i just planted a grape vine on a utility pole in my backyard. i had ment to start on roof first but the lumber failed to materialize. so instead i will start the grape now. It gives me a time limit on starting the roof.

Keep posting photos as your project progresses. What type of grape did you plant?

i have no idea, it was just an edible grape

Love your brick patio. Keep us posted on this project. That grape will cover that area in no time.

ok got 80 or so feet of treated 2 x 6 the poles are sunk in dirt so 20 years tops before they start to rot through. the 2 x 6 should outlast the poles but because they are 12 foot spans i will either have to double up 2 x 6 's to make 4 x 6 or use diagonal braces.

anyone know how heavy a grape vine gets by foot?

Mark, my vines are all about 30 years old and pretty thick. They are supported by 4x4 poles with 2x6 braces on either side of the poles, then with a simple ladder made of 1x2s on top of the braces. A hemlock took out one of the main support poles several years ago which we've never replaced. Other than some slight leaning, all remains pretty sturdy. To some degree, the grapes will form their own support system, and use the wood as more of a guide than an actual support. Here's a photo showing the under support and another in full on grapeness. As you can see from photo 2, that particular grape isn't even relying on the support pole to climb up (poor training on my part, but oh well).

joined 4 x4's to utility pole's with 8 inch rebar pin and 4 3 inch nails tonailed

80 inches at bottom of headers - lowest point

doubled up for strength

if the vines dont need much support i was thinking of using 14 gauge wire braided each run could hold 150 lb or so

thats it, done except the plexiglass or whatever ends up going on top and the wire for the grape, might need to rethink the fire...
and a dog tail

Nice work - that will be lovely when it is covered with grapevine, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly that happens.

diagonal bracing one the old fashion way the other strong tie

Looking good!

Love the dogs tail!

Hi , i know i said i was done save the plastic but i got to thinking and put in a center post. Advantages = i can use plywood and make a built in table, tile it with left over metro tile, and hanging plants, a plant shelf, if i do put a table there it would be easy to do a few 6 inch plant shelves near the top. and i had to put furring on the rafters 2 x 3 was the cheapist thing home depot had that had strength, they have horrible expensive 2 x 2 's there. heres some photos


grapes grow fast, i am happy

Looks great Mark!!

went with metal becouse all the plastic they sell at the big box store is and it is expensive to get better stuff

I see grapes!

the grapes are getting all wilted, any ideas, i think i need to fertilize it