This plan is inspired by the architectural garden spires from Ballard Designs, easy to build and only requires a couple of tools to complete. This project is more of a test of your patience than it is difficult….but the reward is huge! This accessory is shown for use outdoors, and can be used for climbing plants or for decorative purposes, however, I think this would also be a fabulous and dramatic element inside as well.
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
$25-$50
- Tape Measure
- Sander
- Saw – This can be a circular saw, hand saw or small hand held reciprocating saw for this project, whatever you have and are comfortable with. This project is not picky.
- Drill or Finish Nail Set and Hammer. This will depend on the structures use.
- For use as a trellis, use screws for added stability and strength. If for decorative purposes, finish nails will be fine and leave less of a mark to fill later.
- 3/4″x3/4″ Trim (Square Dowels)
- Large Garden Spire:
- 5 – 10' 2 – 8'
- 1 – Wood Finial for the top if desired
- Small Garden Spire:
- 2 – 10' 3 – 8'
- 1 – Wood Finial for the top if desired
- Both Pieces:
- 7 – 10' 5 – 8' 2 – Wood Finals for the top if desired
- 1 1/2″ Screws – Use Galvanized or stainless for outdoor use whenever possible.
- 1 1/4″ Screws
- 1 1/4″ Finish Nails
- Wood Glue – choose an outdoor appropriate option
- Wood Filler – choose an outdoor appropriate option
- Sandpaper
- Finishing Supplies – use a water seal product at the very least to protect from the elements.
Larger Garden Spire:
- 8 – 14″ (Cube Base)
- 4 – 12 1/2″ (Cube Base)
- 4 – 25″ (Spire)
- 8 – 21″ (Cube X)
- 4 – 3″ (Horizontal Trim)
- 8 – 15″ (Lower Spire X)
- 8 – 10″ (Middle Spire X)
- 8 – 6″ (Upper Spire X)
- 1 – 2×2″ Rosette or Square Piece to Place on top as is, or for attaching final to.
Smaller Garden Spire:
- 8 – 10″ (Cube Base)
- 4 – 8 1/2″ (Cube Base)
- 4 – 17″ (Spire)
- 8 – 15″ (Cube X)
- 4 – 2″ (Horizontal Trim)
- 8 – 11″ (Lower Spire X)
- 8 – 7″ (Middle Spire X)
- 8 – 5″ (Upper Spire X)
- 1 – 2×2 Rosette or Square piece to place on top as is, or for attaching a finial to.
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Start by Building your Cube: Use 2″ Screws and Wood Glue
Form the Spire: this will be the most difficult portion of the project, and isn't really difficult, just a bit tricky. You are going to cut 4 pieces to approximately 25″. The easiest way to find the cut angle is to use a guide in the center of your cube at a 40″ height.
Then you will set a 25″ piece on one corner of your cube and lean it in toward the center guide. Mark the angle you should cut the bottom and top of your 25″ piece so that it will sit flush on top of your cube while angling toward the center, and flat at the center forming a square with the other pieces. Do this for all 4 pieces and all 4 corners of your cube. Attach them individually to the corners using a Finish Nail (so they will move a bit while you finish this step) then attach to each other in the center using 1 1/4″ Screws and Glue. You can then go back and attach each piece using a 1 1/4″ Screw and Wood Glue. Fasten down through the piece and into the cube base.
This is what they will look like when you have them all cut and fastened.
Trim out the Cube: Lay a piece at an angle between the 2 corners (diagonally) with the top of the piece resting in the upper right corner and the bottom of the piece resting in the lower left corner to get the best fit. Mark and cut, then attach using 2″ Finish Nails and Glue. Do this for the cross piece as well but mark off where it will hit in the center and cut there as well. Attach to the Right Diagonal as well as to the Cube.
Add Horizontal Trim approximately 3 1/2″ down from the top: Attach using 2″ Finish Nails and Wood Glue.
Trim out the remaining space in X's at the dimensions shown in the image below. Use 2″ Finish Nails and Wood Glue. Mark and Cut, mark and cut, mark and cut..do this to all 4 sides.
Attach a 2×2 Rosette or Square piece to the top to finish off or for attaching a finial to if desired. Actual measurements of a 2×2 are 1 1/2×1 1/2″. Fill any Screw or Nail Holes and Touch up if you pre-finished for outdoor use. To complete the smaller size, the dimensions are shown below. Simply use the cut list above and construct as you did the larger Garden Spire. Use a Center Guide of 26 1/2″.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
