How to Make a Vine Trellis

A trellis can be constructed for a variety of vine types. It is made so vine plants can use them to climb upward and grow quickly. Anything from flowers to vegetables can grow on a wooden trellis that is secured to a wall or fence, and the result is a creative beautiful way to display your garden and its bounty. They don't require too many supplies, but do require some dedication and hard work in order to make a long-lasting trellis that can be used for years to come.

4 planks of wood, measured 2 inches wide by 4 feet long

4 planks of wood, measured 2 inches wide by 4.5 feet long

Hammer

Roundhead nails, 3/4 an inch long, at least 16

Gloves

A place on the side of your house or fence to secure the trellis

Young vine plants, 2 per trellis

Electric screwdriver with hook screws

Tape measure

Level

Choose where you want to plant the young vines and hang the trellis. It can be hung off the side of a wall in your yard or the side of your house. It will be secured at least 4-6 inches above the ground, and will need an area that is at least 5 to 6 feet wide open.

Lay out the 8 planks of wood. The ending result of the vine trellis will be a criss-crossing of the wood resembling a tic-tac-toe board, nailed together. Place the four planks that 4 feet long on the ground parallel to each other. Use the tape measure to create spacing between the planks of a little less than 1 foot. Make sure the ends of the planks are lined up evenly.

Lay the other four wood planks that are 4.5 feet long by you. Starting at the top of the trellis, place one of the planks perpendicular across the four planks that are already laying down. Use the hammer to securely nail this board to all of the four planks, using one nail right in the middle where the planks meet.

Measure a half a foot down and place another plank down in the same way. Nail this plank securely to the other 4 planks in the same manner as Step 3. Repeat this procedure until there are no planks left. There should be excess wood on either side of the trellis since these planks are measured half a foot longer than the other ones.

Examine the trellis. It should resemble a tic-tac-toe board. Pick it up and make sure it is sturdy and all the nails are keeping the planks together. Set it up straight against the wall where you will be hanging it. Use the tape measure and add another 4 to 6 inches on top of the trellis. This measurement depends on how high you want the trellis to be off the ground.

Use the level and mark on the wall where you will be hanging the trellis. Make the marks where you are going to screw in the hanging hooks, so make sure there is one on each top side of the trellis for support, and one in the middle.

Use the electric screwdriver and insert the hanging hooks. Make sure they are inserted enough into the wall that they can support the weight of the vine trellis. Hang the trellis on the hooks and make sure it is sturdy and secure.

Plant the young vines under the trellis in the ground by the wall. Plant two per trellis, so they have plenty of room to spread out and grow. Plant each vine at least one foot in from the sides of the vine trellis, but at least one foot apart from each other. Position the young arms of the vine to be wrapped around the bottom wood planks of the trellis in order to make them secured for future growth up onto the vine trellis.

Use a bug and insect resistant wood such as cedar if desired

You will need to regularly place and position parts of the vine to be secured to the trellis to ensure growth, or it may fall to the ground and die.

Be careful when working with power tools for your safety.