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15 Simple Trellises You Can Build from Things in Your Garage

15 Simple Trellises You Can Build from Things in Your Garage

Trellises don’t have to be expensive or store-bought to make a big impact. In fact, some of the most charming garden supports can be built using items you already have at home. If you’ve got a garage, shed, or even just a few forgotten tools, you likely have everything you need to start crafting.

Think old ladders, broken rake handles, stray broomsticks, or leftover wire mesh—these humble materials can quickly become sturdy and stylish trellises for your peas, beans, cucumbers, or even climbing flowers. Best of all? No fancy tools or carpentry skills required.

These 15 DIY trellis ideas are quick to make, surprisingly durable, and add instant structure and beauty to your garden. Whether you’re short on time, budget, or inspiration, this list is proof that your next plant support system might already be waiting in the garage.

Ladder Trellis

Ladder Trellis
© urban.secret.gardens

Ever thought a forgotten ladder could become the backbone of your garden’s vertical appeal? Lean it against a wall or fence, and you’ve crafted an instant trellis for climbing roses or beans. The rungs offer natural supports, and the aged wood adds charm. It’s a simple, effective way to repurpose what you already own. The weathered look not only suits a rustic garden style but also provides a sturdy frame for plants to cling to as they grow. Consider painting it for a splash of color or leaving it as is for a natural touch.

Bicycle Wheel Trellis

Bicycle Wheel Trellis
© kenfulk

An old bicycle wheel, with its circular form, can become an unexpected trellis masterpiece. When mounted on a post, it provides a unique structure for vines to wrap around. The spokes offer multiple points of attachment, perfect for peas or morning glories. This quirky piece not only supports plant growth but also serves as a conversation starter. Its industrial aesthetic contrasts beautifully with the lushness of greenery. You can even paint the wheel for added visual interest. A bicycle wheel trellis is both functional and fun, bringing a bit of whimsy to your garden.

Old Bed Frame Trellis

Old Bed Frame Trellis
© thymetogardenapparel

That old bed frame sitting in the garage could be a gardener’s delight. With vertical slats and a sturdy frame, beds can be perfect for supporting heavier climbers like squash or cucumbers. Simply anchor it securely in the ground. The metal or wood structure provides ample support, while the headboard and footboard create interesting focal points in your yard. It’s a creative reuse that mixes practicality with a dash of nostalgia. Whether it’s metal or wood, a bed frame trellis can be a statement piece that enhances your garden’s character.

Wooden Crate Trellis

Wooden Crate Trellis
© betterhomesandgardens

Stacking wooden crates isn’t just for storage. Assemble them vertically, and they become a trellis tower perfect for supporting herb pots or small flowering plants. This setup provides a tiered effect, allowing for a cascade of greenery or blossoms. Crates offer flexibility in design; you can stack them in various configurations or even paint them to match your garden theme. The open slats of the crates provide natural holds for stems and tendrils. It’s a versatile solution that brings height and interest to any patio or garden space.

Garden Hose Trellis

Garden Hose Trellis
© theeverhopefulgardener

A garden hose past its prime can find new life as a flexible trellis. Weave it through a simple metal frame or even a pair of posts to create a vibrant backdrop for your climbing plants. The hose’s flexibility allows it to curve and bend, offering unique shapes for your garden design. This idea mixes durability with creativity, as you can loop and twist the hose to suit your aesthetic. Whether it’s supporting sweet peas or ivy, this trellis option adds a pop of color and innovation to your gardening efforts.

Wooden Pallet Trellis

Wooden Pallet Trellis
© noblearya_ai

Wooden pallets are incredibly versatile and can be easily transformed into a trellis. Stand one upright and secure it in place to offer instant support for climbing plants like tomatoes or clematis. The slats provide natural slots for vines to weave through, creating a living wall of greenery. Pallets are readily available and can often be sourced for free, making this option both economical and eco-friendly. Customize it with paint or leave it natural to complement your garden’s style. A pallet trellis is a simple yet effective way to maximize your vertical growing space.

Twig Trellis

Twig Trellis
© leah_m_webb

Harness the power of nature by gathering twigs to form a rustic trellis. Bind them together with twine or wire to create a natural frame for your plants. This eco-friendly option blends seamlessly into any garden setting. The organic shapes and textures of the twigs add an earthy charm that enhances both the aesthetic and the structure. Perfect for delicate climbers like sweet peas or nasturtiums, a twig trellis is both functional and visually appealing. Crafting one is a hands-on project that connects you with the raw materials of the earth.

