How to erect a trellis
You will need:
-
Trellis panels
- Battens, 40 x 40 mm (1.6 x 1.6in)
- Galvanised nails
- Hammer
- Fence clips
- Screw driver
- Brass screws
- Wooden fence posts 50 mm sq (2in sq)
- Fence clips
- Fence post collars
- Post caps
- Cup hooks
Time to complete job: About 1 hour
Approximate budget: £30
Trellis is a versatile addition to the garden. It can provide a sturdy framework for climbing plants, it can create a natural division or it can conceal unsightly composters or bins.
Trellis can also be added around your boundaries to increase privacy. But beware: trelliswork is not strong and needs to be fixed securely - here's how.
Tip: Remember that trellis can't be fixed directly against a wall, because this gives plants no room to grow behind the trelliswork. Always leave an air gap between the trelliswork and the wall.
Tip: For added privacy you can also secure trellis to the top of a fence. Step 3 shows you how.
-
Step 1: Fixing trellis against a wall
Fit 40 mm (1.75in) battens on a wall, attached securely to the brickwork with brass screws placed every 6cm (2in). To do this, drill holes into the brickwork, at least 35mm (1.5in) deep. Insert a rawlplug or similar before attaching the battens. Battens should be spaced about 1m (3ft) apart along the length of the trellis.
Nail the trellis onto the battens using galvanised nails.
Tip: Ensure you do not fix battens below the damp proof course, or that the trellis extends beyond it. -
Step 2: Fixing trellis out from a wall
You can erect a trellis archway by fixing it at right angles to a wall. Start by fixing a vertical batten along the length of the trellis that will touch the wall (see Step 1).
Screw fence clips onto the batten at about 30cm (12in) intervals and attach trellis to the clip by screwing through the side of the clip with brass screws. -
Step 3: Fixing trellis on fences & freestanding trellis
Trelliswork not attached to a wall needs sturdy supports, such as wooden posts measuring at least 50 mm sq (2in sq).
Dig foundation holes at least 450 - 600 mm (1.5in - 2.5in) deep and fix supporting posts with hardcore and cement, ensuring the posts are fixed vertically and in line with the direction of the trellis. Attach trellis to the posts with fence clips as described above.
Trellis work can be used to extend a fence to give added privacy. Use metal fence post collars that fit over the top of existing posts and add a further extension post. Screw securely to the collar with brass screws. Then fix trellis work to the extension posts using fence clips.
Tip: Nail on a post cap to prevent the top from rotting. Alternatively, you can fix trellis work up and above the side of a fence. Insert sturdy cup hooks into fence posts and hook the trellis work on so that the trellis is easily removed for fence maintenance.
Tip: It's best to only grow annual climbers such as sweet peas against this kind of trelliswork to allow easy access to the fence.
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