How to Build a Pergola Trellis

To add verticle interest to your garden spaces or just because you can't go anywhere else but up!Try this Trellis designed for a pot but modified to use in the garden, supported in the ground.This article is found in the September 1996 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.

MATERIALS LIST

Two sets of wooden quilter's rings 14" in diameter, the stouter the better (1 1/2" wide is ideal). You can find these at a crafts, sewing, or notions shop.

Six 4-foot(or whatever length for preferred height, I used 6 foot set in ground) strips of cedar 1/4" thick and 5/8" wide. These can be cut from bender board or screen molding. Purchase at lumber store molding or decking dept..

One 1" diameter dowel or broom handle cut to about 3" long.

One hanger bolt (a double ended lag screw) 3/16" X 1-1/2". Or purchase finial with screw already attached in the decking dept. at hardware or lumber store.

12 sets of brass bolts with nuts, size #8 by 1". Purchase at lumber or hardware store.

Two (or three or four) wood curtain rod rings. Standard size accommodates 1-3/4" pole. Buy at a drapery shop or lumber store.

One decorative finial. If screw already attached delete hanger bolt above.

**Remember you can modify to whatever is easiest or handiest for you. Ex: Instead of bolts we just ran very short screws to fasten quilters rings and cedar strips, broom handle for dowel, finial with screw already attached. This article's list would have you running all over town, we purchased all materials at "Lowes", with the exception of quilter's rings, you can replace those with brass or copper stripping made into the ring shapes.

     ASSEMBLING

          1 ) Soak ceader strips for several hours to make them easy to bend. Glue the outer and inner quilters
                rings together and tighten and clamp firmly.

            2) (Delete this step if using finial with screw attached) Drill the finial and the dowel at their center and
                    connect them with the hanger bolt to give the finial a 3-inch handle. (see diagram)

            3) Surround the dowel with the cedar strips, butting their ends up to the bottom of the finial. Slide
                    the curtain rings up the bundle of strips to secure it to the finial. More rings are optinal.

            4) Here you might need an extra set of hands. Stand the finial and strips up, and slide the first hoop
                    inside the strips, slowly working it up to desired height. One by one , feed the bottom of the strips
                    into the second ring and slide it up to desired height and distance from first hoop. To repeat; the
                    first hoop goes inside; the second, outside.

5) When you have achieved the desired flare and rigidity, drill all the cross-sections of strips and
quilters rings and secure with the brass bolts and nuts.

6) Optional; After the wood strips dry, coat with a wood sealer to preserve for several seasons of use.

For Questions or Comments drop me a note!