👨‍🌾 The $14 Garden Trellis

Let's shake things up a notch!

Matthew Peech
March 10, 2024

Hey Makers!

Discover the blueprint to a profitable woodworking venture with our latest project—a distinctive $14 Garden Trellis constructed from fence pickets! Diverging from the conventional DIY trellis designs, this unique structure not only elevates your garden aesthetics but also offers an exceptional opportunity to boost your woodworking business.

“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”

^{- St. Francis of Assissi}

🌱 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)

🛠️ Construction Steps

This guide walks you through every step, from initial cuts to final assembly, ensuring you have all the information needed to complete this project.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

📐 Etsy Plans for an In-depth Breakdown

For those who prefer detailed guidance, I've crafted comprehensive plans available on my Etsy shop. These include exploded views, cutting layouts, and step-by-step instructions tailored to this project. Get 10% OFF with “NEWS10”

Low cost, high profit plans.

👨‍🎓 A Special Note from East Tennessee

I want to share an inspiring story that recently warmed my heart. A fellow woodworking enthusiast and teacher from my community reached out, sharing their experience of teaching a birdhouse making class with their son and the youth boys at their church. It was an unforgettable adventure, and the boys excelled remarkably in crafting their birdhouses. Admittedly, guiding them through the use of a table saw and miter saw was somewhat nerve-wracking, but the outcome was well worth the effort.

This experience highlighted the profound impact woodworking can have, especially for young individuals who may not have the opportunity to learn these skills at home. I'm deeply grateful for the chance to use woodworking as a tool to connect with and inspire these young minds. To the teacher, their son, and all the boys who participated, your enthusiasm and willingness to learn and grow within the woodworking realm is truly uplifting. It's moments like these that underscore the essence of our craft: not just creating objects, but fostering connections, confidence, and community.

🏆 Top Woodworking Wednesday Builds

Every Wednesday, I run a 'Woodworking Wednesday' post on Facebook, where each of you has the opportunity to display your incredible woodworking projects.

I'm continually amazed by your creativity and craftsmanship. Please keep sharing your fantastic works—I genuinely enjoy witnessing the diverse projects you all bring to life!

💌 Expand Your Woodworking Horizons

Embrace this opportunity to not only craft a stunning garden accessory but also to explore new avenues in your woodworking journey. Share your creation, inspire fellow makers, and perhaps discover a new favorite project along the way.

Happy making,
Matthew

P.S. Don’t miss out on expanding your project lineup with our detailed plans. Embark on a crafting journey that combines creativity with profitability.