The $14 Garden Trellis
Unveil Your Next Masterpiece
This trellis stands as a testament to creativity, offering a stylish solution for vertical gardening and support for climbing plants. Crafted entirely from affordable fence pickets, this project is not just an eye-catcher but a profit generator.
Why It Stands Out
Cost-Effective Materials: Utilize fence pickets for an economical build.
Profitable Opportunity: High demand meets low-cost production.
Versatile Use: Ideal for any garden setting, supporting a wide range of climbing plants.
What You’ll Need
Materials:
Fence pickets
Screws or nails for outdoor use
Optional: Wood glue for enhanced durability
Tools:
Circular saw (or hand saw/miter saw)
Drill
Sandpaper or an orbital sander
Measuring tools (tape measure, square)
Step-by-Step Directions for Building the Garden Trellis
Step 1: Preparation
Angles for 2.5" and 2" Wide Legs: Start by marking and cutting 10° angles on your fence picket legs, ensuring you have four legs at 2.5" width and four at 2" width. Use a circular saw for cutting, prioritizing accuracy for a seamless fit.
Ripping to Width: Post-angle cuts, rip the legs to their respective widths on a table saw.
Step 2: Bottom Boards
Crafting Bottom Supports: Cut bottom support boards from 2" material, incorporating a 10° angle on each end. Lengths vary between 19 13/16" for 2.5" legs and 18 13/16" for 2" legs.
Step 3: Slat Supports and Slats:
Cutting Slat Supports: Measure and cut four slat supports at 62 7/8" long.
Diverse Sized Slats: Prepare slats in six different sizes, cutting eight of each. Ensure a 40° angle on both sides of each slat, with lengths ranging from 15" to 5.5".
Step 4: Pocket Holes
Slat and Bottom Brace Boards: Install pocket holes at the ends of your slat support boards and both ends of the bottom brace boards.
Step 5: Assembly
Panel Construction: Assemble the trellis panels on a flat surface, starting with two matching leg boards, a bottom board, and a center slat board. Use wood glue and screws to secure the components.
Bottom Board Installation: Align and attach the bottom board to hold everything in place, followed by securing the center board to the bottom brace.
Step 6: Top Assembly and Slat Installation
Gluing and Securing the Top: Apply glue to the top edges and install a 2.5" x 2.5" block 7.5" down from the top on the center, using brad nails for fixation.
Laying Out and Attaching Slats: Position slats with equal spacing, starting 8" from the bottom of the center board. Utilize a homemade jig for consistent spacing, securing each slat with glue and ensuring alignment.
Step 7: Completing the Panels
Repeat for All Panels: Assemble all four panels in the same manner. For 2.5" panels, pre-mark screw placements for later assembly.
Step 8: Final Assembly
Joining Panels: Align and connect the 2" and 2.5" panels, ensuring flush edges and securing with screws. If desired, glue and brad nails can add extra stability.
Sanding for Shape: Optionally, sand the top edges for a smoother, more finished appearance.
Explore More
Discover our easy-to-follow guide for building a unique garden trellis, available on Etsy. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts of any skill level, this plan uses affordable fence pickets to create an attractive and practical addition to your garden. Ideal for supporting climbing plants or enhancing outdoor aesthetics, our guide ensures a satisfying project with standout results.