Gate Columns and Fence Pillars
Making a grand entrance easy with stunning SMARTpillar modules.
There is something really special and inviting about a substantial front entrance. Something of substance and beauty rather than a timber or metal post.
There are a number of options available like brick, concrete besser blocks with or without render, heavy pre-cast concrete columns, heavy dimesional stone blocks, or there is SMARTpillars. None of these attractive options could be considered cheap. Some require trades for installation, and others require lifting equipment due to weight being beyond manhandling.
We have outlined some of the pros and cons on this page. We believe that SMARTpillars offers a simpler process in order to achieve a fantastic entry or fence enhancement. One that can be undertaken by most handy people. And one that requires little further maintance or ongoing painting to remain stunning.
SMARTpillar is the simple way to construct a gate column or fence pillar in stone.
Just stack on each other 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 or 6.
These column section modules are hollow, thus much lighter than solid stone blocks. This allows fast installation by simply stacking on top of each other to your desired height.requirement. Above is our standard module size. They are made to order and available in many of our stone finishes Other sizes can also be made to order as requested.
What are some of the options when it comes to creating a stunning gate entry or beautiful fence supports?
We all have different decorating tastes that dictate choice preferences. The eye of the beholder. And the size of our pockets also influences decisions. How costly are they with overall installation included? The following is a rough cost and effort comparison between some of the options for beautiful gate entry or enhancing a boundary fence.
Precast concrete pillars
Depending on size these pre-cast pillars and columns are made to full size and in pieces for larger ones. Being full cast they can be quite heavy at circa 200 to 300kgs each. That necessitates a hiab or crane for placement onto the slab support. For a 1200mm > 1500mm height expect to pay around $400 ex-supplier. Overall with installation it would be estimated at $700 > $800 each, assuming a hiab or crane is accessable. Some of these come with colour finish or require further painting.
Brick pillars
Unless you are handy with a trowel brick pillars will require a trades person to construct. Bricks/mortar materials would be circa $200 with labour estimate of $400 > $500.
Thus overall cost would be $600 > $700 each. Some bricks do cost more which would be evaluated in the value proposition of the purchase.
Compared to pre-cast units there is no lifting machinery or costs in this application.
Like the pre-cast pillars this could be done DIY if reasonably handy.
Then there is our SMARTpillar modules for DIY and trade.
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Natural real stone available in most of our stone range of finishes.
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Light weight at just 12kgs > 20kgs each depending on stone finish.
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Carefully mitred corners to mirror a full stone dimension block.
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Hollow centres for core filling where load strength is required.
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Easy install for a DIYer, just stack, glue and grout for a stunning result.
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Easily cut in half to fit over exisiting timber posts to enhance appeal.
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No cranes or hiabs needed, just one person with a little muscle
HOW MUCH? 1200mm height circa $600 > $700 including cap stone.
NOTE : For all cost assessment estimates here the assumption is all options require a base pad.
Stone pillars
Natural stone pillars can be made from dimension blocks, or with a besser block structure and a stone veneer applied to it. Aside from cost dimension blocks are very heavy at circa 140 > 200kgs each block, thus not generally used for such projects.
The cost of a concrete besser block base structure with a stone veneer would be circa $1000 assuming all was done by one tradesperson. Also the consideration of the corners being butt jointed or mitred. The latter however being much neater and nicer at a cost.
