How to Make a Wooden Garden Trellis
A trellis is a structure that offers a homeowner many advantages. It provides privacy by screening out a particular area of the lawn. It serves as a vertical wall to block out winds and even sunlight. In addition, a trellis supports vines and climbers by encouraging them to grow upward, thus freeing up garden space where you can grow other vegetables or fruit. A trellis adds beauty, color and appeal to the garden and surrounding landscape. You can easily build this functional and decorative structure instead of purchasing one from the store. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Wheelbarrow
- Tape measure
- Powdered chalk
- Post-hole digger
- Gravel
- 2-by-4 pretreated lumber, 2
- Prefabricated latticework sheet
- Handsaw
- Carpenter's level
- Earplugs
- Eyeglasses
- Drill
- 2-inch galvanized wood screws
- Seeds or seedlings
Instructions
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1
Decide the length and height for the wooden garden trellis. A height of 6 feet is ideal for providing privacy; however, the final height should depend on your requirements. Your trellis will have two support posts with a sheet of prefabricated latticework between them. Clear the trellis area by collecting rocks, plants, stones or plant debris in a wheelbarrow to dispose of appropriately.
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2
Mark the area for the posts with powdered chalk. Use a post-hole digger over the marks to dig holes that are at least 2 feet deep. Add 4 inches of gravel into each hole to help improve drainage and hold the posts securely.
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3
Purchase two 2-by-4 posts from your local hardware store in the height you require, or cut them to size with a handsaw. Keep in mind that at least 2 feet of each post will go deep into the ground to support the trellis. Also purchase a panel of prefabricated lattice sheet, available in standard sizes of 2 feet by 8 feet or 4 feet by 8 feet.
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4
Place the prefabricated lattice sheet on the ground, measure and mark the appropriate height; trim the excess off with a handsaw. The top should be at the same level as the tops of the posts, while its base should be 2 feet above the post ends that will go into the ground. Lay the 2-by-4 posts on the ground, 4 feet apart, and place the lattice sheet over them, ensuring the tops are even. Use a carpenter's level to make sure they are level.
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5
Wear your earplugs and protective eyeglasses, and drill several 2-inch galvanized wood screws on one side of the sheet to connect it to the post beneath it. Check to determine if you attached the sheet securely before you begin attaching the other side.
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6
Carefully lower the trellis into the holes for the posts. Backfill the holes with dirt, and tamp them down to remove any air pockets. Plant seeds or seedlings at the base of the trellis, and train them to climb the trellis as they grow.
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