Trellis Planter Box

Refer to the Planter Trellis Project Diagram to mark the locations of the cross pieces on the three taped strips. (The bottom cross piece will be installed to fit to the planter box, so leave those marks off for now.) To avoid confusion, place a small X beside the lines where the pieces will overlap. Then mark each horizontal cross piece 2-1/4 inches from both ends.

On a flat work surface, use a carpenter’s square and tape measure to arrange the three vertical pieces 8-1/2 inches apart with the ends flush. Tape them in position on the work surface. Use your pencil marks to position the first horizontal piece at the top of the trellis. Glue the three areas where the horizontal and vertical pieces touch and nail them with 3/4-inch wire brads. Repeat for the next five horizontal pieces below that.

Cut a 1 x 4 board 23-3/4 inches long and mark one face 2-1/4 inches from each end. Glue and nail this mounting board to the bottom end of the trellis. Let the glue dry for at least two hours before moving to the next step.

Mark the trellis uprights where they meet the top edge of the planter box. Remove the trellis and nail the final horizontal piece to the uprights at the marks. If you have a leftover piece of 1/2 x 3/4 trim, glue and nail it to the uprights about 1-1/2 inches above the wide horizontal piece as an optional reinforcement.

Apply two coats of paint to the trellis and planter box. Clamp the trellis in place on the planter box while you drill four 7/64-inch pilot holes. Then use #8 x 1-inch wood screws to fasten the trellis to the planter box.

Position the planter box and trellis where you want it on your porch or patio. If possible, drill and drive screws near the top end of the trellis to hold it in position against a porch rail or structural part to keep it from wobbling. Fill the box with potting soil and add plants.