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A decorative driveway marker adds charm and character to your property’s entrance while serving a practical purpose. A driveway marker’s blend of aesthetics and functionality can enhance your home’s curb appeal. With some carpentry skills and the right materials, you can create a beautiful marker that withstands the elements and complements your home. In the video above, This Old House contributor Christopher Beidel, owner of Pernt, a handmade-furniture company in Brooklyn, shows how to put all the pieces together. Making bevel cuts with a circular saw requires a steady hand, but assembly is a snap.
Overview of Building a Decorative Driveway Marker
Building a decorative driveway marker is a weekend project that can be completed in two days. You can cut the parts and make the decorative notch on the first day, then assemble the frame, attach the balusters, and paint the marker the next.
Download the cut list for this project for the wood cuts you’ll need before getting started.
Step 1: Rough Cut the Balusters for the Driveway Marker
Start by cutting the 1x3s into 16 pieces for the balusters using a miter saw. Follow the measurements provided in the cut list. Once cut, adjust the blade to 12 degrees and trim one end of each baluster. This angled cut will create a pleasing visual effect when the balusters are assembled.
Step 2: Trim Balusters to the Right Length for the Marker
Arrange eight rough-cut balusters on your work surface using 1-and-1/2-inch spacers between them. Align the angled ends against a board. Measure and mark the outside edge of the tallest baluster at 20 inches and the shortest at 14 inches. Use a straightedge to connect these points and mark cutlines across each baluster, as shown.
Cut each piece with your miter saw set to 90 degrees. Repeat this process for the second set of eight balusters, using the first set as a template. This method ensures consistency and saves time in the assembly phase.
Step 3: Crosscut the Center Post for a Driveway Marker
Measure and mark the 6×6 center post according to the cut list dimensions. Use a rafter square to transfer these dimensions around the post. Set your circular saw blade to its maximum depth and make a crosscut on each face. Complete the cut with a handsaw to ensure a clean, straight cut through the entire post.
Step 4: Bore an Anchor Hole for the Center Post of a Driveway Marker
To provide additional stability, you’ll create an anchor hole in the center post. Clamp the post securely to your work surface and mark the center point of the bottom. Using a 3/4-inch spade bit, drill into this point as far as the bit will go. This hole will later accommodate a steel rod for anchoring the marker in place.
Step 5: Mark the Notches To Lay Out the Center Post of a Driveway Marker
The center post requires two types of notches: a decorative horizontal notch around the top and a functional vertical notch at the back. Mark the cutlines for both notches carefully. The horizontal notch is decorative, while the vertical notch will anchor the rails and won’t be visible in the finished piece. Accurate marking will streamline your work and reduce the chance of errors.
Step 6: Cut the Vertical Notch for the Center Post of a Driveway Marker
Set your circular saw blade depth to 1-and-1/2 inches. Starting at the bottom of the post, make a rip cut along one line of the vertical notch until you reach the top mark. Rotate the post 90 degrees and repeat on the adjacent line, ensuring the cuts connect. Use a handsaw to partially crosscut the waste piece at the top of the notch, then remove the remaining waste with a hammer and chisel.
Step 7: Bevel the Top of the Center Post of a Driveway Marker
Adjust your circular saw blade to full depth and set the angle to 45 degrees. Use a cut-off piece of 6×6 from Step 3 to support the saw’s shoe. Make crosscuts along the topmost mark on each side of the post to create a bevel all the way around. This bevel adds a refined touch to the top of the center post. A consistent bevel will prevent water accumulation.
Step 8: Create the Decorative Notch for Your Driveway Marker by Making the Bevel Cuts
The horizontal decorative notch begins with parallel 45-degree cuts angling toward each other. Set your circular saw blade to 45 degrees and match the blade depth to the face of the top bevel. Cut along the notch’s top and bottom outlines on all four sides. Then, set the blade back to 90 degrees and adjust the blade depth to 3/4 inch. Make two straight cuts all the way around the post that connect with the angled cuts.
