Lucky Cat Gardens · Build
Cedar Garden Trellis
Sturdy cedar frame with a 1/2″ table-saw groove that captures black PVC-coated welded wire. Clean look, durable in sun, and easy to scale to your own size.
Materials
- (2) 1×4×8′ cedar — stiles (left/right)
- (2) 1×4×8′ cedar — rails (top/bottom) & optional battens
- Black PVC-coated welded wire (14–16 ga, ~2″×4″ grid)
- Fasteners: 1″ galvanized staples or 1-1/4″ exterior screws + 3/4″ fender washers
- Exterior wood glue (optional at miters)
- Finish: UV exterior oil or spar urethane
- Sandpaper: 120 → 180 grit
- Optional cedar battens: rip 3/8″ × 3/4″ to perimeter
Tools
- Chop saw / miter saw (crosscuts & 45° miters)
- Table saw (centered 1/2″ groove; dado or multiple passes)
- Square, tape, pencil; clamps
- Drill/driver; countersink bit
- Stapler (manual/pneumatic) or drill + screws/washers
- Wire cutters/bolt cutters; flush-cut pliers; file
- Random-orbit sander
- PPE: gloves, eye/ear protection, push sticks
Cut List — Exact 48″ × 60″ (1×4 cedar)
| Part | Qty | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiles (left/right) | 2 | 60.0″ | 1×4 cedar, centered groove 1/2″ deep |
| Rails (top/bottom) | 2 | 48.0″ | 1×4 cedar, centered groove 1/2″ deep |
| Top cap (optional) | 1 | 48.0″ | 1×4 cedar; chamfer or roundover edges |
| Battens (optional) | 4 | 2 × 60.0″, 2 × 48.0″ | Rip 3/8″ × 3/4″ to sandwich mesh edges |
| Mesh panel | 1 | 44.25″ × 56.25″ | PVC-coated welded wire; see math below (c = 1/8″) |
Step-by-Step (matches video)
- Wire panel (rough cut): Cut mesh slightly oversize; de-burr sharp ends.
- Mill & cut lumber: Crosscut stiles and rails to final length; lightly ease edges. Label A (left), B (top), C (right), D (bottom).
- Cut centered groove: On the back face of each board, cut a 1/2″ deep groove. Width = wire diameter + ~1/16″. Keep the same face against the fence for all parts.
- 45° miters: Face up, grooves aligned. Cut miters so the long point equals the finished outside length (stiles = 60″, rails = 48″).
- Assemble three sides: Join A-B-C (left-top-right). Pre-drill near ends; glue optional. Check diagonals for square.
- Trim mesh to final size: Cut to 44.25″ × 56.25″ (or measure groove-to-groove and subtract 1/8″ per side). Slide into grooves from the open side, keep even tension.
- Add last side (D): Close the frame; pre-drill; glue optional. Verify square again.
- Reinforce (optional): Staples every 3–4″ or screws + 3/4″ washers every 6–8″ through the back into the mesh line.
- Sand & finish (optional): 120→180 grit; apply UV exterior oil or spar urethane to the wood. Wipe any drips off mesh.
- Install: Anchor to raised beds with L-/gusset brackets or use cedar stakes behind stiles. Set plumb & level.
Custom Size Math — Centered Groove Method
Definitions: Ow, Oh = finished outside width/height; B = board width (actual); c = clearance per side (≈ 1/8″).
Inside opening:
I_w = O_w − 2B
I_h = O_h − 2B
Mesh final cut size:
MeshW = O_w − B − 2c
MeshH = O_h − B − 2c
Miter long-point lengths:
Rails = O_w
Stiles = O_hWorked Example — Our 48″ × 60″
- B (1×4 cedar actual) = 3.5″, c = 1/8″
- Inside opening: Iw = 48 − 7 = 41″ · Ih = 60 − 7 = 53″
- Mesh final size: MeshW = 48 − 3.5 − 0.25 = 44.25″ · MeshH = 60 − 3.5 − 0.25 = 56.25″
- Miters (long-point): Rails = 48″ · Stiles = 60″
Alternate back-rabbet method (optional)
If you cut a 1/2″ deep by ~1/2″ wide rabbet from the back instead of a centered groove, choose a seat width r (e.g., r = 1/2″):
MeshW = I_w − 2*(r − c)
MeshH = I_h − 2*(r − c)Tips
- Black PVC mesh visually disappears and is gentle on ties; ~2″×4″ grid works well for tomatoes/cucumbers.
- For panels wider than ~48″, add a center stile or use thicker stock for stiffness.
- Label boards and keep the same face against the fence for grooves and miters—grooves will line up perfectly.
Safety
- Pre-drill near miter tips to prevent splitting; clamp assemblies and check for square.
- Use push sticks/featherboards at the table saw. Wear eye/ear protection.
- Gloves for mesh cutting; file sharp ends; keep fingers clear when stapling.
Get the Printable plan
Download a one-page cut list and step summary for your workshop.
Shop the Build
Black PVC Coated Welded Wire Fence 4ft x 50ft
2 1/2” Deck Screws
Dewalt Miter Saw
FAQ
Can I scale this wider/taller?
Yes – use the same method and increase rail/slat lengths. For widths over – 48″. consider a center stile or thicker stock for thickness.
What finish lasts in Arizona sun?
Penetrating exterior oils are easy to renew (wipe-on yearly). Spar urethane offers a glossier film but needs more prep to refinish.
How do I attach it to a raised bed?
Use exterior screws through the frame into bed caps, or install small L-brackets on the inside of the bed. For ground installs, use cedar stakes behind each stile.