This is a greenhouse site. Not and arbor building site. There is probably one if you do a search for it.

sorry, I saw greenhouse but also garden structures, which I thought would include the structure I am talking about. I did a search and did not see anything else, do you know where I should post this instead?

Cateyanne, I don't think you're in the wrong place at all.

Funnylady, although the threads are, admittedly, predominantly about greenhouses, the title of this forum is "Greenhouses & Garden Structures." There have been threads on various garden structures like arbors, shade houses, etc.

I'm no expert on construction, especially in your Zone 5/6 where winter freeze may have more impact than here in 7. However, I would frame a section of lattice (with something smaller than 2x4's) for each section, then attach those to 4x4 or 6x6 fence posts. Rather than sink the panel into the ground, I would have each raised a bit above the ground. Even 12" above ground level would still provide privacy, and could easily be filled with a groundcover or low-growing shrubs or perennials planted along the length of the trellis-type structure you're planning.

You might consider treated lumber, or at least treating with a linseed oil mixture, to slow down termites and/or deterioration of the wood, especially any buried wood. Do you have a lot of carpenter bees or carpenter ants in your area? You'll have to take these things into consideration or your structure may not last long.

Level, square and straight is of utmost importance. Make sure your panels are square. Get a level to make sure your posts are straight. Get some mason's twine and stretch it between the proposed end points, then align your posts with that. Later, use the same to make sure your panels are all attached at the same height. Make sure your posts are well-seated and properly positioned in the ground, especially if you're going to cement them in place - once that sets, there will be no adjusting them.

One tip I learned from a fellow who installed a beautiful fence for me at my home: No need to be sure the tops of the posts are level - it's just too difficult; digging all those holes to the precise same depth is impossible, then the earth settles and all. Just be sure they're set deeply enough, straight up, and well-aligned. After everything else is done and they're secure, you can use that mason's twine to mark a level line at the desired height, then power-saw off the excess.

Look into getting some post caps; they're not cheap, but you might be surprised what a finished and elegant look they can add.

Somewhere on this site, in one of these forums, is a thread with photos of the garden room someone created, all surrounded with trellis panels. That might be a big help to you as you try to visualize and build your structure; if I can find it I'll post a link.

BTW, the fence I mentioned is constructed of solid wood (tongue-and-groove construction) 5' high with a 1' high scalloped spindle section at the top. I'm sure these weigh a lot more than any lattice panels would. They are attached to 6x6 posts, neither end of the fence being attached to any other structure ... they just disappear off into thick evergreens ... and seems every bit as straight and level as the day it was installed.

There are ways to attach to masonry, but I don't think you really want to mar the brick of that garage in any way.

Good luck with your project; it sounds quite "doable". Just don't rush it, and maybe reconsider some of those details; think carefully, too, about the shade that will be cast by those lattice panels and whether this will be a desirable effect, also how they may affect views from inside the house and various points in the yard. If these effects are not to your liking, there are most likely other ways of creating the sense of enclosure that you seek.

Sorry for the length of this post, and yet I feel I've left something out :-)

gardenstate, thank you so much for the thoughtful post. You have given me plenty to think about and some really good ideas. I like the post caps idea, that will lend a very decorative, finished look. I appreciate your attention to detail. The level and square particulars are where I am the most concerned, DH thinks that 8' above ground with 30" cemented below is not a good ratio and it may all blow over in the wind, and I really didn't want to attach it to the garage wall if possible, I do appreciate the advice. If you think of anything else please don't hesitate to add more, I'm all ears! :)
Cathy

It sounds as if you've already purchased your wood, but be advised that the treated lumber available at Lowe's and Home Depot is not rated for below-ground use. In order to get wood with a high enough content of treatment, you'll have to go to a lumberyard.

-Bruce

Thanks Bruce, We only purchased the wood for the first section, That is good to know.
How long does wood that is not treated last in ground?

Hi
Not familiar with your climate but I live in the rot and wind damage capital of the US lol
I wouldn't use ANY wood at all lol Aluminum and Vinyl as well as fiberglass are a hundred times better in every aspect. More expensive sure but IME will last 10 times longer. gary

I wish I could remember what kind of wood it was, but this fall we finally removed the posts from the old split-rail fence that had been in place for over 20 years. The wood that had been below ground was actually in better shape than that which had been exposed!

I don't know about the rating of the treated lumber at Lowe's or HD, but another place you could try for appropriate posts would be a place that sells fences and fence materials. We're fortunate to have a place in the area that manufactures them for contractors as well as DIY installations; quality and prices are good, and they're very helpful as well. Check around you area and see if you, too, might have such a place within a reasonable distance.

With respect to the height issue, I'd be out of my league to advise, although I don't think there's going to be a lot of weight or wind resistance, unless you're planning on training something substantial up those trellis sections. Mary_lu, in the Cottage Forum, built a beautiful garden room with 8-foot high trellis walls. I cannot find the original thread or photos, but perhaps if you e-mail her through GardenWeb she'll be willing to advise?