With a trellis, you give climbing plants the necessary support when climbing. For a stable construction, the grills must be correctly installed and fastened. Depending on the size and type, the attachment is done in different ways.
Whether as a facade decoration or as a free-standing installation, with our attachment tips, you will be fixing your trellis to a brick wall and your climbing plants will be climbing up the trellis safely whilst also protected from strong gusts.
Why Use a Trellis?
One of the main reasons that a lot of people opt to use a trellis is to improve the look of their garden, particularly when there is an unsightly brick wall or fence in your eye line, and a trellis is a quick, easy, and affordable way to improve the look.
Trellises are usually placed against vertical structures, although it is also possible to purchase free-standing trellises for your climbers.
What’s more, trellises are highly favoured for the growing conditions they can provide for plants. Air circulation is vastly improved, and depending on positioning, more sunlight is able to get to the plants; these things combined make sure that whatever you’re growing remains healthy.
Moreover, if you’re looking to attract pollinators to your garden, a trellis provides space for these creatures but will deter pests. It’s a win-win in our eyes!
How To Attach Trellis to a Brick Wall
The most convenient way to attach a trellis to a brick wall is by drilling holes into the wall and using masonry screws.
What You’ll Need
- Chalk
- Measuring tape
- Spirit level
- Drill and concrete masonry bit
- Masonry screws
- Rawlplugs
- Screwdriver or screwdriver bit for drill
Step 1 – Measure
Begin by measuring your trellis along its width and height to determine whether you have the correct amount of space on your chosen wall. You can also measure along the width which will help you to determine where the screws will go. Mark these as you go.
Step 2 – Mark Height
Next, you will need to mark the height of the trellis on the wall. Take some time to decide where you would like to attach the trellis and then mark a vertical line in the centre at the uppermost point where the trellis will sit.
Step 3 – Mark Width
You’ll now need to mark the width of the trellis on the wall. Using a carpenter’s level, you can place this over the centre height mark which will allow you to draw a horizontal line showing the width of the trellis. You should end up with a T shape on the wall.
Step 4 – Drill
Next, place your trellis onto the wall in the correct location and take a thin piece of chalk or a paint pen that will fit through the holes to mark their location on the wall. You can then remove the trellis and drill holes using a concrete or masonry drill bit.
Step 5 – Hang Trellis
It’s now time to attach the trellis to the wall. You’ll need to align it with the holes you have made before inserting your concrete screws. These are strong enough to hold your trellis to the wall yet are incredibly easy to use.
You can tighten them using either a manual Philips screwdriver or an appropriate drill bit. In any case, make sure that they are tight.
Note: If you wish to keep your trellis off the wall to ensure that water does not collect on the brickwork and damage it, you can use wall brackets or pieces of batten. This can also benefit your plants as well – depending on the species, some climbers will need between 3 and 20 centimetres of space for growth.
Make Sure to Read any Instructions
Climbing aids for climbing plants are available in a wide variety of designs: metal and wood, small and large, with transverse or longitudinal braces, a lattice structure and all kinds of decorative tips and finishes.
Therefore, this means that there can be differences in assembly, so make sure you read the instructions beforehand.
Trellis for smaller plants and flowers can usually be easily stuck into the ground. In the case of heavier or higher climbers, the grid should be securely fastened, especially if you need your trellis to withstand strong winds.
Use Rawlplugs When Fixing Trellis to a Wall
Rawlplugs are highly recommended for light constructions – especially when attaching a trellis to brickwork. They will prevent slipping and ensure a secure hold in the masonry thanks to their rows of claws.
If you are expecting to grow an extremely large and heavy climber such as Wisteria, making sure you use the right screws and rawlplugs will ensure deep anchoring on the wall thanks to improved strength and durability.
Note: The drill holes should be brushed out and vacuumed so that the rawlplugs have the best possible hold.
Attaching a Trellis to a Balcony or Railings
An overgrown trellis forms a natural privacy screen on the balcony and on railings and fences. To attach your trellis to an existing railing, you can use simple cable ties. Standard pipe clamps can also be used and are suitable for a more stable and longer-lasting attachment.
Installation of Freestanding Trellis
Trellises are not only used on the wall: climbing aids can also be used free-standing in the garden or as a privacy screen on the terrace.
It should be noted here: With a free-standing installation, overgrown plants offer a large surface area for the wind to attack. An attachment to posts that are driven into the ground is, therefore, the ideal solution although if you have a very small trellis, the mounting posts can hold without support.
Stone pillars or 4×4 fence posts are easily installed and ideal for fixing and securing of a long-lasting trellis.
- Dig into the ground about twelve inches below ground level.
- Then place the stone on some ready-mixed concrete and position the post.
- Then slowly fill the empty space in the hole trowel by trowel with mixed ready-mixed concrete until the hole is cleanly filled.
