A pillar is a heavy, vertical load-bearing structure of stone or concrete that absorbs forces from arches, vaults or beams and transfers them to the foundation. Unlike a column (which is often slender and round), a pillar is typically solid, rectangular and more robustly constructed.
Pillar vs. column vs. classical column
| Term | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| **Pillar** | Solid, rectangular or polygonal, brick or concrete, often part of a wall |
| **Column** | Slimmer, round or square, freestanding, concrete or steel |
| **Classical column** | Round, with base, shaft and capital, architectural/decorative |
| **Pilaster** | Flat pillar placed against a wall (not freestanding) |
Types of pillars
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| **Freestanding pillar** | Detached from the wall, carries arches or beams |
| **Wall pier** | Thickening in a wall for additional bearing capacity |
| **Compound pillar** | Multiple half-columns bundled into one pillar (Gothic churches) |
| **Bridge pier** | Carries the span of a bridge |
Where do you find pillars?
- Churches and cathedrals — the pillars carry the arches and vaults of the nave
- Bridges — bridge piers stand in the water and carry the bridge deck
- Cellars — brick pillars support the floor above
- Gates and fencing — brick pillars beside a driveway or garden gate
Building a brick pillar (garden gate or boundary)
When building a decorative pillar at a garden gate:
- Foundation — concrete pad, frost-free depth (600-800 mm)
- Determine the size — common: 1 x 1 brick or 1.5 x 1.5 brick
- Bond pattern — alternate the brick direction per course for a strong bond
- Reinforcement — for tall pillars, a steel core or concrete infill in the centre
- Coping — a natural stone or concrete coping on top to prevent water ingress
Related terms
- Column
- Classical column
- Pilaster
- Buttress
- Vault