How to Make Yard Crosses

We have learned alot in our effort to supply the community of Wimberley with crosses. This website is provided to help you build crosses for your community, without having to re-invent the wheel. These crosses are designed for front yards, but, can be placed anywhere.
We have found that 8 foot untreated pine 2 x 4′s work best, (avoid using studs since that throws off all of the dimensions). You can get two 29″, and two 19″ boards from one 8 ft. 2 x 4. Working with volunteers, its easier to haul, and work with 8 ft. lumber. We have learned that it is best to keep this process as simple as possible. Board dimensions
Cut the 8 foot 2 x 4 into two 29″ & two 19″ boards.
Make the dado cuts on each board. Since the board widths vary slightly, for a good tight fit, keep the cross members paired together, and, use the horizontal board of the pair to mark the dado cut for the vertical board. Then use the vertical board to mark the dado cut for the horizontal board. This works so well that we often have to use a rubber mallet to join the boards together.
Use two 1.25″ deck screws to secure the horizontal board to the vertical board. Tighten the screws to just below the surface of the board. (Don’t go to deep).
Round off the rough edges with a table router.
Sand to a paint ready finish with an orbital sander.
First put on a coat of primer (Kilz), then, after it dries, apply a coat of white semi-gloss water based enamel.

Finally, cut a 15″ long piece of 1/2″ steel rebar, to be driven into the ground, then place the cross onto the rebar, and, use a scrap 2 x 4 laid on top of the cross, then use aregular hammer to drive the cross onto the rebar.
Installing a cross.

Hammer the rebar into the groung so that 6 inches is above the ground. Next, place the cross on the rebar, then tap the cross onto the rebar, and rotate as needed.