Seven Ways to Add Elegance with Stone Pillars
If you want to add drama and style to your outdoor landscape, nothing makes as strong a statement as a set of stone pillars. You can use pillars in many different ways around your outdoor area.
You don’t need a huge yard or entrance to add these elements. Stone pillars come in any size and in a wide variety of colors. Read on for ideas on giving your landscaping the natural elegance of stone.
Add Instant, Long-Lasting Beauty
Stone pillars give an instant upgrade to your landscaping. Whether they’re crafted of natural stone or stone veneer, they bring elegance and natural charm.
Better yet, this beauty is maintenance-free. Stone needs very little care. You’ll have to check it on occasion for any signs of cracks or shifting, especially after a cycle of winter freezes and thaws. Other than that, you can enjoy the beauty of your stone pillar with little worry.
Entrance Gates
Adding pillars to an entrance gate is the classic way to add impact to an entrance. Flanking an iron or wooden gate, these pillars make a definite impression. Pillars also add a layer of security, closing off any gaps in the entryway. You can choose the pillars of any size or stone color to make your entry stand out.
Mark Outside Areas
You can use pillars to mark the entrance to a separate area of your yard. This creates a romantic archway that directs people to the areas you want to highlight. Freestanding pillars can guide walkers to a pool, gazebo or interior garden. For even more charm, add a stone pathway.
Driveway
Set up a stone pillar at the edge of your driveway, where it meets the road. This is a great-looking, sturdy place to put your house numbers. You can even have the numbers carved into the stone, creating a permanent marker that will outlast any weather.
You can also set your mailbox on this pillar, or on a separate one on the other side of your driveway. You’ll create a great-looking, useful entrance.
Fence Corners
Don’t settle for ordinary-looking fences. Using stone pillars on the corners will give your fences a rustic look that blends beautifully with the natural landscape. Reminiscent of the stone fenceposts of European farms, these pillars have the added benefit of strengthening your fences.
Outdoor Lighting
Stone pillars to hold lights are a sharp-looking solution to a practical problem. Add stone pillars of varying heights anywhere you need more illumination.
You can install lighting fixtures inside the pillar or place pedestal lights on the pillar tops. Another option is to install a lighting strip under the lip of the pillar to create a soft glow.
Stairs
Give your stairs an upgraded look with stone pillars. Set at either end of the bottom stairs, they make an excellent way to mark the transition from one part of the garden or yard to another. Use them to mark the start of the pool area or outdoor dining area.
Pillar Materials
When you’re adding a stone pillar, you can either use natural stone or a base material, usually concrete, covered in stone veneer. Solid stone is higher in cost and takes longer to install.
Not a DIY Project
Whether you choose solid or veneer, you should not attempt to build a stone pillar yourself. Doing so involves setting the base, using the correct mortar and setting the stones or veneer. A professional mason will ensure that your stone pillar is properly constructed and built to last.
If you’re interested in adding stone pillars to your yard, contact Capital Masonry. Our family-owned company has built pillars for customers all over the D.C., Virginia, and Maryland areas. We bring knowledge, experience and award-winning customer service to all of our jobs. From pillars to posts, we’ll get it done right.