By Bruno Venichand, J. Perry & Sons — Florida CGC1540699
Stone veneer entrance columns in South Florida cost $3,250–$5,250 per column installed when the stone goes over an existing block or stucco column, and $5,500–$8,500 per column when the column is built new from block on a footing. The stone itself runs $38–$65 per sq ft installed. A pair of 24x24 driveway columns, 6 feet tall, with cast caps and lights, typically lands at $8,000–$13,000. This guide from J. Perry & Sons stone veneer installation covers the ranges we quote in Broward and Palm Beach.
Stone veneer column cost by size and scope
| Column | Stone area (approx.) | Veneer over existing column | Build new + veneer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16x16, 5 ft tall (walkway or porch) | 27 sq ft | $1,750–$2,500 | $3,250–$4,500 |
| 24x24, 6 ft tall (driveway entrance) | 48 sq ft | $2,500–$3,750 | $4,750–$6,750 |
| 30x30, 7 ft tall (estate gate pillar) | 70 sq ft | $3,500–$5,250 | $6,250–$8,500 |
| Cast stone or precast cap, per column | $300–$525 | $300–$525 | |
| Column light, fixture plus electrical from a nearby source | $475–$800 | $475–$800 | |
| Gate hinge post embedded in column | +$800–$1,500 |
Ranges include prep of the existing column, lath and scratch coat where needed, the stone, mortar, corners and installation. For a new column: footing, block, fill and rebar, then the veneer. Gate hardware, the gate itself, and trenching for electrical beyond a few feet are separate. Ironwork and gates are by our railing and gate partner.
What a stone veneer column quote is made of
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Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or email jperrysonsgc@gmail.com with project photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.
A column is almost all corners. A 24x24 column has four outside corners running the full height, so the stone takes more corner pieces per square foot than any wall, and corners cost more than field stone. That is why a 48 sq ft column costs more than 48 sq ft of stone on a flat wall.
- Prep. An existing stucco column is roughened or lathed; a block column gets a scratch coat. A damaged column (cracked at the base, leaning, hollow stucco) is repaired first.
- Stone. Ledger panel, stacked ledgestone, cut limestone or coral stone, or a full-bed fieldstone. See the stone veneer installation guide for product types. Material runs $16–$29 per sq ft plus corners at $12–$17 per linear foot.
- Install. Corners set first, field stone fitted between, in a polymer-modified veneer mortar over a cured scratch coat. Grouted joints or dry-stack, depending on the stone.
- Cap. A cast stone, precast concrete, slab or limestone cap with a drip edge, set in mortar and sealed. The cap is what keeps water out of the column; a column with no cap and an open top is a column that will stain and crack.
- Sealer. A penetrating sealer on natural stone, especially near a sprinkler.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or email jperrysonsgc@gmail.com. Send a photo of the columns and the width across the driveway and we'll give you a range the same day.
Building new columns
When there is no column to veneer, we build one: a poured footing sized for the column and soil, 8x8x16 block laid to the height, cells filled with concrete and rebar, then the veneer. A gate post inside the column gets a steel post set in the footing and tied to the block. New columns are $5,500–$8,500 each depending on size and whether a gate hangs on them. Two new 24x24 driveway columns with caps and lights are usually $10,000–$15,000 complete.
Column stone that fits South Florida homes
- Coral stone and keystone for Mediterranean and Old Florida homes; light, cool, matches limestone trim. See coral stone veneer.
- Stacked ledgestone in gray or tan for contemporary and Key West style homes.
- Cut limestone or travertine panels for a smooth, formal look.
- Manufactured stone when budget is the deciding factor; good products are hard to tell from natural at the street.
Matching the columns to the house is usually the point. We often do the columns, a stone band on the front elevation and an outdoor kitchen face in the same stone in one trip.
South Florida conditions that affect entrance columns
Sprinklers. The number one cause of stained, efflorescent column bases is an irrigation head hitting the stone twice a day. Redirect the head or add a drip zone before the stone goes on.
Salt air and rain. East of US-1, a penetrating sealer on natural stone and a proper cap with a drip edge are not optional.
Hurricanes. A veneered column is not a wind issue, but a gate on a column is. The post in the footing is sized for the gate's weight and wind load.
HOA. Entrance columns face the street, and most HOAs in Broward and Palm Beach require an application with a stone sample and a drawing. We prepare the drawing; the owner submits. Allow 2–4 weeks.
Permits. Veneering an existing column is a finish and does not usually require a permit. A new column on a footing, electrical for lights, or a gate typically does, and we pull it.
Timeline for stone veneer entrance columns
- Veneer over two existing columns, with caps: 2–3 days
- Two new block columns with veneer, caps and lights: 5–8 working days including footing cure
- Add HOA and permit time before the start
The driveway stays usable except for the hours the mixer and staging are in it.
How to keep the column cost in range
- Keep the existing columns if they are plumb and solid; building new is double the price.
- Pick one stone for columns, house accents and outdoor kitchen so the corners and lot match.
- Choose a stock cast cap over a custom-cut slab cap.
- Fix the sprinkler before the stone goes on.
- Run the electrical for lights while the footing trench is open, even if the fixtures come later.
Stone veneer columns by city
- Stone veneer in Southwest Ranches
- Stone veneer in Parkland
- Stone veneer in Davie
- Stone veneer in Weston
- Stone veneer in Wellington
- Stone veneer in Boca Raton
- Stone veneer in Jupiter
- Stone veneer in Palm Beach Gardens
Related guides: Stone veneer entrance columns and gate pillars · Exterior stone veneer cladding · Stone veneer vs stucco and paint
Stone veneer entrance columns cost — FAQ
How much does it cost to put stone on entrance columns? $3,250–$5,250 per column to veneer an existing block or stucco column, including the cap. A pair of 24x24 driveway columns is typically $5,500–$8,000 veneered, before lights.
How much do new stone driveway columns cost? $5,500–$8,500 per column built new from a footing and block, with veneer and cap. Two columns with lights usually run $10,000–$15,000.
Can you put stone veneer over stucco columns? Yes, if the stucco is sound. It is roughened or covered with lath and a scratch coat, then the stone is set. Hollow or cracked stucco is repaired first.
Do I need HOA approval for stone columns? In most Broward and Palm Beach communities, yes, because they face the street. A sample and a drawing are usually enough; we prepare them.
How do I get an exact price? Call (561) 556-7509 or email photos and rough dimensions to jperrysonsgc@gmail.com. A written estimate is typically ready within 24–48 hours after a site review and scope confirmation.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or email jperrysonsgc@gmail.com. Licensed Florida general contractor CGC1540699. Serving Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Free Estimate
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or email jperrysonsgc@gmail.com with project photos, the city, approximate dimensions, and material selections.
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