How to Transition Round Concrete Piers to Square for a Block

There are times when, for various reasons, you might find the need to change the look of something seemingly permanent, like a concrete pier. Possibly, you have a structure built on round concrete piers but the overall look would be more aesthetically pleasing if the piers were square. Whether your motivation for making the transition from round piers to square is structural or cosmetic, the process is fairly simple and will result in squared-off piers that can be completed with a stucco finish, decorative rock or left with the plain, gray concrete finish.

2 - 2-inch by 12-inch studs, 12 inches long
2 - 2-inch by 12-inch studs, 15 inches long
Tape measure
Carpenter’s square
Grabber screws
Screwdriver
8 wooden stakes
Hammer
1 bag cement mix, 5 pounds
Large bucket
Shovel
Hand trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Form a 12-inch square frame out of the 2-inch by 12-inch boards, using the tape measure to make sure that the interior of the frame measures 12 inches square. The measurement for this frame is for example purposes and will create a 12-inch by 12-inch by 12-inch block pier. You will want to make a frame to the measurements you require depending on the size of the pier you are working with. Use the carpenter’s square to assure that the frame is perfectly square before securing the boards together with the screws.
- 2
  Dig down 1 inch to 2 inches around the pier with the shovel. Dig out a square roughly the same size as your frame, making it just a little bigger so that the frame will sit down 1 inch to 2 inches below the surface of the soil. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it does need to be big enough to accommodate your frame.
- 3
  Set the frame down over the pier. Center it using the tape measure to assure that the pier is in the exact middle of the frame.
- 4
  Secure the frame in place by pounding a wooden stake into the ground at each corner of the frame as well as along each side of the frame.
- 5
  Mix the cement in the bucket according to the instructions on the packaging.
- 6
  Scoop the concrete into the frame using the shovel. Fill the frame up to the top or at least to the top of the pier. Smooth the top of the wet concrete with the hand trowel.
- 7
  Allow the concrete to set up before removing the stakes and the frame.

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