Reinforcing a Brick Lamp Post

Deciding to Reinforce

• Not all brick lamp posts require reinforcement. Whether the bricks form the base of the post or a decorative veneer that conceals a poured cement or concrete block base, reinforcement is only necessary if the wall is higher than 3 feet. You can build a low base that anchors the lamp post in your yard with bricks and mortar without any special reinforcement. Taller walls require metal reinforcement to account for the added weight of more bricks.

Reinforcing With Rods

• There are two major options for reinforcing a brick lamp post. The first is steel rod reinforcement. This is mainly an option if you're building a brick column with a lamp fixture on top. To strengthen the post, leave a space between the brick column that forms its center and the bricks that form the outer layer. Position steel rode vertically in this hollow space and pour concrete or grout around them. The steel will give added strength to the entire column, allowing you to build taller and place a heavy light fixture on top.

Reinforcing With Ties

• Another option for reinforcing a brick lamp post is using masonry ties. Masonry ties are metal devices that set into the spaces between rows, or courses, of bricks. The other end of each tie sets into the wall behind the bricks, such as the cinder block center of a brick veneer lamp post base. Install masonry ties as you work upward, first between courses of cinder blocks, then between corresponding courses of exterior bricks.

Considerations

• In both types of reinforcement, metal elements add strength to the brick lamp post, which has its weakest points where its mortar joints hold bricks together. A metal lamp post eliminates these weak points and offers a more slender support for an outdoor light fixture. Another alternative to reinforcing brick lamp posts is installing lamps on existing walls, such as brick garden walls or the exterior of your home.