How to Build a Trellis

Building a trellis is a way to combine both organic and inorganic to make your garden more beautiful. Making a trellis is quite basic, and will make for a good starter project for aspiring do-it-yourself carpenters. Here’s how.

Materials

• Pressure-treated wood
• Waterproof wood glue
• Common nails
• Multi-use screws
• Deck screws

Procedure

1. Make measurements of your trellis’ dimensions. It should be big enough to be noticed but not obnoxiously big to overwhelm the area.
2. Use 5/8 inch by 1 and 1/2 inch pieces of pressure-treated wood for the uprights and crosspieces.
3. Use 2 by 2’s for the side pieces and the bottom of the frame.
4. Use a 2 by 6 or a 2 by 8 for the top of the frame.
5. Cut the upright pieces first according to your specifications. Lay them out on face-down on the ground. An odd number of pieces are usually better-looking for the overall effect.
6. Cut the crosspieces and lay them over the top of the uprights. Make sure that they are spaced evenly.
7. Use waterproof wood glue where the pieces cross to make them more stable. When the glue dries, attach the crosspieces with the uprights at the intersection using nails or screws
8. Measure the top of the grid and cut the top part of the frame according to that measurement.
9. Start cutting the side pieces of the frame, whose measurements should be the length of the grid in addition to the top piece. If you are planning to set the trellis into a container or into the soil, you should put in additional length.
10. Cut the 2 by 2 lumber the width of the grid and slide it against the bottom of the grid until it is in place. Make sure that the backs are even
11. Attach the 2 by 2 lumber using glue and deck screws. Use additional screws at the back of the frame or grid for more support.