How to Build a Trellis

On a sheet of paper, sketch out your trellis, including dimensions. Tally and gather the number and lengths of boards needed. Cut the boards to the correct size, according to your plan.

Using one of the straight cedar boards as a guide, draw several parallel lines 6 inches apart on a concrete surface in chalk. This will serve as a simple guide during assembly. Follow this guide to ensure the proper distance between boards when assembled.

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Draw another series of parallel lines perpendicular to the first set, creating a grid of 6-inch squares. This is not intended to create an actual pattern for the trellis. Rather, it offers a visual reference so that when you lay out the pieces of your trellis, it's easy to keep the boards parallel with right angles true. 

Create the desired trellis pattern by laying out the boards on the chalk grid. Feel free to try laying out a few designs before deciding on the one you want. Before securing with screws, make any adjustments to get the pattern you want.

Wherever boards intersect, drive two screws. Do this from the back side, so the screw heads won't be visible on the front. After securing the trellis pieces together, you can stain or paint the trellis as desired with stain or exterior paint. Or, leave the cedar boards and allow them to turn gray with age naturally.

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Dig postholes at least 10 inches deep and fill the bottom few inches of the holes with gravel. Place the garden trellis posts in the holes and plumb them. Backfill with soil, tamping every few inches to ensure the posts are stable.

Plant vining annuals, perennials, or shrubs at the base of the structure. Morning glory, black-eyed Susan vine, and sweet peas are particularly easy to grow and striking when grown on garden trellis panels against a lackluster wall. They'll quickly light up the wall with a colorful flower show. Remove the spent vines at the end of the growing season.