On Fri, 4 Dec 2009 10:25:35 -0000, "Muddymike"
wrote:

Brick pillars one foot square will only be stronger than the 4"
timber if steel reinforcing rods are incorporated. I have seen
none re enforced brick pillars simply break off at a low mortar
joint when used in the way you suggest.

The brick pillar outside my front door is about 1' square in section
and over 9' high.

It has held up the corner of a heavy, tiled roof for at least 35 years
without complaint or deterioration.
(Whether or not it is reinforced internally I know not) but some
pillars built like it is would be vastly overspecified for any pergola
I could imagine.


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