---
title: "How To: Build a Trellis (The Quick and Easy Way)"
description: "If you're interested in learning how to build a trellis, here's a quick and easy approach to creating this practical, picturesque landscape feature."
date: "2013-09-17"
modified: "2020-12-09"
authors:
  - name: "Joe Provey"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/joe-provey/"
  - name: "Bob Vila"
    job_title: "Founder"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-build-a-trellis/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Easy DIY Projects"
  - "Lawn Care & Gardening"
tags:
  - "How To"
---

# How To: Build a Trellis (The Quick and Easy Way)

![How to Build a Trellis - Lattice Grate](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/trellis.jpg>)
*Photo: Shutterstock*

Low-cost additions to any landscape, easy-to-make garden trellises can be used to introduce shade or privacy, or to support climbing vegetables or [flowering vines](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-climbing-plants-that-are-easy-to-keep-under-control-580526/>).

Typically, a trellis consists of a square or rectangular frame with an inset grid. While the frame is usually constructed of wood, the grid can be created from a wide variety of materials, including chain link or wire mesh, nylon string or natural twine, interwoven sticks or bamboo stalks. A trellis can stand alone or connect to an existing structure, be it a wall, fence, arbor, or pergola.

### Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

- [Screwdriver](</asearch?q=Screwdriver>)
- [Hammer](</asearch?q=Hammer>)
- [Electric drill driver](</asearch?q=Electric%20drill%20driver>)
- [Stain applicator](</asearch?q=Stain%20applicator>)
- [1" x 1" cleats ](</asearch?q=1%20x%201%20cleats%20>)

- [Spiked post holders](</asearch?q=Spiked%20post%20holders>)
- [Galvanized nails](</asearch?q=Galvanized%20nails>)
- [Galvanized screws](</asearch?q=Galvanized%20screws>)
- [4' x 4' lattice ](</asearch?q=4'%20x%204'%20lattice%20>)
- [Outdoor wood stain](</asearch?q=Outdoor%20wood%20stain>)
- [1" x 3" or 1" x 4" boards](</asearch?q=1%20x%203%20or%201%20x%204%20boards>)

![How to Build a Trellis - Climbing Plants](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/climbing-plants.jpg>)
*Photo: susancohangardens.com*

## Step 1

The process of building a trellis begins by securing two vertical posts. The quickest way to do this, assuming your soil isn't too stony, is to drive spiked post holders (for instance, [Simpson’s E-Z Spike](<https://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/ezfence.asp>)) into the ground by means of a sledgehammer. Then use nails or screws to attach your posts to the base of the holders.

For a more permanent installation, use a posthole digger to excavate holes to a depth of 30 to 36 inches, keeping the diameter as small as possible. Fill each hole with about six inches of gravel, then tamp it down. Set a post into the center of each hole and add concrete. Don't pour the concrete all the way to grade level; leave a few inches to be filled in with soil. If you think you might want to move the trellis in the future, skip the concrete and instead fill the hole with a mix of soil and gravel, tamping down after every few shovelfuls.

## Step 2

Once the posts have been erected, frame a 4' x 4' sheet of lattice with 1" x 3" or 1" x 4" boards.

## Step 3

Next, nail cleats—that is, 1" x 1" boards—to the inside edge of each post.

## Step 3

Now, as a final step, screw the [latticework](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/16-insanely-clever-ways-to-reuse-household-junk-51388/>) to the cleats. (Use galvanized nails and screws throughout to minimize the risk of rust stains.)

## Step 4

Coat the trellis with either a translucent or solid-color stain, not only to improve its appearance, but also to protect the wood from the weather.

*TIP:* Build the lattice panel first so that you can space your posts the proper distance apart.

## Author
Joe Provey is an expert on all things home and garden. His work has appeared in many national magazines, including [Popular Mechanics](<http://www.popularmechanics.com/>), [House Beautiful](<http://www.housebeautiful.com/>), [Better Homes & Gardens](<http://www.bhg.com/>), and [Fine Homebuilding](<http://www.finehomebuilding.com/>). Mr. Provey has also written more than dozen books, including [*Convert Your Home to Solar Energy*](<https://www.amazon.com/Convert-Your-Home-Solar-Energy/dp/1600852521?tag=bv-untagged-20>) and [*1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization*](<https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Kitchen-Organization-Creative-Homeowner/dp/B0036DE4B4/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1534346633&sr=1-2&tag=bv-untagged-20>)*.* Other titles include *Outdoor Kitchens, Easy Closets, Green-up Your Cleanup, and Design Ideas for Flooring.* Currently, Mr. Provey serves as the president of Home & Garden Editorial Services (HGES), a company that produces books for publishers in the home and garden category. In the past, he has been chief editor to several national home improvement magazines, including [The Family Handyman](<http://www.familyhandyman.com/>), Mechanix Illustrated, and Practical Homeowner. Joe lives in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife MaryAnn, where they have seven children and four grandchildren between them.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-provey-08121aa/>)