How to Build an Outdoor Pole Lamp

Lamp Box

• 1

  Cut two 10-inch squares from the 1-by-10-inch pine using a circular saw.

• 2

  Smooth the edges of the squares using 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe off the square using a tacky cloth.

• 3

  Measure 12-inch sections on the 48-inch dowel rod using a measuring tape. Cut the four pieces using a circular saw.

• 4

  Sand the edges of the dowel rod using 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe off the rods using a tacky cloth.

• 5

  Lay the 10-inch squares, the dowel rods, the 6-inch square and the doorknob on a flat surface covered in newspaper.

• 6

  Cover all pieces with a wood primer. Allow it to dry completely.

• 7

  Measure and draw an 9-inch square on a piece of heavy-weight paper. Cut out the square.

• 8

  Center the paper square on top of one of the 10-inch wood squares and trace around it.

• 9

  Place a drop of adhesive on the end of one wooden dowel. Position the dowel straight up in one corner of the traced square on the 10-inch wood square. Hold the dowel firmly for one minute. Repeat the process to install the other three dowels on the other corners. Wipe away extra adhesive with a rag. Allow the dowels to dry for one hour.

• 10

  Center the 6-inch wood square on top of the other 10-inch wood square. Apply adhesive to the back of the square and hold in place for one minute. Wipe away any extra adhesive with a rag. Apply adhesive to the bottom of the doorknob and center that on top of the 6-inch wood square. Hold it in place for one minute. Wipe away extra adhesive with a rag.

• 11

  Apply a drop of adhesive to the tops of the dowel rods. Carefully position the other 10-inch square on top of the dowel rods. Hold firmly in place for one minute. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a rag. Let the lantern dry for one hour.

• 12

  Paint the lantern using a high-gloss black exterior wood paint. Allow the paint to dry completely. Lay the lantern on its side to paint the underside and bottom.

Lamp

• 13

  Soak the glass jar in warm soapy water to remove the label and glue. Lay it upside down on a dish towel to dry. Allow the jar to dry completely.

• 14

  Place the star template on the back of the sticky paper and trace around it. Cut out the template. Repeat the process for a second star.

• 15

  Center the sticky stars on the front and back of the glass jar.

• 16

  Spray the jar quickly and evenly with glass frosting spray and allow it to dry. Remove the sticky paper.

• 17

  Spray the jar lid with black metal spray paint.

Lamp Post

• 18

  Put the 10-inch wood post on a flat surface. Cover the post with wood primer. Allow the primer to dry completely.

• 19

  Paint the wood post with a high-quality black exterior stain. Let the paint dry completely.

• 20

  Ask an assistant to hold the lamp pole upright and steady.

• 21

  Secure the lamp box to the pole using one 2 1/2-inch wood screw at each corner.

• 22

  Install the lamp post in the desired location. Place the jar lamp inside the lamp box.