Making a Bentwood Trellis
(Page 2 of 3)
September/October 2006
Jim Long
The trellis will be about 5 feet high. Note that the fresh green twigs for the structure of the trellis should be a bit bigger at the large end than a broom handle. The mistake most people make with their first trellis is in getting green limbs or twigs that are too small, which results in a wimpy-looking trellis. You will need:
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- 2 fresh green limbs, about 8 feet long and flexible enough to bend into an arch, larger on the bottom end than a broom handle
- 4 limbs 36-48 inches long, also bigger around than a broom handle
- 1 upright piece, 6-7 feet long
- Several smaller, assorted flexible limbs, 3-5 feet long, for decoration, about the size of your index finger
Step 1: Lay out the two longest uprights. Then lay a crosspiece across the bottom, about 16 inches from the bottom ends and nail it in place, as shown in the illustration.
The crosspiece should extend beyond the uprights about 12 inches on each end.
Step 2: Attach a second crosspiece about 28 inches from the first and nail it in place. Then turn the trellis over and wire the four joints with the black tie wire as shown.
Note: It’s recommended that you both nail and wire the primary joints of the trellis. The nails should be bent over before you wire the joints. Because the wood is freshly cut and green, it will shrink about 25 percent in about 10 days. The nails and the wire together ensure everything stays securely in place.
Step 3: Now you are ready to make the arch, which will be the top of your bentwood trellis. Cut three or four pieces of tie-wire with the pliers, about 5-6 inches long, and keep them within reach. Bend one of the longer uprights over, holding it while you bend the other in place. (You might need someone to help you hold these two while you are wiring them together). Bend the two sides together, making a visually pleasing arch. Hold them together and wire in about three places to hold the arch in place.
Tighten the wires securely.
You now should have a rectangular shape with an arch at the top. This is the basic structure of the trellis. Make sure all your nails are bent over (the nails should go through both pieces of wood and be long enough to bend over; this helps tighten the trellis). Each of the four places where two pieces of wood cross should also be securely wired over the nails.
Step 4: Place a long upright piece in the center of your trellis. Nail it to the crosspieces and wire at the top where it crosses the arch. It should now look like the illustration.