Beginner
2 ft base × 6–7 ft tall
1 – 2 hours
$20 – $50
Garden Obelisk
A tall four-sided pyramid trellis that adds height to a bed and gives climbing plants plenty of places to grip.
Estimated cost
$20 – $50
Estimated time
1 – 2 hours
Lifespan
8–12 years
Soil needed
None — vertical support
Weight empty
10–20 lbs
Weight full
40–80 lbs with mature vines
Best for
Pole beans, sweet peas, climbing roses, and morning glories
Placement
Center it in a bed or large container. Push legs 8–10 inches into the ground for stability.
Boards to Buy
| Boards to Buy | Quantity | What You Use Them For |
|---|---|---|
| 2×2 cedar or pressure-treated lumber, 8 ft | 4 | Legs |
| 1×2 cedar slats, 8 ft | 3 | Cross rungs |
| Exterior screws, 2 inch | 1 lb | Assembly |
- ·Wood sealant or exterior paint
- ·Optional: decorative finial cap
Steps
- 1Cut four legs to 7 feet.
- 2Lay two legs on the ground with tops touching and bottoms 18 inches apart.
- 3Screw cross rungs between the legs, spacing them 12 inches apart.
- 4Repeat to build a second identical side.
- 5Stand the two sides up and screw them together at the top.
- 6Add a final cap or finial if desired.
- 7Set the obelisk in the bed and push the legs into the soil.
Tools needed
- ·Circular or miter saw
- ·Cordless drill / driver
- ·Tape measure
- ·Speed square
Common mistakes to avoid
- ·Legs too short — wind knocks it over
- ·Not enough cross pieces for vines to grab
- ·Using untreated pine — rots in 2 seasons
- ·Top too narrow — hard to train vines
Maintenance tips
Check legs each spring and re-set if frost heave lifted them. Wipe off mildew and re-stain every 2–3 years.
Community builds
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My Garden Obelisk notes
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