July 4th 2008, the Trellis is Done, and Happy Sparrows
Hi all,
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Happy Independence Day Weekend to all, and countless thanks to all those who have served, serve, or will serve in our military.
Onward...
Well, the trellis project draws to a close, and the results are quite pleasing...
Lessons learned...
- Planning really helps in a job like this... (We used the free "Google SketchUp" CAD
program.) Compare the picture above with the original wire-frame design concept below...
Not bad... We modified the design somewhat during the build by eliminating the cross piece under the arch. That element just made the trellis too "boxy". (Besides, the laminated arch is extraordinarily strong all by itself!)
- Buy quality components and buy extra...
- We used pressure-treated lumber for wood-to-earth contact (Never use pressure-treated wood where human-consumption food is grown.)
- Stainless steel fasteners were used throughout (Hint: Buy extras in varying sizes.)
- Roughly 4 layers of name-brand exterior primer/paint were brought to bear (Hint: See hint above.)
- Design and build in a modular fashion (All told, the structure consists of four posts, two sides, and a roof assembly... Construction and future replacement in just three easy steps.)
- Anticipate not just the object itself, but rather the effect it will have on the entire yard. We liked this one for both its linear symmetry and the sweep of the arches.
- And the last lesson learned from this undertaking has nothing to do with the trellis itself... Jeez Louise, that little birdhouse we built "way back when" (post 1 of build and post 2 of build) is incredibly popular! As we were
working under the dwelling, it was impossible to not notice the activity.
The sparrows love it, and the grackles want it. That was a good build too.
See you by the feeders,
CapeCodAlan
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