• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Cottage at the Crossroads

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Gardening
  • Recipes
  • Canning
  • DIY
  • Holidays
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Gardening
    • Recipes
    • Canning
    • DIY
    • Holidays
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » DIY » Outdoor Projects

    DIY Wooden Garden Obelisk

    By: Leo · Updated: 30 May, '18 · This post may contain affiliate links · 39 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    This easy-to-make wooden obelisk will look really nice in your garden. First of all, I must tell you that I am by no means a professional carpenter or woodworker. So if I can build this, you can too.  I'm including step-by-step directions and a diagram so that you can make one too at very little cost.

    How to make your own DIY Wooden Garden Obelisk

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads
    DIY Wooden Garden Obelisk

    Back in January, I was browsing through the How-To books in Lowe's and spotted an obelisk. I had seen these around but had no idea it had such a fancy name. By definition, an obelisk is a tall, 4 sided, narrow, tapering structure which ends in a pyramid-like shape at the top. I'm just going to call it a wooden trellis that you can grow things on in the garden.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads
    Materials in hand and ready to build a wooden obelisk

    What you need to build a Wooden Obelisk

    As I mentioned earlier, if I can build this wooden obelisk, I'm confident you can.

    • four 2"x 2"x 8' pieces of treated wood
    • three 2"x 1"x 8' pieces of treated wood
    • 1 small box of 2" coated deck screws
    • drill and bit
    • power or hand saw
    • tape measure
    • pencil
    • a long work bench or 2 sawbucks
    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

    How to build a Wooden Obelisk

    Learn how to build this garden wood obelisk with my step-by-step instructions, detailed pictures, and printable diagram.

    Step 1

    Cut the 2"x 1" slats into the following lengths:

    • four 22" pieces
    • four 18 ½" pieces
    • four 14 ½" pieces
    • four 11" pieces

    Step 2

    Drill a small hole ½ inch from both ends of each piece. This will keep the wood from splitting when you insert the screws later.

    Step 3

    Lay down two of the 2"x 2"x 8' pieces on your work space, placing them into a pyramid shape.

    Step 4

    Screwing the 12" slats from the bottom to the top of the obelisk.

    • Screw a 22" slat 12 inches up from the bottom on both sides
    • Screw a 18 ½" slat up 15 inches up from where you put the first slat.
    • Screw a 14 ½" will go up 15 inches from that one
    • Screw a 11" slat will go up 15 inches also.

    I think you get the idea. The first slat is 12" from the bottom and the remaining slats are spaced 15" apart.

    Repeat the process and build one more just like it.

    Save the diagram here.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads
    Obelisk Diagram

    Important Tip

    While you're screwing in these side slats, it's important to have someone hold the top of the pyramid together.

    Step 5

    After you have two sides, stand them up, have someone hold the tops together, and screw in the remaining slats. You will now have a 4 sided structure.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk

    Step 6

    To finish off the top, I chose to just trim it out with four small pieces of the 2"x 1" slats. I put this old birdhouse on the top just to get an idea of what I wanted to do. You may want to put a decorative finial on the top, but we're going to put birdhouses on the top of ours.

    Obelisk Variations

    As you can see in this photo, I experimented with different ways to make the obelisk more sturdy. I doubled the 2"x 2"s and later I built another one using 2" x4"s. But really the 2"x 2"s work just fine.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads
    Side by side comparison using 2" x 4"s (left) and 2" x 2"s (right)

    Painting our Obelisks

    You may choose to leave them a natural wood color, but we decided to paint ours to add some more color to the garden.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

    First, we put a coat of a good quality exterior latex primer on them. After all, I don't want to have to be painting these things every year since painting is one of my least favorite things.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

    We chose to paint them what has become Cottage at the Crossroads signature shade of green (Bella Mint by Valspar.) We've painted our Adirondack chairs, an arbor, picnic table, and some exterior doors this same shade of green. I'm planning on planting an indeterminate cherry tomato under this one because they can get very tall.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

    I got a little carried away and built four obelisks and had to decide where to place them in the garden. I think we'll plant some pole beans under two of them and perhaps a flowering vine under one. I'll leave that monumental decision up to my full time decorator, Jane!

