How to Build a Garden Arch Trellis

I’ve always wanted a garden arch in this garden space that leads from our driveway into our lawn. When we have a backyard party or family barbecue, especially in the summer, everyone comes through this part of the yard. And this opening just felt like it needed something more. So we decided to show you all how to build a garden arch trellis.

My husband and I weren’t exactly sure how we were going to go about doing this, as in neither of us had any concrete plans for the trellis design. I’m someone who is very visual and I had a picture in my head of what I wanted it to look like. So I just described to Justin what I was thinking and bless his heart, he came through by building this amazing garden arch from scratch.

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Materials Needed for DIY Arched Trellis

• wood of choice (cedar, redwood, or cypress would work great for outdoor projects as they are weather resistant)
• Screws and hand drill
• Chop saw
• Concrete
• Steel straight mending brackets

We were very fortunate to get some redwood from my parent’s barn that was perfect for this project. My husband came up with a design and he kept it very simple by creating basically a ladder look for each side of the arch with another strip of wood running up the center for more support. The added support will allow climbing plants to easily climb up each side.

We started by creating the frame of the arch to the width of our yard opening.

For the top of the arch, he created the supports but angled them so it gives it a little visual appeal and is a decorative addition.

After the two arches were created we attached the side supports after laying down each arch. To attach the other side we stood up the frame and I held onto the arch as he lined up and screwed in the supports.

Once the side supports were attached Justin attached another support vertically to each side, again this was to create a much sturdier support structure for any type of climbing plant.

We kept the design simple and because of that, he was able to get it done in a day.

How to Install a DIY Garden Arbor

Now came the part to install it in the yard which to me was the hardest part of the whole project! The way we did this was concrete and metal tags attached to the arch legs. At our previous home, we had bought a garden arch and this was how they set it in the ground so we decided to do the same with this one.

The top half of the metal tags were attached by screws to the arch and the rest of it hung at the bottom so that this could be set in the concrete.

Justin dug four holes with a post-hole digger and then I helped him set it in the holes so that it was level. After we mixed the concrete we poured it in to the hole and once the concrete had set we used a shovel to knock off some of the excess on top at ground level.

After the arch was finished I planted clematis flowers on each side of the arch. However other types of plants that would be great are sweet peas, snap peas, or this could even be used as a vertical gardening space for cherry tomatoes, pole beans or grape vines.

Building your own garden arch trellis adds structure, charm, and vertical interest to your outdoor space and can create a focal point in any flower or vegetable garden. With a few basic tools, the right materials, and a little time, you can create a sturdy arch that supports climbing plants and enhances your garden’s overall design. Whether you leave it natural or customize it with paint, stain, or lighting, your finished trellis will become a beautiful focal point that grows more stunning with each season.