Build a Plant Obelisk: DIY Garden Structure Project

Create a Classic Garden Obelisk

This simple plant support suits country gardens and is ideal for intermediate woodworkers or beginners learning new skills. The trickiest part: cutting 10-degree bevels on four corner posts.

Tools and Materials

• 4 × 5-ft redwood/cedar 2x2s (legs)
• 14 ft 1x2 cedar/redwood (horizontals)
• Countersink drill bit, protractor, circular/table saw
• Heavy-duty construction adhesive
• 24 × 2-inch deck screws
• Power screwdriver (#2 Phillips), tape measure
• Scrap wood/nails for tacking, fine-grit sandpaper
• Finish options: wood preservative/stain OR exterior latex paint + oil-based primer + brushes/thinner

Step-by-Step Construction

1. Make Angle Cuts

Mark 10° angles on two adjacent sides of each leg top. Make two cuts per leg.

2. Join Legs

Lay two legs flat, tops together. Glue and screw tips (one screw each side). Repeat for other pair.

3. Measure and Mark

Mark 15" and 30" up from bottom on all four legs. (Tack scrap wood across bottom for stability — avoid horizontal positions.)

4. Cut Horizontals (B and C)

Position 1x2 below each mark, use leg outside as guide for angled cuts. Cut two of each (B and C) for both sides.

5. Attach Horizontals

Attach B and C to first leg pair with adhesive and one screw per joint. Repeat second pair. Stand both upright, screw tops together. Verify equal leg spacing.

6. Add More Horizontals (D and E)

Hold 1x2 in place, mark cuts using outside of B/C braces. Cut two each, assemble with adhesive and screws.

7. Bevel Leg Bottoms (Optional)

Bevel ends for flush ground contact, or leave as-is and bury in soil.

8. Finish

Remove tack strips. Sand rough edges. Apply finish if desired.

Finishing Notes

For weathered gray cedar: apply wood preservative or wood-tone stain. For paint: exterior primer first, then exterior latex. After drying, place in garden bed and admire.