Building a trellis or arbor for your yard is a great way to get introduced to some basic construction techniques and principles. Even the most basic trellis or shade structure involves columns (posts), beams, rafters, ledger boards, etc. Some of these terms may seem foreign to you. Don't worry or be intimidated! A small lightweight trellis can be built in as little as two hours. Even if it collapses, I doubt that it would do more than cause a minor scratch or bruise. In other words, relax!

Work with Components

If you have ever built a trellis or a shade structure you know that when completed they are somewhat flimsy. Knowing this, imagine how hard it would be to keep several posts straight and firm while you are banging nails into them! The structure will shake and wobble the entire time.

I have found it is much easier to build the side panels and the "roof" as separate components. You can build these on a garage floor or workbench. With a helper, you can actually attach the pieces together on level ground with removable bolts. Once you are satisfied that it is going to work, you can transport it to the spot in your yard already assembled. Set it right next to where it will be installed so that you can get the spacing and locations of the post holes right the first time.

Assembly Hardware

If you decide to spend the time to create a beautiful trellis or arbor, I urge you to spend the extra $10 - 20 for stain resistant hardware connectors. Nothing will make a trellis or arbor look worse than rusting nails or bolts in 2 - 4 years.

Black stains can also result if you use redwood or cedar as your trellis material. These wood species contain natural chemicals that preserve the wood against rot. However, these chemicals react with iron and water to form an ugly black stain.

You can prevent stains and rust forever by simply using stainless steel nails and bolts. These are readily available in many hardware stores and the big box home centers. You will pay more, but it will be worth it. Don't be fooled by the shiny zinc chromate finish on the regular nuts and bolts. This is a very thin electroplated coating that can wear off in as little as 18 months.

Pretreat for Best Results

Does the paint peel readily on your house? Do you know that most paint failure can be traced to moisture penetration into the wood?

A trellis or an arbor is subjected to the worst possible conditions. It is out in the open with no protection from rain. Water can easily get into the overlapping pieces of wood. This water then enters the wood, creates expansion and elevated vapor pressure. Then end results are usually blisters and peeling.

You can minimize blisters and peeling if you seal the wood material before you start to cut it up to build the trellis sections. If you decide to paint, I would prime the wood first and then apply one finish coat. As you cut and assemble the individual pieces of wood, always apply some paint or sealer to the exposed end grain after the cut is complete. This is where water enters wood with the greatest of ease.

If you decide to use a clear or semi-transparent sealer you must use a synthetic resin water repellent.  Quite possible the best product currently available is Defy. You can get it by calling 800-860-6327.

Regular nationally advertised wood sealers and protectants often contain natural oils for the resin. These compounds are FOOD for mildew and algae! That is why your deck turns black and green....... Don't let it happen to your beautiful redwood or cedar trellis. It would be a crime.

What Wood Should I Use?

That is a great question. I intend to use redwood for my trellises. Redwood is easy to work with, is rot resistant, and simply gorgeous. A close second in my opinion is Western Red Cedar. It is a very attractive wood as well. Personally I would never paint these woods. A pigmented coat of Defy is what I intend to use.

You can also use CCA treated pine. However, if you do this, I would not recommend painting your trellis or arbor. Why? Because during the treating process, massive amounts of water is injected into the lumber. If you paint the wood before all of this water escapes from the lumber, you will have massive paint peeling problems within a matter of years. Treated lumber can be painted, but only after it dries out.

The problem with this, is that as it dries in the sun, it often warps, twists, checks, splits, etc.! If you have enormous patience, let it air dry inside your garage for 2 years and then get ready to build. I think you see why I intend to use redwood......

Related Column: Arbor

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Trellis and Arbor Plans / Kits

If you want a specialized topic, then try trellises and arbors! You would think that there would be an enormous amount of variety, sources of plans, etc. about these cool patio and garden structures. There aren't as many as you might think.

Fortunately, the sources that are out there have some fine designs. The neat thing about a trellis is that you can create just about anything and it will suffice. The trellis is simply a light-weight structure that is used to filter sunlight. Of course curved brackets, diagonal or crossing lattice work, and mixing different species of wood can really add a wonderful finishing touch.

