How to Build a Simple Corner Trellis

This simple corner trellis does double duty as both a sturdy support for your plants and a beautiful edible landscaping element in your yard. Use it to grow cucumbers, melons, peas, beans, or virtually any other vining plant.

Simple Corner Trellis

This simple corner trellis does double duty as both a sturdy support for your plants and a beautiful edible landscaping element in your yard. Use it to grow cucumbers, melons, peas, beans, or virtually any other vining plant. For best results, improve the soil around the base of the trellis before planting by mixing in Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs with the existing soil. Also, feed plants with Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food to ensure they have all the nutrition they need to thrive. Cut the lumber and lattice yourself, or have them pre-cut at your local home improvement store. Scroll down for our slideshow with instructions, watch our how-to video, or download our printable PDF guide.

Estimated Time: including site preparation, 3 hours (less if you have wood pre-cut)

Project Difficulty: Easy

Parts List (see Cutting Diagrams below)

Part Quantity Size
Post cleats 2 1½ x 1½ x 72
Post 1 3½ x 3½ x 78
Long stiles (aka side rails) 2 1½ x 3½ x 78
Short stiles (aka side rails) 2 1½ x 3½ x 51
Upper rail cleats 2 1½ x 1½ x 5
Lower rail cleats 2 1½ x 1½ x 5
Bottom rail trim 2 ¾ x 1½ x 50⅜
Bottom rails 2 1½ x 1½ x 44⅜
Top rails 2 1½ x 1½ x 52⅛
Lattice panels 2 ½ x 48 x 66**

** to long point on one side (see Cutting Diagram for full dimensions)

Use the Parts List and Cutting Diagrams as references for part dimensions. Cut the parts as needed for each step. Drill countersunk pilot holes for each screw except the ¾” lath screws; for those, drill non-countersunk pilot holes.
Apply solid stain to parts and assemblies as you build, and touch up as needed after the final assembly.
Position the post cleats as shown in Figure 1 (flush with one end and 1½“ from one corner) and attach to the post using 3" deck screws.
Drill a pilot hole in the end of the post where the post cleats are flush, and screw the finial in place as shown in Figure 2. Drill the pilot hole to match the diameter of the shank of the hanger bolt on the finial.
Use Figure 3 as a guide for cutting the long stiles (aka side posts).
Use Figure 4 as a guide for cutting the short stiles (aka side posts).
Use Figure 5 as a guide for cutting the upper and lower rail cleats. Cut the rail cleats from a long section of lumber, cutting from the end and moving right to left.
Position the upper and lower rail cleats as shown in Figure 6 and attach to the stiles using 3-inch screws.
Use Figure 7 as a guide for creating the bottom rail trim. The view in this figure is from an edge showing the 45-degree bevel cut on the ends.
Position the bottom rail trim on the bottom rail as shown in Figure 8 and attach using 1¼" screws.
Position the bottom rail trim/bottom rail assembly on the long stile and short stile as shown in Figure 9, and attach the bottom rail trim to the stiles using 1¼“ screws.
Use Figure 10 as a guide for creating the top rails.
Position the top rail as shown in Figure 11 (flush against the upper rail cleat andlower rail cleat) and attach to the stiles and cleats with the screws indicated at the specified positions.
Use a jigsaw to cut the lattice to the size indicated in the Parts List and Cutting Diagram, then position in place to check for size, and trim if needed. (Make sure the bottom rail is facing up). Attach to the stiles and rails using ¾" lath screws as shown in Figure 12. Repeat this process to create a second side assembly as a mirror image of the first assembly.
Position the first assembly on the post cleat as shown in Figure 13 and attach the long stile to the post cleat using 2½" screws.
Use a post-hole digger to create 6” deep holes positioned as shown in Figure 14. Insert the assembly into the holes as shown and temporarily brace or have a helper hold it in place until the next step.
Position the second assembly as shown in Figure 15 (set in place in the holes and flush with the top of the post cleat) and attach using 2½” screws. Touch up any marred or scratched areas with solid stain as needed.

Finished Dimensions

  • Height: 78″ (72″ when installed in ground)
  • Width: 55″

Design by Chris Hill.