How to Build a Grape Trellis

A grape trellis is a great way for the creative and enterprising homeowner to bring his home environment closer to Nature. It not only helps his grapes grow properly, but provides his garden, deck or patio an attractive shade where guests can lounge in comfort. Learning how to build a grape trellis is no big deal as it is a fairly good and simple starting project for aspiring week-end carpenters. Here’s how to make one.

A trellis is nothing more than lattice work that functions as a support for your grapevine. Pick a spot that will give the plant enough sun. Ideally, you should start building your trellis before the grapevine is planted. If you live in a cold climate build a shorter trellis of around 3 feet in height, but if you are located in a warmer climate a higher trellis with posts of about 8 feet is recommended to maximize sunlight. It should be strong enough to support a full crop of grapes and robust enough to withstand high winds.

Once you have decided where to build your trellis, begin digging holes for your poles. Use pre-treated, 8 feet long 4’x4’ poles. On the average, these poles must be set 2 feet deep into the ground and secure them in place by pouring cement into the hole. Each grapevine will need a space of 8’x 8’ so set the posts 8 feet apart. Run two rows of wires between the poles with the bottom wire about 3 inches from the ground and the second wire running along the top of the posts.

On the average a grape trellis will need a 10 to 12 gauge wire. While an ordinary G.I wire will do, it is preferable to use high tensile stainless steel wire that is available at any decent hardware store because it resists rust and does not give in to any stretching due to the weight of the grapevine. The easiest way to install the wires is to drill holes in every post and feed the wires through all the way down the trellis. At each end of the trellis set anchors 2 feet deep into the ground angled away from the poles. Tie one end of the wire to the anchor and pull the wire tight at the other end then tie it to the second anchor to maintain the tension.

As the grape vines begin to grow along the main wires, you may need to help them along from time to time by placing some of the vines on the trellis. But this is going ahead of the story because it may take as long as a couple of years for you to be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. So, for the moment, knowing how to build a trellis that will stand the test of time is as important as knowing how to grow and care for your grapevine.