The choice of materials is really up to you. My recommendation is to start with the lantern portion, then size the post accordingly for scale. I the recommend choosing a base, then finding intermediate pieces to build it out.

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For assembly, I used created a small wooden block to mount the lamp on, and another to support the bottom of the banister. All the others are attached with hot glue.

A coat of primer on the wood, and a few coats of satin black spray paint & its ready to go outside