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

    This year, we're concentrating on not only having a fully productive vegetable garden but an attractive sanctuary as well. You know, a place to enjoy the great outdoors with a glass of wine.

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

    You may want to choose how you're going to anchor the obelisk. I bought some stakes at Lowe's. Jane and I are now shopping for some attractive birdhouses. Stay tuned to this blog to see the finished product which will include the birdhouses and the climbing plants.

    If you decide to build an obelisk, let me know how it turns out.

    Update: This post has been updated to correct a mistake made in the original materials list. We apologize for any inconvenience.

    More Outdoor Projects

    • Lattice panel above faux fireplace 2
      Upcycled Wood Lattice Wall Panel for Fall Decor
    • Red and white enamelware fountain square
      Enamelware Chair Fountain
    • Summer topsy turvy planter square2
      Summer Topsy Turvy Planter
    • Galvanized tub fountain and planter square
      Galvanized Tub Fountain and Planter

    Sharing is caring!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Sonia

      October 04, 2022 at 5:46 pm

      They look fantastic. Thanks for posting instructions. I'll be making one soon!

      Reply
    2. Denise

      April 06, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      Had bookmarked your site almost a year ago and just went back to it today. My husband loves your plans and we're heading to Lowe's/Menard's this afternoon to buy supplies for a 10 ft obelisk for my clematis to grow on around our martin house. Other trellises we've tried to purchase have been too short, too easy to tip over (my clematis vines have done well since the tornado destroyed our home & yard 2 years ago). Will let you know how it turns out! Thank you for the DIY directions and photos.

      Reply
    3. Elizabeth Agler

      June 12, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      I realize this is an old post, but I wanted to say thank you! My 12 year old son and I followed these directions for a wonderful obelisk that we painted purple and nailed a propeller at the top- I couldn’t be happier. The instructions were super easy and straightforward! I wish I could post a picture but I need instructions for that too!! Thanks again!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 12, 2018 at 10:55 pm

        That is so kind of you to come back and leave your comment, Elizabeth. Putting a propeller on top is a great idea and I do wish I could see a photo of it!

        Reply
        • Valena

          January 30, 2022 at 11:05 am

          I so enjoyed reading the garden obelisk posting.
          Valena

          Reply
    4. Jordan

      May 06, 2018 at 11:40 am

      As noted by others below, you'll need more than 2 boards for the rungs. Also, the upper two rungs probably need to move up the ladder a bit to for just right. I cut my height at 6ft and put 8" rungs at the top.

      Reply
    5. Antonetta Kowalewski

      April 13, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      Im sure you can build it too guys. Just look for woodprix page

      Reply
    6. Bonnie

      June 25, 2017 at 9:52 pm

      This pattern is great and super easy! I made 3 tonight for my climbing plants. I adjusted the pattern for the smaller ones as we built an 8', 6' and 4'....they turned out perfect!! I also used pressure treated wood as they'll be covered in vine - so a little extra cost but not too steep. Thanks for sharing the pattern and pics! 🙂

      Reply
    7. Lois

      July 19, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      Absolutely love these and I am pinning them to show my husband! Already thinking about where to put mine before they are already built. Thanks for sharing such lovely pics. Love your home and farm.

      Reply
    8. Kirsti

      July 12, 2015 at 1:45 am

      So inspired, and looking forwars to make these wooden obelisks for my garden her in Norway. Great to get detailed DIY instructions. Guess i will not see the same abundance of flowers You get, in"my" climate, but still...

      Reply
    9. Sheree

      June 04, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      I love your Obelisks! So much so that I am building two of them tonight. I love your plans - very straight forward, very easy to build. But I have a question: Unless I missed something, the horizontal cross supports compbined, total 264 inches. In the instructions, it states that I only needed 2 -1" x 2" x 8' long pressure treated wood to build one Obelisk. Two 8' long pieces totals only 192". Fortunately for me, I have a pile of scrape - enough to cut the 4 - 14.5" and 4 - 11" pieces. Am I not thinking straight?

