How to Do These Things

Columns have long been used in architecture as a decorative and practical feature of a structure. Masons of ancient times use these support-bearing formations to build magnificent structures from which modern architects draw inspiration.

All columns must stand on footing to distribute the column�s load evenly to the ground. Technology has eliminated the need for most columns in most structures today. Nonetheless, their decorative function has remained. They are now common features in homes, gardens, and gazebos.

Required Materials

• 2 x 4 wood stock
• plywood
• cement, with and without gravel filling
• liquid rubber material
• chicken coop wire
• dyes, stains or paints
• water
• heavy sheet plastic
• 5-gallon pail
• heavily bristled masonry brush gloves

Required Tools

• trowel
• wheel barrel
• wire brush

Steps to Build a Column Footing

1. As this is a decorative column and footing, exact calculations for its size and sheer load is not necessary as a weight-bearing column would require it. Select a desirable location and mark off a part of that area 8 inches larger than the column�s footing. The most commonly used designs for footings are circular and square designs.
2. Dig out a 12-inch hole in the area where the footing will be placed. The hole should be in the shape of the footing and 2 inches bigger than its actual size.
3. Use the 2 x 4 wood stock to create a panel for each edge of the footing. Attach a piece of plywood to the side that covers the frame from outer edge to outer edge. Cut out your form for the footing and fasten it to the panel.
4. Attach a 2-inch wide board to the outside edge of each panel. Place the panel with the form installed, making sure that the outside of the form is on the ground. Level the panel with scrap wood stock.
5. Use quick drying liquid rubber coating to coat the insides of the form and frame. This will prevent the sculpture from cracking and chipping as the frame and form is removed later on. Let the coating dry.
6. Mix the cement without the gravel filling. Pour the cement into the frame form. Fill it up just below the panel�s outer walls.
7. Mix the cement with the gravel filler. Pour 4 inches of the cement into the hole and set the column into it. Allow the cement to set and dry.
8. Join the panels together in the hole prepared earlier. Take care not to let the sculpture fall away from the form.
9. Mix both types of cement in equal amounts. This time make the gravel- filled cement slightly firmer than usual. Measure the amount of water you will use but use only � to 2/3 of it. Pour � of this mixture into the form and hole. Keep it close to the column as much as possible whilst keeping a �-inch area open. Pour the smooth cement into the opening. Then gently pour the remaining water from the gravel mixture onto the smooth cement filling. Set a chicken wire around the column on top of the cement combination layer.
10. Repeat the process until the form is 3 inches below the full point of the form.
11. Remove the wood stock and the form after the column footing has set. Peel away the rubber coating from the footing. Once the footing is firmly set, gently remove any lose materials with a wire brush. Brush everything with the fine masonry brush for the finishing.

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