X Trellis

One of my problems with having a saw at home… hating to buy something when I know I could just make it myself.  This spring I decided I’d like some height next to our patio steps to the porch.   So I planted a mandevilla, but when I went to look for a trellis, it was impossible to find one that wasn’t expensive and/ or just way too fancy for my tastes.  The basic wooden ones I found would have still required some paint and they were already $15.  So I hit up my scrap pile and made this X Trellis, using the excuse that it was good practice for my angle cuts.

I started with 2 long 1x2s and 3 short pieces.  This is totally customizable to your needs, but my measurements are below for reference:

2 1×2 @ 67″

3 1×2 @ 20″

4 pieces of lattice @ ~29″

1. Lay down your long 1x2s parallel to each other, than add 1 short 1×2 across the top, ensure they are square, and use glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to attach through the short piece and into the long piece.
   
2. Add the 2nd short piece 22″ down from the top, then the 3rd 44″ down from the top.
3. Lay down a piece of lattice at a diagonal across the top box, mark your angle and cut.  This was great practice for my angle cutting.  I cut one angle, then laid it back down to cut my second angle.  I then used that piece as a pattern for my remaining lattice pieces.
4. I finished the piece with spray paint  for a quick finish.