Hi, * I have a pergola measuring 3m x 1.5m, supported by 4 posts, 2 beams, and 6 rafters. * To support a passionfruit vine, I plan to install a 3.2mm SS wire trellis with turnbuckles, spanning the 1.5m width across the 6 rafters (3m total length) at 300mm intervals. * Should the wires be threaded through the center of the rafters via pre-drilled holes, or is it better to run them above or underneath the rafters? * Is a 300mm spacing sufficient for passionfruit, and do I need to install cross-wires (running parallel to the rafters) to create a grid? Or, installing battens are better option?

How to install wire trellis on pergola?

hajunu

Hi,

I have a pergola measuring 3m x 1.5m, supported by 4 posts, 2 beams, and 6 rafters.

To support a passionfruit vine, I plan to install a 3.2mm SS wire trellis with turnbuckles, spanning the 1.5m width across the 6 rafters (3m total length) at 300mm intervals.

Should the wires be threaded through the center of the rafters via pre-drilled holes, or is it better to run them above or underneath the rafters?

Is a 300mm spacing sufficient for passionfruit, and do I need to install cross-wires (running parallel to the rafters) to create a grid?

Or, installing battens are better option?

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EricL

Hello @hajunu

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your wire trellis.

Please allow me to try and answer your questions.

The space of 300mm between wires is sufficient and should provide enough space for the passionfruit vines.
I suggest installing the wires under the rafters and not drilling through them. This will prevent the holes from becoming insect havens or nests.
As I have mentioned earlier a space of 300mm is more than sufficient space. I recommend installing cross wires to make it easy for the tree vines to travel across.

My best advice is to keep it simple and not over complicate the trellis assembly. In regards to the possibility of installing timber battens, I believe that the stainless-steel wires will provide a much longer service life.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good morning @hajunu

Is there any chance of a photo? :) Stainless wire will certainly last and probarlly outlast your pergolla :)

My thoughts went to Mesh Fence across the top of the pergolla and fastened to the top with the U nails.

That should hold the passionfruit nicely and also help stabilise the structure.

Dave

hajunu

Thanns guys

I have installed wires on one side between 2 posts.

@EricL if i install the wires under the rafters, how should i install? Can i install a turnbuckle to apply tension? Which clamp or equipment should i use for cross wiring?

@Dave-1 the mesh fence sits on rafters right? Is this option better / easier than wires? Strong enough to hold the vines?

Dave-1

Afternoon @hajunu

Nice work so far :) and yes the mesh I was thinking would be on top of the rafters. The Rafters look a resonable distance apart? If they are say over say 800mm between each then I would just put some slats up horizontaly to help support the weight ofthe vines once grown otherwise the mesh would work.

Dave

EricL

Hello @hajunu

Thank you for sharing that picture of your pergola. It appears that the gap between the beams or supports is not that big so the length of the wire will not be that long. I suggest duplicating the installation you have on the lefthand side of your pergola and using Taskmaster 5mm 316 Stainless Steel Wire Eye Strap - 12 Pack to thread the stainless-steel wire between the support beams. The end can be locked in place using the Taskmaster 3mm 316 Stainless Steel Wire Rope Grips - 12 Pack. I don't think it is necessary to have it tensioned tightly as the passionfruit vine will not be that heavy.

However, if you are curious about the mechanical fixings there is the Taskmaster 316 Stainless Steel Swageless Timber and Metal Balustrading Kit, the Taskmaster 5mm 316 Stainless Steel Hook/Eye Turnbuckle Balustrade Kit and the Taskmaster 5mm 316 Stainless Steel Eye/Eye Balustrade Kit. Only the last two kits come with a turnbuckle set.

Having had a second look at your pergola, I propose having a look at the possibility of installing a Jack 180 x 100cm Grip And Grow Wall Frame Plant Trainer or similar. This mesh can be trimmed down and easily installed using Jack Mesh Panel Fix Clip - 50 Pack. This will save you from having to thread the stainless-steel wire.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @hajunu

Looking great so far.from someone who recently installed a stainless wire balustrade system ,I would stay clear of using swags as they require a special clamping tool and must be clamped VERY tightly or they let go when tensioned. Highly recommend that swaggless system @EricL mentioned.

Nailbag

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