How to Make Wood Pillars

Cutting Post and Trim

• 1

  Measure and mark a post to length for the height of pillar you want, minus 1 1/2 inches. Cut the post off on the mark at 90 degrees with a miter saw.

• 2

  Select baseboard, or casing molding: three-fourths of an inch thick and 4 inches to 6 inches tall for the end details of your pillar. Cut eight pieces 5 inches long and miter both ends at 45 degrees, with the molding standing on its bottom edge, and the back of the molding against the saw fence.

• 3

  Set the saw to cut the miters, so that the long edge of the miter is aligned with the front corner of the molding. Make the cut angle out from the center of the piece, to make the bottom front edge longest.

Assembling the Pillar

• 4

  Apply wood glue to the back of the molding the mitered corners. Fit four pieces at either end of the pillar, with the flat bottom edge flush with the end of the pillar. Match up the mitered corners to create 90-degree corners on all four corners of the pillar. Nail the molding in place with three 1 1/2 inch pin nails through each piece.

• 5

  Cut three-fourths-inch thick hardwood lumber on the miter saw to 6 1/2 inch squares, one for each end of each pillar. Glue and nail one square to each end of each pillar, centered to overhang three-fourths of an inch on each side. Use six pin nails in each end.

• 6

  Fill the nail holes with solvent-based wood filler and a flexible putty knife. Allow the filler to dry for 15 minutes, then sand it smooth with 150-grit sandpaper. Sand the remaining surface of the pillar with a random orbit sander.