Guide To How To Build A Brick Column

The brick column is a strong structural component that functions as the prime load-bearing element in a masonry structure. The erection of brick columns over concrete columns can enhance the architectural beauty. The constructed brick columns are available in different shapes like round, rectangle, or square, or elliptical in cross-section. These are built up according to the required height.

The brick masonry columns are extensively used as corner pillars, porch columns or railings, accent deck, boundary gate pillars, or free-standing columns for decoration or as a plant stand in your garden.

They can last for decades and are very cost-effective concerning other fences and column materials. The process is very simple for brick columns construction with fewer tools and labor relative to the concrete column construction.

How To Build a Brick Column

Depending on the load-bearing strength, the bricks columns are built up either reinforced or unreinforced. Given below, the brick column detail :

Materials & Tools

String line; Mortar; Trowel; Masonry bricks; Screed; Concave joint tool; Light whisk brush

Step 1:

Initially, select the size of the brick column to be erected, it will facilitate to work out the amount of materials required to implement your plan. The following options are available :

A 12 inch x 12 inch (30.48 cm x 30.48 cm) column = 4 bricks per layer.
A 16 inch x 16 inch (40.64 cm x 40.64 cm) column = 6 bricks per layer.
A 32 inch x 32 inch (76.2 cm x 76.2 cm) column, it is required to create a 24 inch x 24 inch (60.96 cm x 60.96 cm) block column for support and wrap it with a 32 inch x 32 inch (76.2 cm x 76.2 cm) brick surface to retain a well-built post.

To construct a wider column, save a significant amount of work and material by simply veneering the bricks around a block column. The best way is to fill the inside of the columns with either mortar or concrete for keeping greater strength. In fact, just put wet mortar in the column while placing the bricks. In the case of veneering the bricks around the block column, the column should be created with solid concrete.

Step 2:

Soaked the bricks for some time before starting the construction of the column to stop the bricks from soaking up the excessive mortar.

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Step 3:

Sketch a 12 inch x 12 inch (30.48 cm x 30.48 cm) blueprint of your column on the ground where the base of the brick column is situated. The bricks can be set up in the following ways :

Apply a 6 ft level and plumb each curse while erecting the column.

Draw a string line from the edge of the first brick on the bottom to the very top on each of the corners.

It is done to line up the edges initially but it will save time considerably by not using the level each time installing a brick. It is required to line up the corner of your bricks to the string and it will give you an exact guideline up to the top. Verify if your joints are uniformly sized and the bricks are properly level on each course.

Step 3:

Slather a thin layer of mortar for the base of the column, smoothing it out with a screed. (A screed stands for an aluminum device to flatten out and smooth wet mortar)

Step 4:

Place 4 bricks in a square design with 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) spacing among each brick. This spacing is defined as a joint.

Step 5:

While setting up the bricks, perform some minor touch-ups like filling up or tuck-pointing the joints with mortar. The most recognized joints are either concaved or raked out (square recessed) joints.

Step 6:

While completing the tooling of the brick joints, it is necessary to brush it with a light whisk brush to smooth out the surface of the mortar.