Question 1

What pier caps are for

Accepted Answer

A pier cap sits on top of a single pier or gate post. It is typically square or near-square in plan, sized to cover the top of the pier with a small overhang on each side. A pier at the end of a garden wall, a freestanding gatepost or a decorative column between sections of fencing all need pier caps rather than coping stones.

Question 2

What coping stones are for

Accepted Answer

Coping stones run along the top of a wall in a continuous course. They are elongated, typically 300mm to 900mm long, and are laid with standard mortar joints between them. They protect the length of a wall from rain penetration and provide the finished top edge.

Question 3

When do you need both?

Accepted Answer

On most complete wall projects, you will need both. A typical layout:

Question 4

What about wall ends without piers?

Accepted Answer

Where a wall terminates without a pier, you have two options. You can use a return coping stone, which is a shorter piece cut or specifically made to wrap the end of the wall, or you can position a pier cap at the end post if the wall has a return corner. Many builders simply cut the last coping stone to fill the end neatly and mortar it in place with a flush joint.

Pier Caps vs Coping Stones: When Do You Need Each?