Installation Guide

23
Column Estimating and Installation
Center opening
Course A
Course B
The hollow core for wiring
electricity or mounting post
is approximately 3" x 3"
If project will be on top of existing paver or concrete base, consider the weight that is being
added and adequacy of existing base to bear the load. Proceed to step 3 for first course layout.
1. Stake out area and create trench – Dig trench 23 inches wide x 23 inches long x 8 inches deep for
the leveling pad.
2. Leveling pad – Add a 2-inch layer of base material in the bottom of the trench; rake out and firmly
compact. Repeat as needed for finished compacted base depth of 4 inches. Use a carpenter’s level to
level base material along the trench; check the level every few feet.
3. Base course – Build course A, placing first block with the face and textured end facing out and each
positioned 4 inches away from two adjoining sides of the trench. Rotate next block 90-degrees and
interlock with first block. Continue with blocks to complete the course.
4. Subsequent courses – Check to make sure all textured sides are facing out. Clean any debris off
the blocks and glue all courses with exterior-grade concrete adhesive as shown on page 17. Alternate
courses B,A,B,A to maintain staggered bond until project’s height is reached.
5. Capping column – Choose a cap option for your column see page 16. Clean debris off the top course.
Use an exterior-grade concrete adhesive on block to secure caps in place. If using pavers as accent detail,
have score line facing down on the top course. If layering caps, similarly secure each one in place with
adhesive. Cap(s) should overhang column by one to three inches.
If installing column project in ground instead of on existing patio, base material is required for buried course:
calculate volume of base material
volume of base (cu. in.)
cu. in. of base material
_
:
1,728
=
=
total cu. ft. of base material
# of
columns
______X2,116=
X
compensation
for compaction
compensation for compaction
1.25
Quick Reference Chart
trench base
volume (cu. in.)
*Including base course but excluding the cap
1 Course/base course (4") 4
2 Courses (8") 8
3 Courses (1') 12
4 Courses (1'4") 16
5 Courses (1'8") 20
6 Courses (2') 24
7 Courses (2'4") 28
8 Courses (2'8") 32
9 Courses (3') 36
10 Courses (3'4") 40
11 Courses (3'8") 44
12 Courses (4') 48
Number of
Number of Courses (Height) Blocks Needed