How to Make Concrete Base for Outside Fiberglass Columns

Fiberglass columns are architectural fixtures that, depending on the home's framing, may serve structural roles as well. Structural columns require a solid base if they are to be stable and effective. Just as concrete footings anchor your home's foundation, concrete bases anchor columns. But, unlike concrete footings, columns don't require scheduling a concrete truck and crew of workers to set up forms, pour the concrete and smooth it before it can be used.

Shovel
Tape measure
Cement
Two-by-four
Stakes
Hammer
Nails
Hand concrete float

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the location for the base by starting a small hole with the shovel.
- 2
  Cut the two-by-four into four equal pieces; the pieces should be 50 percent longer than the width of the column. For example, if the column is 8 inches in diameter, the pieces should be 12 inches long. Nail the two-by-four pieces together so that they form a square. This is your concrete form.
- 3
  Dig a hole 12 inches deep at the proposed location of the base and 50 percent wider than the column. Place the form around the hole, drive a stake alongside the square on each side and drive a nail through each stake to keep the form in place.
- 4
  Mix the concrete according to manufacturer instructions, and pour it into the hole up to the top of the form. Smooth the concrete with your hand float, and let it dry before placing the column.

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