Create a Halloween centerpiece or room decoration by topping black pillars with miniature pumpkins. Mix post and spindle sections to make dozens of shapes.
Tools
Table saw, miter saw, or handsaw and miter box
120-grit and 180-grit sandpaper
Wood glue
Paintbrush
White chalk
Materials (from Lowe’s)
2-1/4-in x 2-1/4-in x 36-in Colonial treated deck spindle, #7954
4-in x 4-in x 54-in Colonial treated ball-top post, #42602
4-in x 4-in treated post cap, #7687
4-in x 4-in treated post cap, #7970
Valspar Signature interior satin paint, Safari Brown, #6009-1
Instructions
Step 1
You can cut and combine sections of the spindles and ball-top posts with post caps to create the height and shape of pillars you like. In the photo above, for example, the far left pillar combines post section A with two different post caps. The center left pillar combines sections A and B from two posts, and the two pillars on the right combine short versions of post section B with spindle section E. You can make pillars (not shown) from individual sections, such as post section C, post section D, and spindle section F.
Step 2
Cut spindles and posts at different locations along their turned profiles or the square sections. Note: When cutting spindles and posts, trim the flat, square sections last. You’ll need these to anchor the parts to the base and fence of a miter saw or the crosscut fence of a table saw.
Good to Know
When working with pressure-treated wood products, wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting the wood. Wash your hands after handling the wood, and launder clothes separately afterward. Never burn leftover scraps of treated wood; discard them with your trash.
Step 3
Use the 4-in-wide post or 2-1/4-in-wide spindle sections alone or in combinations, or mix sections of posts with spindles. You can also add post caps to serve as a base or display area for pumpkins. Where necessary, glue and clamp the sections together.
Step 4
Sand the spindle and post sections in the direction of the grain (wear a dust mask and eye protection). Then brush on a coat of paint — we used Valspar Signature in Safari Brown (#6009-1) — and let dry.
Step 5
Rub chalk over the painted pillars, working it into the grooves of the profile. Then use a soft cloth to wipe off the chalk until you achieve a look you like.
Step 6
Place pumpkin-shape gourds or small pumpkins on the flat tops of the pillars and group them as you like.
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