Did you know that you can turn a basic aluminum fence panel into a trellis? Here is exactly how we did it!
Prep Your Fence Panel
Start with a basic black aluminum fence panel. This is the exact 4’x6′ sized fence panel we used for our trellis. This is an optional step, but I used an angle grinder to cut off the excess rail on the top and bottom. This squared off the fence panel to give it a cleaner look (and hopefully makes it look less like a fence panel). If you don’t have access to right tools to do this, you can certainly skip this step.
Attaching the Plant Hooks
Plant hooks seemed to make the most sense for mounting our fence panel to the exterior wall. They are available in two different lengths depending on your needs. We used the 7 inch size plant hooks and installed 4 total. Just space the plant hooks out so the fence panel will sit on all four plant hooks evenly. Depending on your exterior wall material, you may be able to mount the plant hooks right to your wall with exterior screws or masonry screws. We stacked our plant hooks on top of the cut-off fence pieces so the hook would sit level against our siding. Also, be sure to add silicone to your screw holes to prevent water from seeping in.
Hanging the Fence Panel
All that is left to do is turn your fence panel sideways and hang it on the plant hooks. It should sit securely on the 4 installed plant hooks. For some added security, you can zip tie the fence panel to the plant hooks.
Plant a Climbing Vine and Enjoy!
We planted a white wisteria vine on our trellis and are amazed by how much it’s grown!
Project Supplies
Newtown 4 ft. H x 6 ft. W Black Aluminum Pre-Assembled Fence Panel | 7-in Black Steel Plant hook | 15-in Black Steel Plant hook |. Zip Ties | Angle Grinder
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