Finding a quality trellis that can handle a mature climbing rose isn’t always easy—especially when you’re working with robust varieties like “Climbing Pinkie.”
Rather than compromise with flimsy garden center options, we decided to design and build our own fan-style trellis tailored to fit our space and needs. With spring buds popping and the rose ready to stretch, it was the perfect time to get to work.
Why This Trellis Plan Works
- Custom Fit: Designed to fit perfectly between architectural features (windows, siding, etc.)
- Strong Materials: Built with rough cedar, galvanized hardware, and iron support
- Durable Design: Engineered to withstand years of growth and exposure
- Functional Aesthetics: Offers structured support and a classic fan shape
- Expandable: Easy to adjust dimensions to fit any size wall or plant
What You Will Need
- (10) 1″x2″ rough cedar, 12′ lengths
- (2) 12″ pieces of 1½” angle iron
- (2) 18″ lengths of 1″ solid round iron rod
- (4) ¼” x 8″ carriage bolts or all-thread with washers and nuts
- (30+) 1-5/8″ galvanized deck screws
- (20+) 2″ galvanized deck screws
- (6+) 3″ galvanized deck screws
Step 1: Prepare the Metal Base Rods
Grind one end of each 1″ iron rod to a point. This isn’t absolutely necessary, but it helps when pushing the rods into the soil. In our case, they slid in easily by hand.
Step 2: Assemble the Metal Base Brackets
Attach the pointed rods to the angle iron. Weld them if possible, leaving as much rod below the angle iron as you can. No welder? No problem. Use longer pieces of angle iron (24–30″) and push one end into the soil to anchor.
Step 3: Align and Drill the Vertical Slats
Stack the nine cedar 1x2s together, placing the ones with fewer knots on the outside and those with more knots in the middle.
Sandwich them between the angle iron brackets and clamp tightly.
Then, drill three evenly spaced holes through everything. We used a ⅜” drill bit for ¼” bolts to make threading easier.
A fourth hole above the angle iron allowed us to remove the clamp and continue drilling into the bottom bracket.
Step 4: Assemble the Trellis Base
Thread the bolts through the drilled holes and tighten everything securely. If your bolts are too long, cut off the excess to avoid sharp ends or unnecessary bulk.
Step 5: Add the Horizontal Braces
Decide the final width of your trellis. Ours needed to span 88″—the width between two windows. We cut the top horizontal brace to 90″ to allow for slight overhang. Place this brace 9′ from soil level to align with the wall’s top plate, avoiding masonry drilling.
Space the nine vertical 1x2s evenly across the brace—about 11″ apart. Predrill holes and secure with 1-5/8″ deck screws.
Be careful when spreading out the vertical slats: one piece with a knot snapped during installation. We spliced it back and replaced it with a sturdier piece. You may want to handpick your lumber to avoid this.
Use leftover 24″ 1x2s to create two more horizontal braces—one lower and one mid-height—for added support and structure.
Step 6: Install the Trellis on the Wall
Cut six 6″ pieces from your cedar scraps to use as wall attachment brackets. These should align between any battens or siding strips on your wall. If your wall is flat, you can mount them directly onto the trellis before installation.
Use 2″ deck screws to attach the trellis braces to these wall supports. To secure the supports into the top plate of the wall, use 3″ deck screws (2″ would work in some cases). Once fastened, your trellis will stand solid and secure—ready to guide your rose as it climbs.
Note: Always check for wiring or plumbing in walls before installing long screws, especially near the top plate.
Other Details Display
- Final Dimensions: 90″ wide x 10′ tall
- Material Source: Local lumberyard for rough cedar
- Trellis Style: Fan-style layout with horizontal and vertical bracing
- Spacing: 11″ between vertical slats
- Placement Consideration: Height aligns with window tops and avoids masonry
- Rose Variety: Climbing Pinkie
- Durability Features: Galvanized screws, angle iron anchors, thick cedar slats
- Installation Location: Against an exterior wall between two windows
- Custom Notes: Knot-prone slats should be avoided or reinforced
Summary
This DIY fan trellis for climbing roses offers a custom solution for anyone looking to build a functional, attractive, and long-lasting support structure.
Using strong cedar, iron rods, and careful bracing, we’ve created a frame that will not only withstand the elements but also enhance the beauty of any climbing rose or vine in the garden.
This plan is a contribution by [Scout II]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
