How to make a rustic trellis

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You will need

  • 1.8m hazel poles
  • 6mm sisal rope
  • Allow about 7 poles and 75cm of rope per 30cm depth of screen
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • 7mm timber drill bit
Do it: March - August
Takes just: 2 hours

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Overview

A hazel-pole trellis is a beautiful way to show off your climbing plants. Simple to construct, it oozes rustic charm, adding interest to a drab wall or fence.

How to do it

Drilling holes in poles

1Cut the rods to about 1.8m long. There's no need to be too precise - irregularity is part of the rustic charm. Find the mid-point of each rod and measure 65cm in both directions. Mark these two points and drill a hole at each. This ensures the ropes will be vertical whatever length the poles are.

Tying off rope

2Attach two lengths of sisal rope to the wall or fence 1.3m apart. One by one, thread the hazel poles on to the rope, tying a simple knot in both lengths of rope after each one. To finish off, tie a knot under the final rod and cut off the excess.

Adam's tip

If you prefer a more contemporary look, exchange stained dowel for the hazel and slick cord for the sisal.
Hang this vertically from a pergola for privacy, shade or even to hide an unpleasant view. Stretched over the beams of a pergola it makes a shady roof.

Discuss this project

Talkback: How to make a rustic trellis
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ehanlon 24/11/2011 at 15:28

Hi, Yes this is very useful. Im having problems with my Clematis, I have 6 different types, the problem im having is no matter how much i water or dont, the plants do really well and then just as they are about to flower they start to die, I have tried everything including feeding with munure. My garden is three yrs old any tips??

E

njtmata 24/11/2011 at 15:28

I love the ideas of "How To" but more detail and start to finish photos would be helpful. Keep in mind also that not only do UK citizens read your website and read the magazines (when available at the local bookstore) but US citizens do too.

I am a faithful reader and I love the content produced.

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NJTmata