- 1). Cut the 4-by-4 post to the desired length for your column, minus 1 1/2 inches, on a miter saw. Set the saw to 90 degrees for a smooth, square cut. Sand the surface of the post with a random orbit sander, making two passes. Use 100-grit sandpaper for the first pass to smooth out any roughness on your lumber and lightly sand over the corners to smooth them; sand the ends as well. Make the second pass with 150-grit sandpaper to finish.
- 2). Cut eight pieces of 3/4 inch thick baseboard to 5 inches long with 45 degree miters at both ends -- one right and one left. Position the baseboard on the miter saw table with its bottom edge down and its back against the fence. Make the miter cuts down, through the height of the molding, so that the back face is 3 1/2 inches wide, with the front tapering out to 5 inches.
- 3). Apply wood glue to the back of the baseboard pieces and nail them around the top and bottom edgees of the column. Align the molding pieces with their flat bottom edges flush with the top face at the top and the bottom face at the bottom. Use 1 1/2 inch nails in a pneumatic pin nailer. Fill the nail holes with wood filler and allow it to dry.
- 4). Cut two 6 1/2-inch squares from a piece of 1-by-8 hardwood with the same grain as the baseboard you used, using the miter saw. Sand the squares on all four edges with 150-grit sandpaper until completely smooth. Apply wood glue and center the squares on the top and bottom ends of your column and nail them in place. Fill the nail holes with wood filler.
- 5). Sand the wood filler smooth. Wipe the column with a tack cloth to remove the dust. Apply two coats of semigloss latex paint, or all-in-one stain and clear finish in your choice of color to the column. Work with a soft bristle, medium width brush in long straight strokes. Spread the finish evenly to prevent runs. Allow two hours of drying time between coats.
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