Graveyard Entrance

2022's newest addition!
A special thanks to my friend, Joe Marquez, for the inspiration and guidance (and patiently answering my endless questions) during the build process! And to Jennifer Clark for her mock-up and help with the Colors.

I've been wanting to build entrance pillars to my graveyard for several years. This is my concept design.

I built the basic structure of each pillar using 2x2's and 2x4's, leaving openings in the bases for an electrical access door. The pillars are hollow in order to house lighting and electrical for special effects. Each side is unique depending on what will be inserted into it or hung on it.

The tall pillars are wrapped in 1/8th inch luan board for added support before adding the foam panels.

The small pillars are also wrapped in 1/8th inch luan board.

I wrapped the pillars with 1" dense insulation foam using Glidden Gripper as the adhesive. Each side had to dry overnight with weights and clamps.

This is the basic frame for the crown of the tall pillar.

This is the wrapped and partially trimmed view of the tall pillars' crown.

The tall pillars break down into three separate pieces for easy storage & transport: the crown, the pillar, and the base. The small pillars and crowns are a complete unit.

I used a Dremel with a 1/4" depth collar to cut the foam into bricks.

I used a hot knife to bevel the edges of the brick tiles

I textured the brick tiles with a mist of water (applied with a spray bottle) and a heat gun.

I purchased No Dig Empire Fence pieces from the big box store and cut it to size using a grinder.

The base is constructed using 2x6 lumber and 3/4" plywood on front and back with 2" dense insulation foam in the center.

I left spacing between the foam center section to leave slots for the fence pieces to slide in. Then, we added 1" dense insulation foam to wrap the outside.

I used 3/4" x 3" pine to create the trim on the top and bottom of the wall. I then used a router to round the edges of the trim strips.

The top of the wall pieces are then capped with 1/8" luan board. Holes were marked and cut for the gate pieces to slide into.

The structure coming together.

I drew the stones on the foam and then cut them using a Dremel with a collar at 1/4" depth

I used an oscillating multi tool to remove the mortar lines and bevel the edges of the stones.

I used a rasp and wire brush to create the shapes and textures of the stones.

I used a Dremel with a small wire brush bit to create crumbling texture in the mortar lines.

I purchased a used king-size headboard on Facebook Marketplace to serve as the entrance sign.

I cut down the board to the desired shape and added trim pieces to the unfinished edges.

My cousin's son cut the letters for me using his home-made CNC machine and used a hand-held router to bevel the edges.
For more information, visit his page at FrawstedCreations

The letters are placed and the sign is decorated with pieces from a vintage Bentwood rocking chair and a large foam skull.

I used GreatStuff foam to fill in all cracks and seams.
(Kudos to mom for assisting me every step of the way)

After shaving down the GreatStuff foam, I used DAP weatherproofing caulk to seal every seam and crack.

I had to use a Q-tip in order to reach the small openings around the letters.

Ready to prime.
(BTW the foaming and caulking took 7 days!)

My son, Justin, used his air sprayer to apply the primer

Before Primer

After Primer

Mom Hand Painting the Grooves

Blake Rolling the Surfaces

Base Coat Finished on Small Pillars

Base Coat Finished on Large Pillars

Sponge Painted in Various Shades of Brown, Leaving the Grooves Dark Brown

Sponge Painted Some Brick Red Color for Accents

Brick Red for Accents

TO BE CONTINUED!

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