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What you need:

  • 2 10′ pressure treated 2x4s
  • 1 8′ pressure treated 2×4
  • 3 8′ cedar trellis channels
  • 1 2’x8′ cedar lattice
  • 20 1-1/4″ exterior wood screws
  • 6 3″ exterior wood screws
  • Electric drill
  • Phillips head bit
  • Handsaw

This trellis is easy to build and relatively inexpensive. Its 8′ height makes it quite versatile, accommodating virtually any large climbing plant. Combine several of these trellises to form a wall.
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Start by laying two 10′ pressure treated 2x4s on the ground. Lay a cedar lattice channel on each 2×4. Center the channels on the long sides of the 2x4s with one end of channel at the end of each 2×4. Fasten the channels to the 2x4s at 18″ intervals with 1-” exterior wood screws.
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Cut a 27-” length of treated 2×4. Center a 22-” piece of lattice channel on the 2×4 and fasten it with three 1-” exterior wood screws.
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Next, cut a 22-” piece of treated 2×4 and center a 22-” piece of lattice channel on it. Fasten the two pieces of wood together with 1-” exterior wood screws.
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Place the 10′ 2x4s on their sides and insert a 2×8′ section of cedar lattice between them. Take the 27-” piece of 2×4 and place it as shown. This will be the top of the trellis.
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Set the 22-” piece of 2×4 at the other end of the trellis. Make sure the lattice is set into the channels as far as it can go on every side before proceeding to the last step.
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After you have the lattice in place, start fastening the 2x4s together. Start at the top, driving a pair of 3″ exterior wood screws into each side. Repeat this on the bottom crossbar and the trellis is finished. For mounting instructions, see our tutorial: Mounting A Cedar Lattice Trellis.