Step 9: Make the Kerf Cuts
To remove the excess material in the notch, create a series of closely spaced kerf cuts through the band on all four faces of the post. These cuts will make it easier to remove the waste material and create a clean, even notch. Take your time with this step for consistency and to avoid rough edges. The smoother the cuts, the less finishing work will be needed.
Step 10: Clean Up the Notch of your Driveway Marker
Secure the post to your work surface. Use a hammer to knock off any remaining fins of material left by the kerf cuts. Then, hold a chisel blade nearly parallel to the face of the notch and tap it gently with a mallet to pare back any remaining saw marks. This step ensures a smooth, professional-looking finish on the decorative notch.
Step 11: Cut the End Posts of Your Driveway Marker to Length
Using your miter saw set to 90 degrees, cut two 4x4s to the length specified in the cut list. Depending on the size of your saw blade, you may need to make cuts on multiple faces of the post to slice all the way through. Be careful to keep your cuts straight and clean—these end posts form the sides of your driveway marker and need precise measurements.
Step 12: Bevel the Tops of the End Posts of Your Driveway Marker
Set your miter saw to 45 degrees. Mark a line completely around each end post, 3/4 inch below the top. Carefully clip all four corners along this line. This beveled top on the end posts will complement the center post and add a cohesive look to your driveway marker.
Step 13: Attach the First Bottom Rail of Your Driveway Marker
Cut the bottom rails to length. Note that one rail is 3/4 inch shorter to maintain even baluster spacing when butted into the first rail at the notch. Stand the center post and an end post on your work surface. Use two balusters set on edge to establish the correct rail height. Butt the longer rail into the notch at one end and flush with the end post at the other. Secure it with two deck screws at each end. Properly securing these rails will provide the foundation for your balusters.
Step 14: Attach the Remaining Rails of Your Driveway Marker
Set your miter saw to 12 degrees and trim one end of each top rail. Butt the angled end of one rail into the top of the notch and secure it with two deck screws. Attach the other end where it meets the end post. Use a handsaw to trim any overhanging rail. Repeat this process for the rails on the perpendicular side, butting them into the rails you just installed at the notch. This creates a sturdy frame ready to support the balusters.
Step 15: Attach the Balusters to Your Driveway Marker
Use spacers to elevate the balusters slightly off the table and to set consistent distances between them. To conceal fastener holes, work from behind the assembly and screw through the rails into the balusters. This method creates a clean, professional look from the front of the marker.
Tip: For precise leveling of the marker, use rods on all three posts. Thread a nut and a washer onto each rod, and adjust the nuts to fine-tune the height of the posts. This allows adjustments for uneven ground and ensures your marker stands straight.
Step 16: Paint the Driveway Marker
Before painting, allow the pressure-treated wood to dry for two to four weeks. This drying period ensures better paint adhesion. When ready, apply a high-quality water-based primer to all exposed surfaces. Follow with your chosen paint color, using paint for exterior use to withstand the elements.
Step 17: Install the Steel Rod To Finish your Driveway Marker
To complete the installation, hammer a short length of 1/2-inch steel rod into the ground where the center post will stand. With a helper, carefully lift the assembled marker and slip the center post over the rod, utilizing the hole you drilled in Step 4. This anchoring method provides additional stability to your driveway marker. Ensure the rod is deeply embedded into the ground for maximum stability against wind and other external factors.
Customization Options for a Driveway Marker
While this design offers a classic look, you can customize your driveway marker to suit your home’s style. You can incorporate house numbers or family name plaques for a personalized touch. Experiment with different paint colors or wood stains to match your home’s exterior. Consider adding solar-powered lights to the top of the posts for nighttime visibility.
Driveway Marker Maintenance and Care
Implement a regular maintenance routine on your new driveway marker. Inspect the marker annually for any signs of wear, loose screws, or paint chipping. Touch-up paint as needed and tighten any loose fasteners.
In areas with harsh winters, consider applying a water-repellent sealer to protect the wood from moisture damage. By keeping up with maintenance, you can ensure your marker looks pristine through the seasons.