- After the cement has gone off, you are ready to install your trellis.
Note: If you wish, a lightweight trellis with little surface area exposed to wind can be easily stabilised in the ground with ground sockets or a galvanized ground anchor (amazon link – opens in a new tab).
Choosing a Trellis
When choosing a material for trellising, it’s important to select one that is non-toxic. Some woods, such as cedar, are naturally resistant to decay and pests, making them a good choice for trellises that will be left outdoors year-round.
By installing a trellis on the wall, you lay the foundation for a green or blooming facade. However, make sure to stay in control so that the climbing and creeping plants do not spread too much.
Gutters, shutters, and window frames can be damaged by uncontrolled growth. However, this can easily be prevented by providing sufficient spacing between the structure and the trellis and also choosing the right type of plant.
Wood
Whether you are a beginning gardener or an experienced one, adding a wooden trellis to your garden can enhance its appearance and usability. There are many different types of wooden trellises available, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Metal
Metal trellis is available with different surface treatments: For example, painted, galvanized or with a naturally weathered rustic look. Also, for a homogeneous overall look, it is advisable to use wall brackets with the same finish as the grill itself.
Conclusion
Having a trellis in your garden gives you a space to grow beautiful climbing plants and can help to improve the appearance of a wall that might otherwise be an eyesore.
Getting the job done is pretty simple and shouldn’t take too much time. For the most part, you’ll use a drill and masonry screws to securely attach the trellis.
With the right type of attachment to the wall, post, railing, or floor, you secure the trellis against the weather and guarantee plants a stable climbing opportunity. Whether it’s a free-standing privacy screen or a beautiful blooming display, every garden lover will have fun with the vertical flower garden.
Garden Doctor Tips
“Pay attention to existing cables and pipes on outside walls!”
“Downpipes can be cleverly hidden with a semi-circular trellis!”
“For optimal drilling results, find out beforehand about the type and condition of the wall!”
“Before drilling, mark all the necessary hole positions with a pencil or chalk. Correction after drilling can be a real pain!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you screw a trellis to a wall?
Yes, it is possible to screw a trellis to a wall. If you plan to do this, be sure to use heavy-duty screws along with rawlplugs that can hold the weight of the trellis and whatever plants or vines you may be growing. Also, be sure to use a level when installing the trellis so that it is straight and looks neat and tidy against the wall.
How do I attach a trellis to a wall without drilling?
This is not something we would recommend. A trellis for climbing plants needs to be secure and it is almost impossible to attach a trellis securely to a wall without drilling. A much better solution is to use a freestanding trellis.
How do you support a freestanding trellis?
If you’re looking to support a freestanding trellis, the best way to do so is by securing it in the ground. This can be done by using stakes or by burying the trellis in the ground. Doing this will help to ensure that your trellis is stable and won’t blow over in windy conditions.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the trellis is well-constructed and made from high-quality materials. This will help to ensure that it can withstand weathering and wear and tear over time.
Can you put a trellis on top of a wall?
Yes, you can put a trellis on top of a wall. This is a popular option for creating privacy or adding greenery to a space. You will need to use brackets or posts to secure the trellis to the top of the wall and ensure that it is stable and secure.
How do you anchor a trellis to a house?
To anchor a trellis to a house, you will need to use screws and wall anchors to secure the trellis to the wall. It’s important to ensure that you are screwing into the studs or other sturdy structures within the wall, rather than just the siding or drywall. Alternatively, you can use adhesive hooks or strips designed for outdoor use to attach the trellis to the wall.
Can you attach trellis to a brick wall?
Yes, you can attach a trellis to a brick wall. The most common method is to use screws and wall anchors to secure the trellis to the wall. You will need to drill pilot holes into the brick and then insert the wall anchors before screwing the trellis into place.
How do I attach trellis to brick?
To attach a trellis to brick, you will need to use screws and wall anchors. Start by marking the locations where you want to attach the trellis on the wall, then drill pilot holes into the brick at those locations. Insert wall anchors into the pilot holes, then screw the trellis into place using the anchors.
Do you drill into brick or mortar for trellis?
When attaching a trellis to a brick wall, it’s recommended to drill into the brick rather than the mortar. This is because the brick is usually stronger and more stable than the mortar, which can crumble or shift over time. However, if there is no suitable brick location for the trellis, drilling into the mortar can be an option, but it’s important to use caution and ensure that the mortar is stable and not damaged.
About Me
Hi, I’m Trev and I’ve been growing things since I can remember. When I was younger, I grew up on a farm, so I have always been around plants and animals. After studying horticulture at university, I decided to start my own nursery which I have run now for 25 years. In my spare time, I run this website – which is a resource for people who want to learn more about their gardens.
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