- 1). Measure the distance that determines the length of your square wooden column. Subtract 3 inches from this measurement and cut four pieces of the 1-by-10-inch lumber to this length.
- 2). Lay the pieces cut in Step 1 on a flat surface. Starting from one end measure and make a mark every 16 inches. Count the number of marks you draw and cut the same number of 8 ½-inch square pieces for the interior of the column.
- 3). Run a bead of glue on one of the edges of an 8 ½-inch square from Step 2. Place it against the 1 by 10-inch pieces from Step 1 and secure it with the 8d finish nails. Repeat this until you have all of them secured.
- 4). Next run a bead of glue on the edges on the same side of the squares and lay another piece of lumber from Step 1 and secure it to the squares and the previously secured 1 by 10 with the 8d finish nails. Repeat this until all four sides of the column have been secured to the squares and to each other.
- 5). Cut two pieces of lumber from the 2 by 12 so they will be exactly 11 ¼ inches square. Set one aside and secure one of these on one end of the column using the 3-inch drywall screws. Be careful not to split the square on the column to which it is attached.
- 6). Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for each column needed. Set all the nail heads with the nail set and fill the holes with putty. Once the putty is dry, sand it with the electric sander and 100 grit sandpaper.
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