Building a trellis for plants to grow on in the spring is a great project for any gardener. A branch shaped trellis is a classic design that looks like a tree or large bush. Plants grow up the trellis and fan out towards the top. Its design is perfect for flowering vines or climbing vegetables. Because the base of the trellis is not square, its design is flimsy and will need to be secured to a wall or post.
The trellis design in this tutorial is made from furring strips made from 1x ¾ pressure treated lumber. You can purchase it from most home improvement centers and lumber supply companies. This wood is used to attach drywall to concrete walls. It can be purchased in 8 to 12 feet lengths.
You will need 8 pieces of furring strips cut to any height you would like, but we will use 8 feet lengths in this particular project. Cut 5 of the pieces with a miter saw at 8 feet. Also you will need to cut 3 pieces at 4 feet, 3 feet and 2 feet.
Stack the 5 pieces that are 8 feet long one on top of the other. Clamp them with a wood clamp or vise. With a square, lay out holes in the center for 1 ¼ x 4 ½ inch carriage bolts. Drill one hole 3 inches from the bottom and the other at 6 inches from the bottom. Place the carriage bolts and tighten the nuts with a crescent wrench or socket set.
At the top of the trellis on the opposite end where you tightened the bolts, mark the furring strips with a square. The top cross piece is marked 1 inch from the top. Then next mark will be 20 inches down from the first mark and the final mark will be 15 inches down from the middle piece.
Take the first cross piece you cut and using your tape measure, mark 1 inch on each end of the 4 foot cross piece. Make a mark in the center at 2 foot and also a mark on each side of the center at 1 foot. You should have 5 marks.
Line up the center mark on the cross piece with the center of the 8 foot trellis. Bore a small pilot hole in the cross piece and nail using a 3d galvanized nail. Line up the other uprights on the trellis and attach on the marks you made earlier and secure with the nails.
Using your square line up the center upright and the second cross piece. This will ensure you have a made each crosspiece square. Bore pilot holes and attach with the nails.
Follow the procedure as in the last step using the square as a guide and boring holes to prevent splitting.
To hang from a wall, simply find the studs on the wall where you will be placing the trellis. Place a piece of furring strip to the wall cut to about 2 feet in length on the studs and in the area where your trellis is going. Place it on the bottom of the trellis about 2 to 3 feet up from the ground. Use a level and scribe a mark on the wall. Repeat this step again about 4 to 5 feet up from the ground. Secure to frame walls with 3 inch lag bolts.
For concrete walls attach using tapcons and drill a pilot hole to each. Place your trellis against the furring strips once they are level and secure. Use a level on the center upright member of your trellis and make a mark. Secure the trellis to the furring strips on the wall using 3d galvanized nails or 1 ½ inch screws. Plant your climbing vegetables or flowers at the base in spring and watch them climb and flower on your beautiful trellis.
