How to Build a Triangle Trellis

Choosing and Preparing Lumber

• 1

  Choose common grade lumber for this project since the appearance does not matter. Round posts make wire wrapping easier. The size of the posts depends on the fruit or vegetables to be supported. Choose 4 inch posts to support cantaloupes or other heavy fruits.

• 2

  Make sure your lumber is straight. Hold one end of the lumber piece up just under one eye. Close the other eye and sight along the lumber. Discard it if it curves.

• 3

  Check lumber by laying it on a level surface to avoid getting arched pieces. The lumber should lay flat with no bowing.

• 4

  Paint the posts, including both ends, with a non-toxic wood preservative like Soyguard. Let the posts dry for the amount of time recommended by the preservative manufacturer.

Set the Posts

• 5

  Decide where to site your trellis. Put a stake in to mark your starting point.

• 6

  Measure two feet from the first post and mark the spot with a stake. Run a string between the two stakes and mark the midpoint. Measure out at a right angle from the midpoint 2 feet and drive a stake. You now have the three spots for your post holes marked.

• 7

  Dig three holes 2 feet 6 inches deep and 10 inches across. Put a 6 inch layer of gravel in each hole for drainage.

• 8

  Set the posts in the holes and level them. Brace them in place so they remain level. Backfill the post holes with soil and tamp it down hard as you go.

• 9

  For a more permanent installation fill the hole with dry quick-setting concrete. Water the concrete mix and the surrounding soil. The concrete will soak up moisture and cure.

Install the Wire Mesh

• 10

  Measure down from the top on the outside facing sides of your posts to 1 foot. Mark each post at the 1 foot measurement. Measure up from the ground on the outside facing sides to 1 foot and mark each post.

• 11

  Beginning with one post, line the end of your wire garden fencing up between the marks and tack it in place with your staple gun at the top and bottom. Walk to the next post unrolling the garden wire fencing as you go.

• 12

  Line up the fencing again between the marks on the second post and tack it in place. Continue to the third post and repeat. Walk to the first post and line your fencing up with the marks. Overlap the wire already on the post by at least 4 inches.

• 13

  Finish wrapping the wire around your triangle trellis by cutting off any excess wire beyond the 4 inch overlap. Add staples to make the wire fencing secure to the post. Continue to the other two posts and add staples to secure the wire.