How to Build A DIY Wire Trellis on a Wall

We built a wire trellis on a brick wall in an afternoon!

It’s fair to start off by saying that my man is handy. He actually holds a degree in landscape architecture and we used to own a landscape company, so he knows a thing or two about landscaping! HOWEVER – I was shocked at how easy this DIY wire trellis was to install! We had done similar ones for customers years ago, but I was never on site to see them go in. They look difficult and super professional and I am going to teach you how to build your very own!

The front of our house has an large open wall by the entryway. We could have done the normal thing and added large shrubs but I thought it was the perfect spot to add vertical interest and luckily my husband agreed! Here is how we brought the idea to life!

DIY Wire Trellis Supply List

Wire cable

Masonry drill bit

Masonry anchors

Eye screws

Drill

Hammer

Wire cutters

Wire clamps

Plants (see trellis plant selection suggestion list below)

How to install a wire trellis on a brick wall

1. Start by sketching your design on paper to help determine size and shape.
2. Once you have your design down measure out your points and mark on the wall with a pencil.
3. Drill each point with a masonry bit, try and drill into the mortar. Our bricks were not straight so some points went in the mortar, some in the brick. If this was on a wooden fence you would pre-drill holes for the eye hooks, no anchors needed.
4. Insert a masonry anchor into each hole.
5. Screw an eye hook large enough to accept two passes of your trellis wire into each masonry anchor.
6. Determine the length of cable wire you will need to complete your trellis design.
7. Decide the best path for your trellis wire, that will allow the least amount of connection points. Our design took two connecting points.
8. Run your wire through the starting point and secure as follows.
9. You will want to use this type of wire rope clamp to secure the wire. There are other options, but most crimp type attachments require a special crimping tool, this one does not. See the pictures for details.
10. Run wire cable through the other points in the design until you end back where you started.
11. Clamp the end the same as you did the first.
12. Repeat as necessary to carry out design.
13. Plant your shrub selection (Trellis plant selection list is below) at the base points.
14. Train the growth to go on your trellis. You will have to monitor this as time passes and train your plant, trimming sometimes to teach it to cover the trellis.

This simple landscape addition will stun the neighbors and add value to your home! We can see our beautiful vines through the dining room window and it makes me smile every time I see it, no more boring brick wall! Here are some plant ideas for your trellis, be sure to get things that grow well in your area. I always recommend buying from a local nursery/plant supplier over big box stores that may order things that don’t do well where you are. If you want a few more gardening tips check these winter lawn tips from my husband!

Plant Suggestions for A Trellis

Star Jasmine
Carolina Jessamine (not jasmine)
Coral Honey Suckle
Grapes
Cross-vine
Lady Banks Rose
Black Eyed Susan Vine
Bougainvillea
Morning Glory
Trumpet Vine
Wisteria
Clematis
Moonflower

I’d love to hear if you have any good ones to add to the list!

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