Easy, Inexpensive DIY Trellis

Before Photo

Since we moved into our little home built in 1952 we have tackled many projects. From totally gutting the kitchen to adding on a new master bedroom and bath. One thing I have learned is it is hard to homeschool, remodel and blog all at the same time. My plan was to take you on the journey from beginning to end . . . instead it’s been more like a glimpse here and there.

Today is a glimpse into our most recent weekend project: A DIY Trellis screen for our backyard. We added on a lovely extended patio when we did the addition onto our home. However, my vision has not been complete  . . .

After Photo: DIY Trellis Weekend Project

Since the beginning I had envisioned a screen of three trellises. Unfortunately, the view from our patio is our (and our neighbor’s) trash cans. Rather than a trash can view, I have dreamed of creating a little landscaped courtyard. Finally, I am one step closer with my new trellis screen project!

Weekend DIY Trellis Project

We did NOT plan for this project. We woke up one Saturday and I said hey do you want to build me a trellis screen this weekend? I drew-up a plan and we headed to the Home Improvement store. We spent about $120.00 for supplies for three trellises. We didn’t even start construction until late in the afternoon. It was easily a weekend project.

Supplies for one trellis:

• 2 cedar boards – 4″ x 2 ” x 7′
• 2 cedar boards – 3 1/2″ x 3/4″ x 4′
• 2 cedar boards – 3 1/2″ x 3/4″ x 40 3/4″
• (Your Home Improvement Store will cut the boards for you!)
• Stain (We used Sherwin Williams Deckscapes: Chestnut)
• 10 – 4″ bolts
•   6 -  2″ bolts
• 32 – washers
• 26 – nuts
• galvanized wire fencing – 4′ x 4′
• (We bought our wire fencing at the local feed store. We cut three trellises from one sheet of fencing.)
• 1 bag – Quikrete 80 lb. Concrete Mix

Tools:

• wire cutter
• drill
• tape measure
• paint brush
• post hole digger
• level

Step 1: Stain Both Sides of all Boards

• MacGyver, age 9, helped Mommy with this task

Step 2: Dig Post Holes

• We dug our holes 2 feet deep.
• It worked well for my husband to dig the holes while MacGyver and I stained and let the stain dry.

Step 3: Assemble all of the Pieces

• We sandwiched the wire fencing between the boards.

Step 4: Drill Holes and Assemble Nuts and Bolts

• We simply used the nuts and bolts to hold the structure together.
• We liked the industrial look of the nuts and bolts.

Step 5: Set Trellis in Quikrete

• My husband loves his level! He made sure each trellis was level and that all three were in line together!!!

Step 6: Plant Vine

• I selected Star Jasmine,  or Confederate Jasmine, because it is evergreen and supposedly deer resistant.

Step 7: Weave Vine throughout Trellis

• I carefully unwound the vine so I could spread the vine throughout the trellis.
• I started at the very bottom and diligently wound the vine up the trellis.
• I didn’t need to use any twine or string. The vine was easy to wind around the wire.

Step 8: Dig for Worms

• This step is for the 5-year-olds in your life!

Step 9: Grab a Beverage and Watch Your Vines Grow

• Landscaping requires delayed gratification!
• It requires the patience to watch your plants grow and thrive.
• Now I just need to grow my patience.
• But my little courtyard dream is one step closer!

Do you like to tackle DIY weekend projects?

Life with Jeannine