How to Build a Hammock Trellis

Saw your 2-by-4 wood boards to size, using a circular saw or handsaw.

Cut the ends of the 12-inch-long boards at a 45 degree angle, using a miter saw, so that the angles tilt outward on each end. These will be the trellis braces.

Lay the 8-foot boards parallel to each other and 33 inches apart with the 2-inch sides up. Place a 33-inch-long board horizontally between the top ends of the 8-foot boards with the 2-inch side up.

Measure two feet up from the opposite end of the 8-foot boards. Place the other 33-inch board horizontally between the 8-foot boards.

Pre-drill three holes in the 8-foot boards at each point where they intersect with the 33-inch boards. Secure the boards together with screws, using a Phillips screwdriver.

Place braces above the bottom horizontal board and under the top horizontal board where they form right angles with the 8-foot boards.

Pre-drill three holes through all of the boards where they intersect with the ends of the braces. Secure the boards to the braces with screws, using a Phillips screwdriver. The main trellis frame is complete.

Drive nails into the trellis’ horizontal and vertical boards every four inches, keeping the area under the bottom horizontal clear.

Tie the free end of your sting around the bottom nail on the trellis’ vertical. Bring the string across to the opposite nail, then up to the next nail above, then across to the opposite nail. Continue this pattern until you reach the very top of the trellis and tie a knot.

Tie a knot around the far left nail on the trellis’ top horizontal board. Bring the string down to the opposite nail, weaving over and under the horizontal lines as you go. When you reach the bottom nail, run it to the next nail to the right, then up to the opposite nail, weaving under and over the horizontal lines. Continue this pattern until you run out of nails.

Tie a knot around the last nail to secure the line. The trellis should now have a hammock-like mesh pattern.

Dig two-foot-deep holes in the ground with your shovel, 33 inches apart. Place the bottom legs of the trellis into these holes and pack dirt firmly around them to secure the trellis in place.