Three More Arbor And Trellis Projects For Composite Decks

So, you read our last article on how to make composite decks more attractive, and you're itching for more. Your latest decking project is just waiting to be beautified by a new trellis or arbor -- and if you play your cards right and design carefully, you can use some of that leftover composite decking material to build it.

Nothing accessorizes composite decks better than vegetation and flowers; it's the perfect way to create a gradual transition from indoors to outdoors, to ease your visitors from your home's interior to its backyard. Bordering your decks with trellises, covering them with classy pergolas or gating them with arbors is the perfect way to personalize.

Here are three more projects that turn composite decks into outdoor wonderlands.

Gated Arbors. Composite decks look great when you design crafty ways to introduce visitors to them. If your decking project extends to your home's property boundary or front yard, a gated arbor could prove a welcoming sight. These can also serve as entry segments along fencelines; if your fence matches your composite deck, a gated arbor is the perfect companion to both. When covered with climbing flowering plants -- like morning glories or trumpet honeysuckles -- it turns your backyard into a veritable eden.

Rustic Arbors. These are functional as well as stylish. With an appearance like a child's jungle gym made of wood, rustic arbors give your garden a three-dimensional quality that's unmatched by any other type of project. Use cedar, redwood or even recycled railroad ties to create a spot for climbing plants, grapevines or heavier fare like wisteria. Rustic arbors probably won't look good connected directly to composite decks -- but they can sure improve the view when you're lounging.

Fan Trellis. Simple fan trellises, combined with pergolas and installed at the corners of composite decks, can give the appearance of a beautiful outdoor room once they're covered with climbing plants. These are best built with a softwood, as composite decking material may prove to strong. Simply cut seven 72-inch arms from 2x6 stock and stack them face-to-face. Bind them with masking tape, and drill three 7/16-inch holes at 16-inch intervals, starting four inches from the top. Glue the bottoms together, and separate the tops by inserting threaded brass rods and wooden spreaders.

Sequoia Supply, located in Warminster, PA, is the premier destination for composite decks and decking material. With a wide selection of wood and composite materials, decking accessories and other supplies, it's a one-stop shop for contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike.