Modern Fence Trellis

On my project list this spring was getting a new trellis on my pool patio for my mandevilla. I thought it would be as simple as getting another one that I got at Lowes last year for $15. I liked the style and the color and the price tag. But no such luck this year. As I tried to pull together projects during quarantine that I could make with materials on hand, I came across these extra fence panels that had been removed when we built our pool house next to the pool deck. I thought the metal spindles would make a great trellis for a climbing vine.

As I could not figure out how to disassemble the panel, I just cut out the spindles with a jig saw. I then cut each one in half.

The legs and top are made of 2×2 furring strips.

Supplies

• 2 2×2 @ 6′
• 11 square metal spindles (you could also use wooden dowels – in which case you can just screw from the outside)
• 1 2×2 @ (top)
• 1 7/8″ dowel rod for bottom (you can use a 2×2, I just wanted it to look more like another spindle).

As the spindles are hollow, you can’t screw through the outside of the leg to secure the spindle. But the wooden 2×2 at the top and the wooden dowel at the bottom are screwed in to keep the structure together.

The spindles are 7/8″ on a diagonal, so I purchased a 7/8″ spade bit. I marked the center of the 2×2 off at 5″ increments, and then I used my drill press to drill as deep of holes as I could, which was just until the end of my bit would come through the outside of the leg. I opted for the drill press as I knew it would be more accurate and straight, and it’s just plain fun, but you could use a handheld drill too.

I laid out my legs and the spindles on the floor. I then filled each hole with liquid nails, inserted the spindles, and clamped it together to dry. I KNOW I took pictures of this step, and yet I cannot find them anywhere 🙁. I found it was good to be generous with the liquid nails as the spindles are hollow. Once it was clamped, I screwed in the top 2×2 and the bottom dowel. I wiped off any excess liquid nails, and then I let it sit overnight.

To finish this, I attached it to the outside of the planter jacket (see plans here) using screws through the trellis leg and into the planter leg.

And that’s it! I love the sturdiness and the fact that I was able to make this with supplies I already had on hand. Win win!

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