How to Build a Planter Trellis

A planter trellis rises up and out of a garden box big enough to root vegetables or decorative plants. It allows people without a garden to plant vining vegetables such as tomatoes or peas. This trellis only takes a few hours to build and provides a beautiful way to grow vegetables and plants.

Things You'll Need

• Table or radial arm saw
• Framing square
• Ruler
• Power drill
• Screwdriver
• 2 pounds of 1-1/4-inch galvanized deck screws
• 1 pound of 2-inch galvanized deck screws
• 2 upper sides measuring 3/4 by 7-1/4 inches, cut from a 1-by-8-by-12 foot board
• 2 lower sides measuring 3/4 by 7-1/4 by 17 inches, cut from a 1-by-8-by-12 foot board
• 2 back pieces measuring 3/4 by 7-1/4 by 37 inches, cut from a 1-by-8-by-12 foot board
• 2 front pieces measuring 3/4 by 7-1/4 by 37 inches, cut from a 1-by-8-by-12 foot board
• 2 bottom panels measuring 3/4 by 7-1/4 by 35 inches, cut from a 1-by-8-by-12 foot board
• 4 corner trim pieces measuring 3/4 by 1-1/2 by 14-1/2inches, cut from a 1-by-2-by-10 foot board
• 3 vertical lattice pieces measuring 3/4 by 2-1/2 by 72
• 4 horizontal lattice pieces measuring 3/4 by 1-1/2 inches cut from a 1-by-2-by-8 foot board
• 1 horizontal lattice piece measuring 3/4 by 1-1/2 inches cut from a 1-by-2-by-10 foot board
• 3 bottom supports measuring 3/4 by 3-1/2 by 15-1/8 inches cut from a 1-by-4-by-4 foot board

Instructions

Build the Planter

1. Measure and cut the wood using a table or radial arm saw. Cut the boards to the sizes listed in the "Things You'll Need" section.

2. Drill 3 pilot holes along the edge of each side of the garden box where the front and sides connect. Screw the sides, front and back of the box together using 2-inch deck screws.

3. Attach the bottom panels onto the box. Secure the pieces with 8 2-inch deck screws into the front and the back of the box. Secure the panels to the right and left sides of the box with 6 2-inch deck screws. A 1/8-inch space remains between the bottom pieces. This allows moisture to escape.

4. Line up the upper and lower sections of the box. Set the upper section on top of the box.

5. Attach the corner pieces by securing 2 1-1/4-inch deck screws into each piece. Put the wide pieces on the front and back of the box and put the smaller pieces on the right and left sides.

Assemble the Trellis

1. Use 1-1/4-inch deck screws to attach the bottom supports to the underside of the box. The 2 outside pieces should be placed 1/2-inch away from the ends of the box, to hide them from view.

2. Place vertical pieces on the back of the box in the 2 corners. Use 1-1/4-inch deck screws to attach pieces at the top and bottom of the box.

3. Stand the third piece in the center of the box and screw it into place with 2 1-1/4-inch deck screws. Place the center piece so that it is square to the box.

4. Measure and mark the vertical pieces 1/2 inch from the top then every 11 inches along the piece.

5. Cut the horizontal pieces for the trellis. The horizontal lattice pieces overhang the vertical lattice pieces by 1-1/2 inches.

6. Attach the horizontal lattice pieces using 1-1/4 inch deck screws. One screw should be placed in each vertical piece in order to secure it.

Tips & Warnings

• Pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood.

• Slight variations in the cutting of the box could cause the angle or the vertical side pieces to change