Course Description

In this video, we’ll demonstrate how to build a decorative patio wall using Polycor Garden Wall product, cut from solid blocks of Indiana Limestone Full Color Blend direct from Polycor’s Indiana Limestone quarry. This is a double sided split-faced wall product that comes in standard 3” and 6” heights by 8” widths and random lengths. The sawn tops and bottoms allow the wall to be easily built by simply stacking pieces on top of each other, creating a tight-fitting joint for a dry stack appearance without having to split and chisel every piece. Top off the finished pillars with a Polycor Hardscapes & Masonry Pillar Cap using the same stone, or use a different color for contrast.

Creating Stunning Stone Pillars with Indiana Limestone Garden Walls

When it comes to outdoor living spaces, there’s no better way to accent a surrounding landscape than with genuine natural stone. Indiana Limestone, America’s building stone, offers unmatched beauty that will stand up over time, lasting for multiple generations while adding timeless elegance to any property.

Pillars represent one of the most versatile and impactful elements in landscape design. These vertical features add depth to any space and make exceptional border definitions, whether used along property lines, as part of fence systems, or integrated into driveway designs. With or without integrated lighting, stone pillars create dramatic focal points that enhance both daytime aesthetics and nighttime ambiance.

Versatile Design with Garden Wall Blocks

Using Polycor’s Garden Wall product opens up multiple configuration possibilities for pillar construction. This double-sided split-faced material comes in standard 3″ and 6″ heights by 8″ widths and random lengths, providing the flexibility needed to create pillars that perfectly complement your landscape design vision.

The beauty of working with Garden Wall blocks lies in their authentic split-face texture on both sides, ensuring your pillars look professionally crafted from every angle. The varied heights and random lengths allow for creative stacking patterns that can accommodate different architectural styles, from formal estate entrances to casual garden features.

Whether you’re planning standalone pillars as landscape anchors or incorporating them into larger hardscape projects, the consistent quality and natural variation of Indiana Limestone ensures each installation will be unique while maintaining the timeless character that makes natural stone so desirable.

Foundation Requirements for Lasting Performance

Typically, 6″ to 8″ of compacted aggregate base is required to provide a firm foundation for pillar installations. This substantial foundation prevents settling and ensures your pillars remain plumb and stable for decades, even through freeze-thaw cycles that can compromise lesser materials.

However, modern installation techniques offer efficient alternatives for specific applications. In this project, the pillars are part of a Garden Wall system installed over existing granite pavers set on EZBase, a high-density foam panel that replaces traditional compacted aggregate-base installations. This innovative approach eliminates extensive excavation while providing excellent support and drainage.

The EZBase extends 12″ beyond both the wall and pillars for added support, creating a stable platform that distributes loads evenly across the entire installation. This extended base is particularly important for pillar applications, where concentrated vertical loads require broader support than typical wall installations.

Planning and Dimensioning Your Pillar

Proper planning begins with establishing the pillar’s relationship to surrounding elements. In this installation, the pillar is centered on the wall, creating visual balance while maintaining structural integrity. The pillar dimension was determined by working backward from the cap size and desired overhang.

Using a Polycor 20″ x 20″ x 2″ Indiana Limestone Wall Cap and allowing for a 2″ overhang as a guide, the pillar dimension was set at 16″ x 16″. This sizing provides substantial visual presence while maintaining proper proportions relative to the wall height and surrounding landscape elements.

The 2″ overhang on all sides serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Visually, it creates the classic proportions found in traditional masonry construction, while functionally, it directs water away from the pillar joints, protecting the installation from moisture infiltration that could cause freeze-thaw damage.

Essential Layout and Preparation Steps

Square up the first course of the pillar before proceeding with subsequent courses. This initial accuracy is critical since any errors will compound as the pillar rises, potentially creating visible problems that are difficult to correct later in the installation process.

Begin the installation process by dry laying several courses of blocks to establish the stacking pattern and identify any cuts that may be necessary. This planning phase allows you to visualize the finished pillar while determining the best use of available block lengths and heights.

During dry fitting, pay particular attention to cutting and grinding the mating split faces to draw joints together properly. Tight, well-fitted joints distinguish professional installations from amateur attempts and ensure long-term structural integrity.

Critical First Course Preparation

Begin by damp-proofing the bottom of the first course of blocks only – no other damp-proofing is necessary for upper courses. This moisture barrier prevents capillary action from drawing ground moisture up into the limestone, protecting against potential freeze-thaw damage and efflorescence. Mix the damp-proofing according to manufacturer recommendations for optimal performance.

The first course establishes the foundation for your entire pillar, so take extra care to ensure it’s perfectly level and square. Any irregularities at this stage will telegraph through the entire installation, potentially creating structural and aesthetic problems.

Advanced Splitting and Fitting Techniques

Some block ends will arrive pre-split while others will require mechanical splitting either with a chisel or hydraulic splitter, which is recommended for consistent results. The hydraulic splitter provides cleaner, more predictable splits that better match the natural texture of factory-split faces.

When using hand tools, work carefully to avoid over-splitting or creating irregular surfaces that won’t fit together properly. Practice on scrap pieces if you’re unfamiliar with the stone’s splitting characteristics, as Indiana Limestone can have subtle variations that affect how it responds to splitting forces.

Precision Installation Process

Alternate courses carefully, paying close attention to corners to ensure they line up vertically throughout the pillar height. Use a level frequently to check both individual courses and the overall pillar alignment. Corner alignment is particularly critical in pillar construction since irregularities are visible from multiple angles.

Chisel when necessary to align corners perfectly – small adjustments during installation prevent major problems later. Take time with these detail corrections, as they determine the professional quality of your finished pillar.

After achieving proper fit and alignment, begin gluing blocks in place using Structure Bond polyurethane adhesive, a super-strength foam adhesive that replaces traditional masonry adhesives while bonding blocks in just 8 minutes. This advanced adhesive technology allows rapid installation progress while providing superior bonding strength.

The fast cure time reduces the risk of blocks shifting during installation while eliminating extended waiting periods between courses. Apply the adhesive according to manufacturer specifications, ensuring complete coverage while avoiding excess that could squeeze out and compromise the finished appearance.

Professional Cap Installation

When the desired height is reached, the final step involves installing the pillar cap with precision and care. Glue and lay the pillar cap in place, checking for equal overhang on all four sides. This final element transforms the pillar from a stack of blocks into a finished architectural feature.

Use measuring tools to ensure the overhang is consistent on all sides – even small variations will be noticeable and detract from the professional appearance. The cap installation is your opportunity to correct minor irregularities in the pillar body while creating the crisp, finished look that distinguishes quality stonework.

Long-Term Value and Beauty

Stone pillars constructed with Polycor’s Indiana Limestone Garden Wall blocks represent investments in lasting beauty that will enhance your property for generations. Unlike manufactured alternatives that may deteriorate or become dated, natural limestone actually improves with age, developing character through natural weathering while maintaining structural integrity.

These pillars will serve as enduring landmarks in your landscape, providing focal points that anchor your outdoor design while adding substantial value to your property. Whether standing alone or integrated with walls and other hardscape features, limestone pillars create the kind of timeless elegance that never goes out of style.