By Matt Fox

Home & Garden Television

When I purchased my home about five years ago, the exterior of my garage looked kind of bland. So I thought I would grow some morning glories and train them to climb a trellis attached to the garage.

My partner Shari suggested I take it a step further and box in the trellis for a more finished look. Brother! That Shari is always right. Anyway, here is how you can do the same thing.

Materials:

Hand saw

Jigsaw

Power drill/drill bits

2-inch galvanized screws

1 1/2-inch galvanized box nails

Hammer

Tape measure

1-by 4-inch cedar lumber

1- by 10-inch cedar lumber

1- by 1-inch cedar lumber

1- by 2-inch cedar lumber

Cedar trellis

Step 1: The first step is the easiest

Purchase a prebuilt trellis from your local home center or garden store. This project takes that trellis and encloses it in a box to create a more ornate trellis.

Step 2: Almost as easy as the first step

Now you are going to build a rectangular box to fit the dimensions of the store-bought trellis using the 1- by 4-inch cedar lumber. Measure the length of the trellis and add 4 inches to give the box more size. Then cut the two side pieces using the hand saw. Measure the width and add 4 inches and cut the top and bottom pieces. Attach the top and bottom to the sides with the galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes first so that you don’t split the wood. This is the frame of the box.

Step 3: Attach the facing

Add a bottom facing across the width of the box. Measure the width and cut a 1- by 4-inch piece of cedar. Lay the board across the bottom of the box and attach using the galvanized wood nails.

For the top face, use a 1- by 10-inch piece of cedar. Cut the board to the width of the box. Lay out a curve by measuring in 4 inches from the bottom of the board on both ends and making a light pencil mark. Draw a soft curve connecting the two marks. I drew mine freehand, but you could use a thin yardstick and bend it to make a guide and trace the curve. Cut out the curve using a jigsaw. Attach the top board across the top of the box, remembering to use galvanized nails to prevent rusting.

After the bottom and top facing have been attached, measure the distance between the two and cut two 1- by 4-inch boards to that length. Attach these two side facings using the galvanized box nails spaced about 6 inches apart.

Step 4: Add the trellis

Turn the box frame over, placing it on a soft surface so that the front doesn’t get damaged. Cut 1- by 1-inch cedar trim to the length of the inside of the front facings. Attach the trim to the inside of the box, being sure to be flush with the outside edge of the side facing using the galvanized screws. Place the purchased trellis on top of the 1-by 1-inch trim and attach using the wood screws.

Step 5: Attaching to the wall

To hang the trellis, place a 1- by 2-inch board that is smaller than the inside width of your box on the wall you want your trellis to hang. Attach using the galvanized screws. Place the top of the trellis box on this board, and screw the trellis to this board from the top using screws.

Now you’re done, although that cedar will naturally turn gray if you don’t seal or preserve it. If you want to keep it looking new, be sure to use a good wood preservative with UV protector and apply it every year.

 Matt Fox writes this column with Shari Hiller. They also co-host the Home & Garden Television show “Room by Room.” For more information, visit .