Steps
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How to Build a Trellis
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How to Build a Trellis Overview
Step One
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How to Build a Trellis
How to Build a Trellis Overview
Illustration by Gregory Nemec
Day-to-Day Timeline
Friday: Size the trellis; cut and notch all the frame pieces.
Saturday: Build the three panels and join together into one.
Sunday: Dig holes; set the trellis in place.
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Locate and Mark Notches
Step Three
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How to Build a Trellis
Locate and Mark Notches
The horizontal 2x4s in the trellis frames meet the vertical pieces by butting into ¼-inch-deep notches. Joining the lumber using a combination of notches and screws will make for a very strong and square frame.
To locate the bottom notches, measure up from the end of the frame's two uprights a distance of 1 foot, plus the amount the posts will be buried, and mark the wood. Lay both uprights flat, side by side, and flush at the ends. Lay a scrap 2x4 on edge—representing the width you want your notch to be—across the uprights at your mark, and, using a Speed square, check that the scrap is square to the lumber. Trace its width onto the uprights. Repeat this marking at the top edge of the uprights. Using a combination square, measure down ¼ inch along the sides of your markings to give you a guide for the depth of the notches. If your trellis will have two or more attached panels, you'll need to notch both sides of the common uprights.
Tip: To be sure the two notches on either side of each frame are even, mark and cut them on both uprights at the same time, working with the lumber lined up side by side.
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Attach Horizontal Frame Pieces
Step Seven
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How to Build a Trellis
Attach Horizontal Frame Pieces
Set the horizontal frame pieces into the notches on either upright. Holding a Speed square at the corners where the frame meets, screw the 2x4s together using 3-inch screws. Screw straight into the top corners, but wherever the upright has back-to-back notches, angle the screws so that they don't interfere with the other side.
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Set the Lattice in Place
Step Eight
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How to Build a Trellis
Set the Lattice in Place
Because the lattice needs to float freely, it is not attached with fasteners to the frame; this allows it to expand and contract with the weather. For this reason, the lattice shouldn't be too snug in the frame. Make sure it has room to move but still sits on the 1x1 stops.
Lay the center frame on its face with the stops facing down. Lay the lattice inside the frame so that it's resting on the stops.
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Attach Lattice to Frame
Step Nine
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How to Build a Trellis
Attach Lattice to Frame
Using a drill/driver and 1 5/8-inch screws, attach the back-side stops to the frame to hold the lattice in place.
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Assemble and Attach Side Panel Frames and Lattice
Step Ten
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How to Build a Trellis
Assemble and Attach Side Panel Frames and Lattice
Assemble a three-sided frame for each side panel, using the methods above. With the main panel facing down, fit the new frame into its notches in the upright. Using a drill/driver, screw the sides to the main panel with 3-inch deck screws. Screw at a 45-degree angle into the notches on the sides to hold the frame together. Lay the lattice in place, and secure the stops on the back side of the side panels to hold them in place.
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Prep for Installation
Step Thirteen
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How to Build a Trellis
Prep for Installation
To make sure that no climbing plants attach themselves to your siding, position the trellis 1 to 2 feet away from the house. This will also give you access to the back of the trellis for pruning and maintenance, and allow air to circulate to the plants.
Measure the distance between the centers of the uprights, and mark their locations on the ground. Using a posthole digger, make holes for the posts deep enough to clear the frost line. Pour 6 inches of ¾-inch gravel into the bottom of each hole for drainage. Tamp the gravel.
Tip: Use tape to mark the digger's handles at the depth you want your holes to be so that you won't have to keep stopping to measure.