Most "iron" trellises are actually made of steel or aluminum. The ironwork effect is created by hammering the metal or by the use of small scrolls at the ends of the metal. Before building an iron trellis, you will first need to assess the kind of vegetation that you intend to hang on the trellis. Also consider where you intend to put the trellis. This will give you some idea of what dimensions are needed for it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. You will need a simple crisscross design to make your trellis. You can find ideas in many landscape or garden books. You will need to adjust your own measurements to this design to fit the area that will hold the trellis. Figure out how much steel round you will need to make the trellis, with the dimensions you have estimated. Your best price will be from a steel distributor, which will sell these rounds in 20-foot lengths. To carry your steel home in a car or truck, you need have to cut them down to a shorter length. The distributor will cut them for you for an additional charge.
2. Set out your 3/16-inch steel rounds on a smooth floor. Carefully measure the horizontal lengths needed for the trellis. Follow the old adage, "measure twice, cut once.'' Cut to length. Leave the top length 3 to 4 inches longer so that you can work the extra bit into a small scroll.
3. Measure the vertical lengths you need for the trellis. Make the two end lengths 6 inches longer so that you can set them into the ground to create a stable base to hold the trellis and the vegetation.
Set the vertical lengths an equal distance apart. Weld the horizontal lengths to the vertical at intervals, making sure they are an equal distance apart and square. Make sure the two longer end verticals are 6 inches longer to go into the ground. You should have a solid checkerboard pattern at the end.
4. With the torch, heat the little extra bit on two longer top end pieces. Hammer these bits of hot metal around the surface of the pipe, about three-fourths of the way around. Then, remove them from the pipe, and hammer the tips a bit further in, to make more of a spiral than a circle.
5. Paint the trellis whatever color you like. You may wish to match or contrast the color of your home. Plain black paint will give it more of an Old World wrought-iron look.
Tags: inches longer, will need, distance apart, equal distance, equal distance apart
