Ready to tackle a project that’s both eye-catching and surprisingly budget-friendly? If you're looking to create dramatic decor for your next party, holiday decorations, or a bit of flair in your home, faux stone columns are a fantastic way to elevate your space.
And the best part? We’ll show you exactly how to make faux stone columns using pool noodles. Yes, pool noodles—the kind you find floating in your backyard pool. With a little creativity and some basic supplies, you’ll turn this everyday item into something that looks like it came straight from Rome to your front door.
Gather Your Materials and Prep Your Work Area
Before you begin building your columns, gather all the necessary supplies and prepare an area to work in. A good space to consider is a garage or backyard—anywhere that is well-ventilated and has enough room for your supplies and to work comfortably. Columns are typically a large item, so keep that in mind.
Supplies You'll Need:
- 6–8 pool noodles (black swimming pool noodles or another color that suits your project)
- Contact cement
- Cardboard tube or PVC pipe
- Industrial adhesive, a nail gun, or duct tape
- Caulk
- Textured spray paint
- Scrap wood or heavy-duty cardboard (for the base and topper)
- Paint
- Crafting tools (scissors, utility knife, etc.)
Once you have all your materials, you’re ready to start bringing your columns to life.
Build the Core Structure
Cut the pool noodles lengthwise to create two half-cylinder pieces. These parts will create the rounded details around the bulk of your faux stone column. You can either wrap them vertically or spiral them around the cardboard tube or PVC pipe. Mark the first one and use it as a guide.
Use your chosen adhesive, whether that’s industrial adhesive, contact cement (recommended), or duct tape, to start attaching your pool noodles. For an even look, attach them right in the middle of your column structure so you have room for a cap and base. If you are using duct tape, make sure to reinforce the base heavily, especially if you are going for a column taller than four feet.
Spiraling Tip
When creating a spiral pattern, you’ll need to trim the ends flat where they meet the base and cap. Use a sharp utility knife and cut slowly for clean, even edges that will sit flush against your pieces.
Attach a Base and Cap
Every convincing stone column needs a proper foundation and crown. Cut your base from a wooden board or thick, sturdy cardboard, making it slightly wider than your column’s diameter. The cap should also be a little larger, especially if you plan to add decorative features like vases or plants on top.
Secure these pieces with a strong industrial adhesive or contact cement and ensure everything is level and squared. Next, use the caulk to fill in every crevice, giving the column a more realistic feel. This extra detail enhances the overall aesthetic and ensures the column looks polished from every angle.
Add Textured Spray Paint
Here’s where things start to get fun. To give your column the rugged, uneven appearance of real stone, generously apply texture spray paint over the pool noodle structure. Don’t worry about being perfect unless you want your column to look clean and sleek; otherwise a few imperfections only add to the column’s texture.
Add Spray Foam for Even More Texture
If you want to add specific patterns or indentations, use a putty knife or your gloved hands to mold the spray foam before it dries onto your column. Allow the foam to cure fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions before moving to the next step. Typically, this takes about 24 hours.
Pro Tip for Realistic Texture
For an extra-lifelike finish, use an old toothbrush or small paintbrush to create indentations in the semi-dry foam. This technique mimics the grooves and cracks found in natural stone.
Carve Out Stone Details
Once everything is dry and hard, it’s time to break out the utility knife or craft blade. Carefully carve lines and shapes into the foam to mimic the look of stacked stones. Just remember to make irregular shapes, as stones are never exactly alike.
This is a great opportunity to get creative! Want a more natural, weathered stone look? Carve deeper grooves into random spots. If you’re aiming for something sleek and symmetrical, keep your cuts shallow and neat, or don’t add any aging at all. This step is where your vision for the columns can start to come to life.
Prime and Paint Your Column
Now it’s time to prime and paint your faux stone column. Start by applying a base coat of primer to ensure the spray paint adheres properly to all the materials. Use a primer that is compatible with plastic and foam materials to avoid damage.
Granite or dark gray tones work well, but you can experiment with lighter colors or even metallic hues for a unique twist. Apply multiple thin coats for better coverage. Each coat should dry completely between applications, and use at least two coats, though three to four is best.
Add Shadowing and Highlights
This step takes your paintwork from amateur to professional. Using dry brush techniques, gently layer darker colors, such as black or dark brown, into the grooves to create shadows. For those of you who aren’t as skilled, try painting over the area and then immediately wiping it off for a similar look. For highlights, use a lighter shade of gray or even white to dust the edges of the “stones.”
Shading adds depth and realism while capturing the authentic character of stone. Stand back occasionally to assess your progress and make sure the shadows and highlights look natural.
Check the Sturdiness
Before declaring your project complete, test the column’s stability on different surfaces. It should stand securely on hardwood, tile, and carpet without wobbling. Pay special attention to safety if you have children or pets who might bump into or climb on the column. Add weight to the base if needed for extra stability.
Display Your Faux Stone Columns
Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to make faux stone columns using pool noodles! Now, use them as party decorations, theatrical props, seasonal displays, or permanent home decor.
Feel like you can take a dive into another project that uses pool noodles? Head to Honor Trading Company and explore their expansive variety of high-quality pool noodles that are perfect for a million crafting ideas. Take your creativity to new heights and view your options today!
