Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - front porch columns

I need to replace the columns on my ront porch. They are juct round columns. Nothing at all special. I would like to know how to build new ones my self. I like the columns that are square, and on the bottom half or about 2.5 ft up it is brick our stone. Then a wood columns the rest of the way up. I know that the wood goes all the way down and the brick our stone goes around but nothing else. I have never done anything with brick or stone, no masonry skills, but I am a fast learner. Please help. K. Riley