Vine Support

It is an unfortunate statement of fact that there are not enough vine poles in the world. So do your part: Build a vine pole (or two) this summer. Here are directions and plans to build just that many.

• 3 ea. 8-foot 1x4, pressure-treated lumber
• 2 ea. 6-foot 1x2, pressure-treated lumber
• 3d (1-1/4 inch) galvanized finishing nails

1. Begin this vine pole by cutting the crossbars to length from 1x2s. Then use a pencil in a compass to mark the semi-circle at each end. Cut just to the waste side of the line with your bandsaw or jig saw, then use 120-grit sandpaper in a sanding block to sand to the line.

2. Crosscut one of your 1x4s into the spacers used in the middle layer of the vine pole. You'll need one piece 9-1/4 inches long, five pieces 8-1/2 inches long, and one that measures 35-1/4 inches.

3. Start assembly by laying one of the 8-foot 1x4s on your workbench. Take the spacer that's 9-1/4 inches long, and position its end flush with the top of the 1x4, and also carefully align the edges. Fasten the pieces face-to-face, using 3d (1-1/4 inch) galvanized finishing nails and weatherproof glue (Franklin's Titebond II is one brand).

4. Position a crossbar against the bottom of the top spacer. Make sure that the crossbar is centered end-to-end, then glue and nail it. Repeat this process for the remaining crossbars and spacers. Glue and nail the final 1x4 face-to-face to complete the assembly.

5. Use a pencil in a compass to mark the curve at the top of the vine pole. Cut it with your jig saw, then smooth the cut with sandpaper. Drill the hole through the vine pole. Use sandpaper to remove any sharp edges from the project.

6. Paint or stain the vine pole any color you desire.

7. Dig a hole 28 inches deep for your vine pole, and put four inches of crushed rock in the bottom to promote drainage. Have a helper hold the post plumb while you backfill the hole. As you replace the soil, tamp it firmly with the end of a 2x4.