How to Make a Lattice Trellis

Morning glories, pole beans and black-eyed Susans will all be right at home on your homemade lattice trellis. Make a charming lattice trellis easily by nailing and tying pieces of wood together with twine. The twine that binds the wood adds a natural, handmade touch. The wood that you use to make your trellis is up to you, as long as you can get or make long skinny pieces. Options include bamboo poles, tree branches, cut strips of hardwood, manufactured dowels, or slats.

• 1

  Build the rectangular framework for the trellis. Cut two 75-inch long pieces of wood for the vertical sides. Cut two 32-inch long pieces for the top and bottom pieces.

• 2

  Form a rectangle out of the four pieces. Overlap the ends a bit so they form an "x" shape. Bring the bottom piece up an additional 6 inches to create the trellis's legs.

• 3

  Nail the joints together with stainless nails.

• 4

  Cut at least eight 31-inch long pieces and at least five 68-inch long pieces for the latticework. If the wood pieces are thin, such as willow branches, it is possible to use more to create a tighter weave of latticework.

• 5

  Space the pieces evenly in a grid pattern, resting the ends on top of the frame. If the wood used is flexible enough, weave together the lattice pieces. If not, affix the horizontal pieces followed by the vertical pieces.

• 6

  Nail the ends of the lattice pieces to the frame. Nail all lattice joints together.

• 7

  Paint the lattice trellis with a protective clear coat finish, like you would use for decks and fences, to protect the wood from water and sun damage. Allow the clear coat to dry to the touch.

• 8

  Soak 60 24-inch strands of garden twine in water to loosen them up. Tie and knot together all joints, providing extra stability while also hiding the nail heads.

• 9

  Set the trellis where you want it and push the legs into the ground as far as possible.

• 10

  Place two 18-inch long stakes against the legs and hammer them into the ground so only about 6 inches are sticking up.

• 11

  Wrap and knot dampened strands of twine around each stake and leg, binding them together.