How to Build a Grape Vine Arch Trellis

Grapevines grow well and thrive on a trellis. A trellis is a fence-like structure that supports the vine as it grows. The grapevine is attached to the structure with wire so that as it grows longer, it can intertwine up and around, instead of just out like ground cover. Constructing a functional trellis is cheap and easy to do. Trellises come in wrought iron or wood and can be made in many shapes, sizes and designs. Building an arched trellis is an ideal design style for adding a decorative touch to your yard.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2-by-4-inch boards 1/2-by-1 1/2-inch boards 1 1/2-inch nails Hammer 1-by-1 1/2-inch boards Galvanized steel wire Wire snips Arched wood 16-penny nails

1. Construct your grapevine arch trellis on the ground and then attach it to the fence after it is built.

2. Lay out two 2-by-4-inch by 8-foot boards--one top, one bottom--horizontally. They should be 5 feet apart and parallel to each other.

3. Nail a 1/2-by-1 1/2-inch board vertically to the top and bottom 2-by-4s every 2 inches. Use 1 1/2-inch nails and a hammer.

4. Hammer a 1-by-1 1/2-inch board horizontally across the top of the vertical boards and one across the bottom. The boards must be attached 4 inches from the top and bottom 2-by-4s.

5. Run two lengths of galvanized steel wire, top and bottom, from one side to the other, connecting them to each end with a slap stapler and staples. Measure and cut the wire with wire snips.

6. Lift the trellis and connect it to the fence using 16-penny nails hammered through the top and bottom 2-by-4s and into the fence wood.

7. Attach an arched, semicircle piece of wood to the top 2-by-4 with 1 1/2-inch nails. Place a nail every 6 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• You can build your arch trellis with as many 1-by-1 1/2s as you desire going horizontal and vertical. There is no limit on the amount of wood. Attaching wire is not a choice--you must use wire to keep the grapevines secure.
• Do not try to construct the trellis to the fence. It is easier to construct it as it's lying down. You will have more control over the placement and positioning of the wood.