      Reply
    10. Kathy

      April 22, 2015 at 9:24 pm

      I love this project and appreciate the detailed instructions, diagram and wonderful pics. I noticed your comment about anchoring the garden obelisk, but I would love some additional info on how to do that. We get some ferocious thunderstorms and would hate to find it in my neighbor's yard after a big wind. Thank you again, Kathy

      Reply
      • Leo Windham

        April 22, 2015 at 9:40 pm

        Hi Kathy,
        I bought two foot metal stakes at Lowes. The stakes have a hole in them Kind of like a sewing needle. I used clothes line wire to tie to the obelisk after I drove them into the ground. So far they haven't blown over. Thanks for stopping by the Crossroads.

        Reply
      • Sheree

        June 04, 2015 at 6:43 pm

        I am in the process of building 2 of Leo's Obelisks. To anchor them so they don't blow over (we get heavy storms in Florida), I am setting each leg in a Folgers Coffee container - plastic, and then filling each container with concrete. I will then set them into the ground. A bag of Quickcrete is only about $3.00 and containers are free. Well worth not having my Obelisks blow over! Hope this helps.

        Reply
    11. [email protected]

      February 14, 2015 at 8:50 am

      Oh I love these Jane & Leo!!! Thanks for the tutorial!

      Reply
    12. Martin Peach

      October 09, 2014 at 11:08 am

      Have just discovered your website while researching obelisks for my newly designed garden. Am most grateful for your directions and diagram. Haven't got to the build yet, but like Mike Baker, I found at the planning stage that your two 2" x 1" timbers need in fact to be 11 feet in length and not 8 feet as per your directions. I shall now order the wood to build two obelisks, one for winter/spring clematis, the other summer varieties. Both will also support roses.
      Best wishes
      Martin Peach
      Surrey, England

      Reply
    13. Susan Currie

      July 24, 2014 at 8:48 am

      Just love it, I have large flower gardens and am running out of places to put my climbers, now I know what I will do thanks for the easy instructions keep up the good work.

      Reply
    14. Mike Baker

      July 12, 2014 at 9:41 pm

      Thanks for inspiring me to do this project. I am not quite finished, but wanted to let you know your list is off by one 1x2. I got the four 2x2's and two 1x2 painted and was getting ready to cut the 1x2's to assemble the Trellis and realized that I did not have enough.
      Just thought you would want to know.
      Yours look great and I like your site.
      Mike

      Reply
      • Leo Windham

        July 14, 2014 at 8:42 am

        Thank you Mike. I'll make that correction.

        Reply
    15. Mrs Major Hoff (Sara)

      June 25, 2014 at 11:39 am

      Great instructions, thanks! I love obelisks!

      Reply
    16. Pamela S. Scruggs

      March 03, 2014 at 8:55 am

      my 19 year old cat went to glory this morning and I was looking at home talk to get my mind off of it and came across your blog I think it is only fitting that I will build an obelisk in my garden in honor of Lillian. I truly believe that the Lord puts things in your path for a reason thank you for the step-by-step instructions I'm going to use this day to do this project and it will soothe my soul to have a forever memory piece in my garden in honor of my furry friend.

      Reply
    17. Anika Ferguson

      March 03, 2014 at 1:23 am

      I have been collecting and repainting eclectic bird houses and wishing I had trees or a good place to our them! I am definitely making one or two of these for the garden! Thank you!

      Reply
    18. Mona

      February 26, 2014 at 9:38 am

      Hi..
      Your garden is so gorgeous!! and I love the obelisks... I really, really love your garden area...so I am now following you so I can keep up...
      Love, Mona
      I am an avid gardener too so this is right up my alley...

