How To Build a Backyard Trellis

Building the trellis

• 1

  Lay out the trellis system on a hard, flat surface. Place the two 2"x 4"x 10' pieces of pressure treated lumber four feet apart with their 4" sides facing upwards. These will be the posts of your trellis.

• 2

  Lay the 4' by 8' lattice board in between the posts so that the edges of the board align with the outer edges of the 2"x 4"x 10' lumber. One 4' top end of the lattice board should end where the lumber ends.

• 3

  Secure the board to the posts. Place a bead of water-proof wood glue under each strip of lattice board that touches the lumber posts.

• 4

  Screw the board to the posts. Use the electric screwdriver and #8 2" galvanized screws to attach the lattice to the side posts. It's not necessary to fasten at every connection the lattice makes with the side posts, but be sure to screw every ten inches.

• 5

  Prepare the ground to receive the trellis. Locate the appropriate area for your trellis. The ground where the trellis stands should not have very sandy soil, or be in an area where there may be many large tree roots crossing under the soil. Dig two holes two feet deep and at least six inches wide with the shovel or post digger. Dig them with a space of four feet between their centers. Ensure the trellis is level by checking the depths of the holes with the tape measure.

• 6

  Stand the trellis in the ground. Lift the trellis into the holes and use the level on one of the side posts to ensure its angle is at 90 degrees to the ground. Fill in the holes with soil and stamp down until the holes are completely filled and the posts are not moving from side to side.