If you are serious about building a trellis, I suggest you visit a local garden center or bookstore. Page through landscaping and garden books. Often there are photos of gardens that contain a trellis or arbor. The article may be about something else entirely. However, you may get an idea from the photo that you can adapt and modify for your trellis. You know the old saying, "Why re-invent the wheel!"

Here is where to start your trellis / arbor plan search:

• California Redwood Association
  Department TR7
  405 Enfrente Drive
  Suite 200
  Novato, CA 94949

Send $1.00 to this address and you are going to get the most magnificent 12 page color idea book, Redwood Landscape Architecture, you have ever seen. In addition, they will send you a very cool trellis/shade shelter pamphlet plan, Redwood Shade Shelter. It has 3D drawings, details, material list, and instructions. You can't beat this deal for $1.00!

What I like about this plan is that it will stimulate your ideas. You can easily see how you can modify, expand, elaborate a trellis or shade shelter for yourself after you look at this pamphlet. The color booklet has no less than 5 awesome photos of trellises and arbors that will also help you create your own structure. Send for these items today. don't forget to tell them you want both publications.

Trellis and Arbor Kits and Ideas:

The following sources offer trellis and arbor kits. I suggest that you call them immediately and ask for a color catalogue or pamphlet. You will get some very swell ideas.

 

• Wood Magazine
  800-848-0213
  

  They have an awesome Victorian Arbor. It evidently disassembles for winter storage.

   

• Smith & Hawken
  800-776-3336
  

  They have a trellis / arbor kit.

   

• Gardener's Eden
  800-822-9600
  They also have a trellis / arbor kit.
  

   

• Jackson & Perkins
  800-292-4769
  

  They tell me that they have an arbor kit as well. I couldn't get a picture before this Bulletin went to print.

   

• Southern Serenity
  888-226-4075
  

   

• Your Public Library
  If you have a large public library there is a great chance that they have back issues of Popular Mechanics or similar DIY magazines. I know that I have seen trellis plans in these in the past 5 years. As with all things, invest the time and you will get great results!

An Alternative to Wood

If you don't want the maintenance of wood, you can purchase a vinyl trellis. I know of one company that makes a variety of products. The vinyl products are available in different colors, styles, and designs.

Call this company to get the scoop on maintenance free vinyl trellises.

• Tuff-Bilt Trellis
  800-394-6679

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Lumber Grade Specifications

Just like any other product, lumber is graded. Different species have different systems but they are basically the same in many respects. The lumber is graded from the worst quality to the best. The grades will take into account the size and frequency of knots and the location of where the lumber comes from the tree. Grades often take into account the grain of the lumber as well.

Grain of lumber is called either vertical or flat. Flat grained lumber is generally considered lower quality. It has a greater tendency to cup or curl. You can easily spot a flat grained piece of lumber when you look at the cut end. If the growth bands are slightly curved or somewhat parallel with the width of the piece of lumber it is flat grained.

If the growth bands are parallel with the thickness the lumber is considered vertical grained.

Flat grained lumber should be used for the decking surface and stair treads. Always install it so the growth bands hump upwards towards the sky.

Vertical grained lumber is excellent for trellises and other things where warpage will cause appearance problems.

Redwood Lumber Grades

Construction Heart
This lumber is taken from the center of the tree (heart) and can contain knots. It is great for trellis posts or beams. The knots are usually small and tight.

Construction Common
This grade contains knots and can be taken from both the center or the outer fringes of the tree. If it is from the outer edges, it will be lighter (blond) and it is called sapwood. This grade should not be used where it might come into contact with the ground.

Merchantable Heart
This is an economical grade of heartwood. It can contain larger knots and knot holes.

Clear All Heart
This is is the second best grade. It contains no knots and is taken from the heart of the tree. This lumber has the highest amount of natural preservatives.

Architectural Grade
This is the absolute best grade. It is unequaled in beauty. If you want a piece of wood that has exquisite graining, will be warp and twist resistant, this is the one to purchase. It is expensive - don't waste it!

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