Gargoyles On Fence Columns

For 2002, we put gargoyles on the columns of our graveyard fence. This page tells how we went about fastening the two together.

Concept and Design
Construction
Painting
Working And Storage Support
Attaching Gargs
Result
Related Pages

Concept and Design

Since we had some gargoyles and some big, solid fence columns, we set out to marry the two together.

We decided to make a base for each gargoyle, matching the top of his column, with a lip protruding down. The lip would "snap on" to the top of the column. The gargoyle's internal PVC skeleton would be attached to the plate.

For purposes of storage, and theft prevention while unattended, the base is easily removed from the column, and the gargoyle kept separate.

Construction

The main element of the base was masonite left over from fence column construction and roughly 16x16".

This was surrounded with L-shaped wooden molding, forming a lip that snaps down over the top of the column.

The molding was glued on with Liquid Nails brand construction adhesive. They make several types. We used "Construction and Remodeling".

[photo] We used ever so many clamps to hold the bases together while the adhesive dries.

Painting

In order to protect the masonite from weather, beautify, and disguise its true nature, we applied a lot of paint.

We used two coats of an oil-based exterior primer for protection from the elements.

We have heard that latex rubber (like the garg skins) is attacked by grease and oil. Uncertain as to whether dried oil paint constituted a problem, we added a layer of latex exterior house paint to protect the garg skin.

Working And Storage Support

During the off-season, the gargoyles would be sitting around on their bases. We didn't like the idea of all the weight being pressed down on the molding "lip".

We decided to find some low-cost rectangular supports that would lift and support the bases during storage.

[photo] We found some small storage tubs at the 99-Cent Store that worked well.

[photo] With the garg assembly perched on the plastic tub, it can be stored or easily worked on.

Attaching Gargs

The gargoyle's internal PVC skeleton is fastened securely to the base.

The cheapest way to do this is to drive drywall screws up from under the base into the PVC. We decided on a slightly more complex approach, for no really good reason.

We used U-shaped metal "pipe straps" over the PVC and attached to the base via machine screws coming up through the base. We used three such attachments per garg.

quantity
per garg
part

3 1/2" galvanized pipe strap

6 #10-24 x 3/4" flat-head machine screw

6 5/16" washer

6 #10-24 nut

[photo] Note that we chose the washer so that the tapered head of the flat-head machine screw would settle into the hole, with little or no screw head protruding.