Position and Temporarily Elevate the Pillar Cap

What happens here

The central technique of the no-cut cap installation is demonstrated. A pre-formed stone pillar cap is positioned over the wooden pergola post. Crucially, the cap is not resting on the partially constructed stone pillar below; instead, it is temporarily held in an elevated position. This elevation creates a working space between the underside of the cap and the top course of the unfinished stone pillar, allowing for the subsequent courses of natural stone to be laid and mortared *underneath* the cap.

Goal: Create sufficient space to complete the stone pillar construction underneath the cap.