      Reply
    19. Mary

      February 26, 2014 at 6:59 am

      Oh I love the green color of your obelisks and the bird house perched on top! Gardening with a glass of wine in hand is my kind of gardening 🙂

      Reply
      • Allie

        June 21, 2020 at 9:31 am

        I ,being a woman alone am going to build one of these for sunflower support. Thanks for posting for free..not trying to make a buck like so many others.

        Reply
    20. Linda

      February 25, 2014 at 1:57 pm

      Thank you so much for these easy to follow instructions. Our local OSH store has some obelisks that are selling for $60 - $80 and they are not even as tall as yours! Also, great idea putting bird houses on top.

      Reply
    21. Jean Windham

      February 24, 2014 at 6:35 pm

      Leo, you are becoming a real handyman down there in Windham's Crossroads. I think the obelisks (wooden trellis) are really pretty and add alot to the beauty of the garden. Great job. Now you keep up the good work. Jean

      Reply
    22. tonia conner

      February 23, 2014 at 4:18 pm

      I love your garden place period. We are just starting ours. I would like some raised beds. and the obelisks would look great in between for beans and maybe squash? I'm looking for directions for the beds now. If I get the obelisks done this year I will post and tell where I got the directions. In fact I would like to go ahead and have you share it on my blog if I can figure out how to do it. If it's alright with you. Or does that have to be done on your end. Just please get back with me.
      Blessings,
      T.

      Reply
    23. Donnamae

      February 23, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      Loving these! It's going to look lovely when it's all planted! 😉

      Reply
    24. [email protected] Designs

      February 23, 2014 at 10:53 am

      They are not only functional but beautiful Leo!!...Love the color!!

      Reply
    25. Ann

      February 23, 2014 at 10:17 am

      These are the perfect touch to your amazing garden. Love the green!

      Reply
    26. Cheryl

      February 23, 2014 at 8:55 am

      Thank you for your easy to understand directions. I think I can do it! Love your blog!!

      Reply
    27. SheilaG @ Plum Doodles

      February 23, 2014 at 8:14 am

      Wow, those are great! I think that just maybe, even I could build one. I envy your garden, and especially the energy to maintain it. Your obelisks will look wonderful strung with lights come Christmas time. 🙂

      Reply
    28. Dawn

      February 22, 2014 at 7:00 pm

      It's just perfect and I love the bright green color you chose. I can't wait to see it when your garden is in full bloom.

      Reply
    29. Teresa

      February 22, 2014 at 5:17 pm

      Very cool, it's so nice to see people still building their own things rather than buying from the big box stores. Well done!

      Reply
    30. Dolly Sarrio

      February 22, 2014 at 5:00 pm

      Leo,
      I love those. I'm sure I'll see them when I pass by. For those of you that don't have the chance to see Jane and Leo's place it is so cute! I love everything about it. They both have green thumbs. Can't wait to see these. Good Job!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads

    We're Jane and Leo!

    Thanks for stopping by! We're renovating and preserving our family's 100 year old home place where we garden, complete a few DIY projects, and do some cooking. Please leave us a comment so that we'll know that you were here.

    about →

    Reader Favorites

    • Setting up a gardening journal
      How to Set Up a Garden Journal
    • Wooden garden obelisks
      DIY Wooden Garden Obelisk
    • Sweet cucumber relish featured
      Sweet Cucumber Relish
    • Cucumbers in raised beds
      Growing Cucumbers in Raised Beds

    Gardening How-tos

    • Best way to remove weeds from large area
      Best Ways To Remove Weeds From a Large Area
    • Potting mix vs. Potting soil
      Potting Mix vs. Potting Soil
    • How to dry and store fresh garden herbs
      How To Dry Herbs
    • 1
      Instant Pot Canning Basics

    Growing Vegetables

    • Fall decor 063
      Our Fall Vegetable Garden
    • Garden and yard may 2013 132
      Evolution of a Garden
    • Celebrity tomatoes in cages
      How to Grow Your Own Tomatoes
    • Growing lettuce in containers 030
      Growing Lettuce in Containers

    Footer

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    © 2021 Cottage at the Crossroads · All Rights Reserved

    Contact Us · Privacy

    11.2K shares