How to build fence trellis for climbing plants?

[cam_sku]

Hey,

We would like to affix some no nonsense trellis' to our backyard fencing so that we can grow some Ficus Pumila (Climbing Fig) on it. When we bought the house this was already done but we didn't realise how to manage it properly and we allowed it to grow too much. It became too mature, thick, developed and woody to manage.  

There are two types of fence that we need to cover - wooden and colour bond. We need to attach a combination of trellis that will fit between the posts (widths of 1500mm, 900mm and 1100mm respectively). I have no experience in this kind of project, I am wondering which material would be best: wood, metal, or plastic? Also, how to attach the trellis to the fence, including distance from fence and other information that will best enable the plant to grow well on it. And where I would get the right type of trellis for this task?

I have included some photos here to make the project a bit clearer. I am not looking for any fancy or decorative trellis. We are really wanting to keep it fairly plain because the plant will be the feature, and don't really want the trellis to be seen. I also want something that is going to be long-lasting because I don't want to have to repeat this entire process again in five to ten years. 

So, I guess my questions are:

- What type of material should the trellis be made of? - wood, metal, or plastic - keeping in mind that I wanted to be fairly rigid, strong and lasting.

- What is the best method to attach this type of trellis to both wood and ColorBond fence?

- What materials, tools, and other items will I need to complete the job?

- Any other information that will assist us in creating the right type of environment for the plant to thrive?

Thanks SO much for your help.

Cam 

[EricL]

Hello @cam_sku 

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

To mount the trellis, I suggest using 70 x 35mm Outdoor Framing H3 Treated Pine - 2.4m. I recommend using either Rapid 180 x 120cm 50 x 50 x 3.15mm Silver Wire Mesh Panel or the Rapid 900 x 1200mm 50 x 50mm Silver Wire Mesh Panel depending on the layout you wish to do. You can use either Paslode 20 x 2.0mm 500g Galvanised Staple Nail or RapidFence Roll Top Wire Mesh Fence U Clips And Teck Screws - 20 Pack. 

Generally speaking, the treated pine will serve as the post and will be attached to your fence. The mesh will be nailed or stapled to the treated pine; it can be cut down or trimmed using Trojan 200mm Bolt Cutter.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Hardwood and mesh trellis with planter boxes by @DIY4Knuckleheds.

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

Eric

[cam_sku]

Thanks so much Eric, can I ask two questions:

- What is the best way to attach the H3 Framing Treated Pine to the fence? Nail or are there screws that would be better. 

- is the H3 Framing Treated Pine also the best option for the colourbond fence and, if so, what is the best way of attaching them to the fence?

Thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @cam_sku,

Yes, the H3 framing would be suitable for both the timber and metal fences. You'll want to mount the framing to the posts using screws that are suitable for the post material.

For the timber posts, you can use Buildex® 14G x 75mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws; for the metal posts, use these Buildex 12-14 x 50mm Climaseal Hex Head Hi-Grip With Seal Roofing Tek Screws.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob