How to Build a Wooden Garden Obelisk

Cut main wood pieces:
Vertical wood posts: (4 )2 x 2 x 6-feet
Horizontal rails: (4) 2 x 2 x 24", (4) 2 x 2 x 19,5-inches, (4) 2 x 2 x 13.5-inch
Do angled cuts on horizontal rails (see diagram).
Layout all the pieces for your two main sides of the obelisk on the floor.
Each side consists of two 6-foot side posts and three different horizontal rails.
Drill pilot holes where screws will go. Or use pocket hole jig.
Keep in mind that you will need to place two screws at each corner where two horizontal rails both attach to the same side post. To do this, don’t screw through the middle of each horizontal rail but instead place one screw head lower than the other.
Assemble sides.
Work from the bottom horizontal rail up (marked as 1 in the diagram above).
When screwing the pieces together, the ends of the horizontal rails should be nice and snug against the side posts, so there are no gaps. You can also use carpenter’s wood glue to further seal the deal.
Add horizontal rails.
Cut remaining wood for decorative details. Double check that your measurements match mine.
Design pieces (optional): (8) 1 x 2 x 25-inch, (8) 1 x 2 x 22.5-inch
Top Frame: (2) 1 x 2 x 17-inch, (2) 1 x 2 x 14.75-inch
Add top pieces. I used two 17-inch 1 x 2s, and two 14.75-inch 1 x 2s.
Paint or stain.
Add chicken wire (optional).