Chair Back Trellis

Chair Back Trellis
© provenwinners

Repurposing a chair back can bring a delightful twist to your garden. The vertical slats of a chair back offer a ready-made trellis for light climbers. Simply detach and secure it against a fence or wall. This brings both height and interest, serving as an artistic focal point. The charm lies in its simplicity and its ability to transform something ordinary into a functional garden piece. Ideal for small spaces, a chair back trellis is a testament to creative recycling, adding a touch of whimsy and practicality to any garden nook.

Wire Mesh Trellis

Wire Mesh Trellis
© luxurynewbuilds

Wire mesh, often used for fencing, can be cleverly adapted into a robust trellis. Unroll it and fix it against a wall or fence, and you’ve got a strong framework for climbing plants. The grid pattern allows plants to weave easily, supporting everything from roses to cucumbers. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a staple in many gardens. Wire mesh is durable and can withstand the elements, ensuring a long-lasting solution for supporting plants. Whether painted or left in its natural state, it integrates seamlessly into any garden setting.

PVC Pipe Trellis

PVC Pipe Trellis
© makerpipe

PVC pipes are not just for plumbing. Cut and assemble them into geometric shapes to create a contemporary trellis. Their lightweight and durable nature make them ideal for supporting heavier plants like tomatoes or grapes. You can customize the size and shape, allowing your creativity to flow. PVC’s neutrality blends into the garden, offering support without overshadowing the plants. This modern approach to a trellis is perfect for gardeners looking to innovate with materials at hand. It’s an excellent way to use leftover pipes in a practical yet stylish manner.

Rusty Rake Trellis

Rusty Rake Trellis
© Cottage in the Oaks

The head of a rusty rake, when mounted on a wall or post, can become an artistic trellis. Its metal tines provide a ready framework for plants to climb. This repurposed tool is a nod to gardening’s past, adding character and functionality to your outdoor space. Perfect for lighter climbers like clematis or morning glory, the rake head offers an industrial edge to your decor. This project is a testament to how even the most unlikely objects can find new purpose in the garden, merging utility with rustic flair.

Umbrella Frame Trellis

Umbrella Frame Trellis
© alleyeinstein

A broken umbrella, stripped to its frame, can unfurl into a stunning trellis. Plant it upside down for a sculptural support that invites vines to spiral upwards. The spokes mimic the natural spread of branches, offering ample room for plants to expand. This inventive repurposing adds a touch of whimsy to your garden setup. Its delicate structure contrasts beautifully with the robust growth of plants. Ideal for lightweight climbers, the umbrella frame trellis is a creative solution that highlights the beauty of everyday items reimagined.

Tire Rim Trellis

Tire Rim Trellis
© Ideas2Live4

Unused tire rims can stack up to create an industrial-style trellis. Standing them vertically provides a sturdy base for climbing plants. The circular form offers a unique aesthetic, blending the rugged with the organic. This trellis is especially suited for flower vines, adding bursts of color against the stark metal. This juxtaposition of hard and soft elements brings a dynamic visual element to the garden. It’s not only a space-saving solution but also a conversation piece, making use of materials that might otherwise be discarded.

Chain Link Fence Trellis

Chain Link Fence Trellis
© ericgardening

Chain link fences, often seen as purely functional, can double as excellent trellises. Their diamond patterns are perfect for plants to latch onto, supporting a variety of climbers from beans to passionflowers. This type of trellis is sturdy and weather-resistant, making it a long-term solution for gardeners. Over time, the fence can be transformed into a lush wall of greenery, offering privacy and beauty. Painting the chain link in bright colors can enhance its appeal, turning a mundane boundary into a vibrant garden feature.

Garden Tool Trellis

Garden Tool Trellis
© makerpipe

An array of old garden tools, when arranged thoughtfully, can serve as an eclectic trellis. Rakes, hoes, and shovels—mounted strategically—provide a sturdy framework for climbing plants. This setup not only supports plant growth but also serves as an ode to gardening tradition. The variety of shapes and textures creates an intriguing visual display, blending functionality with artistry. Ideal for small plants and flowers, a garden tool trellis turns the utilitarian into the extraordinary, celebrating the tools of the trade in a delightful, unexpected way.