How to Build an Outdoor Trellis

Outdoor Bamboo Trellis

• 1

  Design the bamboo trellis on paper to determine the shape, size and height; figure out the number of canes or poles you want to place horizontally and vertically, and the spacing between each.

• 2

  Cut each bamboo canes to the desired length using a handsaw. Make a sharp straight cut just above the node. Refer to the details on the design for accurate measurements.

• 3

  Lay the horizontal and vertical canes on the ground in your desired design. Mark the spots where the canes intersect with a marker or masking tape so joining becomes easy.

• 4

  Wind leashing cord securely over the marks on the canes to bind them together. Loop it around intersecting canes more than three times and pull it taut so it does not come loose. Snip excess off with scissors. Repeat the process to join all intersections on the forming trellis with leashing cord.

• 5

  Join the trellis to an outdoor fence. Run garden wire through the top corners and middle of the trellis to the fence behind.

Outdoor Prefabricated Lattice Trellis

• 6

  Measure and cut the 4-by-8-foot prefabricated trellis sheet down to 6 feet with a handsaw.

• 7

  Attach molding strips to the four edges of the sheet with wire brads hammered every 4 to 6 inches for added security. If the strip falls short at any point, place the corner of another one tightly next to it before securing with wire brads.

• 8

  Dig two 2-foot-deep holes over an outdoor spot with well-drained soil. Space the holes 4 feet apart, and level the base of each.

• 9

  Stand the 8-foot-long lumber posts into each hole. Add crushed gravel into each hole and backfill with soil to hold the posts securely in place.

• 10

  Mark spots for three fence brackets on the inner side of each post. Keep the spots in a straight line and spaced equally apart. Hammer each bracket over the marked spot on the post. Have a helper assist as you slide the sides of the sheet between the brackets on both posts.