How to Build a Garden Trellis

A garden trellis is not only beautiful and decorative, it can be functional as well. So how do you go about building a trellis to fit into your landscaping scheme? It's easier than you think.

First you need to decide where you want your trellis. Many people think a trellis can only be put at a gate, but that's not true. You can actually put a trellis anywhere you want to create a focal point. It could be at the front of a pond to guide people in or you could incorporate a sitting area in it for relaxing and watching the fish. It's your trellis.

Now that you have a location in mind, you need to figure roughly how much wood you will need. Generally, the width or opening should be no more than four feet. You will need four two by four posts, treated, for the outside frame and foundation.

You will also need lumber in sizes of two by twos, two by eights, and two by twelves. Be sure to get spiral nails or screws to put the trellis together.

Now that everything is gathered and at the site, it is time to begin the trellis project. First you will need to set the four by two posts in the ground for strength. An average of twelve to fifteen inches should be fine. Dig your holes and set the posts in at the appropriate width. The four inch width of the board should be facing each other from front of the trellis to back. Set the posts in with concrete. Make sure the posts are level. Allow the concrete to dry completely.

To assemble your trellis, use two by twos to form a frame for the sides. Cut cross sections from the two by twos, exactly the length needed to fit between your two by fours. You will need fourteen of these. Attach these to the two by four frame from top to bottom, leaving a twelve inch gap between the posts. The two by twos should fit flush with the inside of the two by four.

Next you will need to add the vertical two by twos. For a more decorative look, try cutting the boards to form a thirty degree slope at the top. Or you could just leave them all the same height, which is easier. The average height for the boards should be about seven foot, four or five inches. Adjust your boards according to your wishes. Attach the vertical boards to the horizontal boards with screws, with one and one-half inches between the boards.

To join the two sides together and to add stability, cut a top cross board out of a two by twelve. This top piece should fit between the one and one-half inch slats of the trellis. It ties the two sides together.

You can also add shelves to the outside of the sides if you wish. Cut shelves out of two by eights and attach about four foot up. This is an excellent spot to set pots of flowers and plants.

If your trellis will not be used as an entryway, you could actually add a seating area. Simple use a two by twelve and cut it the inside width of the trellis. Attach it to the trellis at about knee height.

Now that you have your trellis constructed, you can turn to the painting. Most trellis are white. However, as I said earlier, it is your trellis, so choose a color that you will want.

Once your beautiful new trellis is constructed, call your friends and families to come over and check out your latest masterpiece.