, sand it smooth with 100-grit sandpaper.
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Apply primer on the whole column, and then paint the column to match the rest of the patio.
The Drip Cap
- Iron posts are very effective at holding things up, but they're not always the most beautiful features or in the style that you may prefer.
- Put in a 2-inch screw every 12 inches.
- Place the second 8-inch board in the remaining space in the column to create a solid, 4-sided square column.