7 Creative Outdoor Trellis Ideas

CJFencing • February 18, 2025

7 Creative Outdoor Trellis Ideas


A 2022 report by RubyHome reveals that more than half of American households (about 55%) participate in gardening activities. Many confess to using trellis to maximize space and make gardening more effortless.

An outdoor trellis is an artistic expression that can help transform your garden into a vibrant sanctuary. The creative touch that comes with modern garden trellis designs can enhance your outdoor space's overall aesthetics.

Are you a new or seasoned gardener looking for fresh inspiration? Explore these seven vertical garden trellis ideas that can make your outdoor space an enchanting retreat.

Creative Outdoor Trellis Ideas

1. Archway Trellis

The archway trellis is a form of patio trellis décor. It leads to the patio, giving it a cozier and more intimate atmosphere.

The lush plants growing on it create an enclosed space on your patio. You'll minimize openness and enjoy a space that feels more like a secluded retreat.

The visually appealing focal point (passageway) created by this trellis contributes to its design. Its arched design also adds an elegant architectural element to outdoor spaces.


Archway trellis can follow varying garden arch ideas, making them versatile. You can have your archway trellis made from varying materials, including:

  • Metal
  • Vinyl
  • Wood
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes
  • Wire mesh


Wire mesh helps create the trellis arch's latticework. It provides a more open framework that's well-suited for supporting smaller vines.

Cedar and Redwood are the ideal woods for creating this garden trellis. This is because of their resistance to harsh weather conditions, insects, and decay.


Steel or wrought iron are ideal metals for making archway trellises. They are sturdy and durable.

Some ideal locations for archway trellis in your outdoor space include:

  • Backyard patios
  • Gateways or home entrances
  • Flower or vegetable gardens
  • Garden entrances


2. Trellis Fence

A trellis fence is ideal for giving your home garden a restorative and timeless feel. It's also perfect for complementing your home's wood fence.

If you have a wood fence, ensure that you directly attach the trellis panel to it. You can secure the panels using screws or brackets. Then, add climbing plant support to enhance the space's aesthetics. The lush plants provide natural, decorative greenery while still maintaining the fence's privacy.


Unlike the archway trellis, this option has an open-grid design. Its patterned structures allow for better air and light passage in the outdoor space.

Some ideal locations to add a trellis fence include:

  • Poolside areas
  • Garden borders
  • Against the walls
  • Rooftop gardens


3. Ladder Trellis

A ladder trellis has horizontal rungs, which provide adequate support. It resembles a normal ladder.


Ladder trellises are perfect for growing plants like:

  • Grapevines
  • Climbing hydrangea
  • Roses
  • Vines
  • Wisteria
  • Jasmine


A ladder trellis can be made from wood, bamboo, or metal. These trellises also have customizable sizes and designs. You can have yours adjustable or fixed, depending on your garden size or plant type.


Unlike other trellises, these options are perfect for saving space. Consider them if your garden has limited horizontal space.

Ladder trellises allow vegetable and fruit plants to grow upwards, making harvesting easier. They need routine care, which includes watering and pruning.


A professional outdoor structure contractor understands the best options that can elevate your garden. These include:

  • Extension ladder gardens
  • Stepladder gardens
  • Tripod/orchard ladder gardens
  • Combination ladder gardens


4. Hanging Trellis

A hanging trellis is made from a framework of ropes or wires. It's suspended from above and is ideal for gardens with limited horizontal space.

Types of these backyard trellis ideas depend on their designs and material composition.


They include:

  • Wire cage trellis
  • Panel trellis
  • Arch trellis
  • String trellis


A string trellis is ideal for supporting smaller, lightweight vines, unlike a wire cage trellis. The panel trellis has a flat, rectangular shape. It can easily be attached to the wall or hung on the ceiling.


Hanging trellises provide shade and cooling effects to outdoor spaces. They're also perfect for keeping small gardens less overcrowded.


5. Pergola Trellis

A pergola trellis creates a partial, open, decorative shade on the outdoor space. It combines a pergola and a trellis.

This trellis has four vertical posts supporting crossbeams that create an open-roof framework. Pergola trellises can be free-standing or attached to wooden fencing.

The trellis has a latticework of rafters and beams that offer support to the climbing plants. Adding a pergola trellis creates a modern, antique-looking outdoor space.

Common types of pergola trellis that can elevate your home's garden include:

  • Louvered trellis
  • Free-standing trellis
  • Retractable trellis
  • Arched trellis


Like other trellises, pergola trellises also require routine care to maintain elegance.

You can take care of your trellis by:

  • Inspecting for cracks, decay, or pest damage
  • Regular cleaning
  • Repainting or staining
  • Tightening fasteners like bolts and screws


6. Rustic Trellis

Rustic or lumber trellises are made from natural, untreated wood. They have open structures and feature panels with diamond or square shapes.

Their handcrafted, natural looks add a unique charm to outdoor spaces. Twigs, raw wood, or wrought iron make rustic or lumber trellises.


Specific woods for making these trellises include:

  • Cedar
  • Oak
  • Willow
  • Repurposed branches


This makes them seamlessly blend with nature. Rustic or lumber trellises are also eco-friendly options to choose from.


7. Built-In Trellis

A built-in trellis is a semi-permanent structure you can integrate into your wall fence. It's known for its stability and durability, unlike many other trellises.

Composite, wood, and vinyl are common materials used to make this trellis. Built-in trellises come in varying customizable styles, including:

  • Fan trellis
  • Obelisk trellis
  • Grid trellis
  • Lattice trellis

Built-in trellises are dual-purpose - they're decorative elements and functional plant support. They can also fit into specific spaces in your outdoor space.


Suitable places to install these trellises include:

  • Gazebos
  • Patios and decks
  • Garden walls
  • Side of the house or garage


Best Outdoor Trellis Designs: Elevating Your Garden Aesthetic

An outdoor trellis is a creative way to support climbing plants that bring life to your garden space. It can also enhance your landscape and provide privacy.


C&J Fencing is ready to help take your outdoor space to the next level. Since 2005, we've been crafting high-quality, free-standing arbors and trellises that blend function and beauty seamlessly. We're the best for your patio area or over-the-gate trellises.


Contact us today and let's bring your gardening vision to life!



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