How to Fix a Trellis to a Fence Panel

What You’ll Need

• A trellis panel of your choice
• Treated wood screws, roughly 40 – 50mm, such as Spax counter sunk T‑Star screws
• A power drill, with a 3mm pilot-hole bit and a screwdriver bit
• A spirit level
• A tape measure and pencil
• Panel brackets (only if you’re not screwing directly into the post — see below)

How to Fix a Trellis Directly to a Fence Post

For most trellis panels, screwing directly through the vertical side batten into the fence post is the easiest and most secure method.

1. Choose your screws. Measure the thickness of the trellis batten and the depth of the post, and pick a screw long enough to bite firmly into the post without coming through the other side — 40 – 50mm treated wood screws suit most standard posts.
2. Drill pilot holes. Using a 3mm bit, drill a pilot hole near the top and bottom of the outer trellis batten. This stops the timber splitting when you drive the screw in, especially in cold or dry weather.
3. Hold the trellis in place. With a second pair of hands, align the panel against the post exactly where you want it.
4. Fix the top screw first, then use a spirit level to check the panel is sitting straight before fixing the bottom.
5. Add a third, central screw for panels over about 1.2m tall, or in an exposed, windy spot — it stops the panel flexing and pulling the fixings loose over time.
6. Check it’s secure by gently pushing the top corner; there should be no movement.

Fixing a Trellis with Brackets

If your trellis panel’s frame isn’t suitable for screwing directly into the post — for example, if the batten is very slim, or you’d like to be able to remove the trellis without disturbing the fence panel later, a bracket is the better option. A Z bracket fixes to the face of the post, and the trellis frame then screws or clips into the bracket itself. This keeps the trellis slightly proud of the post, which also helps rainwater run off rather than sitting against the timber.

Treating and Maintaining Your Trellis

New trellis panels are usually pressure treated, but it’s worth giving them a coat of a quality wood stain or protector every couple of years, matched to your fence colour if you’d like a uniform look. This is especially worthwhile on the cut ends and any pilot holes, where the treatment is most likely to have been disturbed during fitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my fence panels aren’t tall enough for a trellis?

You don’t need to replace the whole fence — a decorative trellis topper lets you add extra height and screening without touching the existing panels. Check the height of your fence posts first, as you may need a post extension (or in some cases a replacement post) to safely support the extra height, particularly in an exposed garden.

Can I get a trellis panel in a non-standard width?

Yes. Our parent company, Walford Timber, can produce bespoke sizes of trellis panel, so there’s no need to compromise on design — every panel is made to the same high standard regardless of size. For made-to-measure panels, contact our expert team on 01442 866264.

Do I need permission to add a trellis to my fence?

In most UK gardens, boundary structures (fence plus trellis) can be up to 2 metres high without planning permission, dropping to 1 metre if the boundary is next to a road. If you’re extending an existing fence with a trellis topper, it’s worth measuring the combined height and checking with your local council if you’re close to these limits, or if your property is listed or in a conservation area.

How do I stop my trellis from warping or rotting?

Make sure it’s fitted with a small gap between the base of the trellis and the ground, so it isn’t sitting in standing water, and re-treat it every couple of years as above. Good airflow around the panel, rather than fitting it flush against dense planting, also goes a long way.

Browse our full range of trellis panels in diamond or square lattice, convex or concave shapes, and fan-topped styles, or ask in branch — as one of the UK’s most experienced timber merchants near you, we’re happy to help you get the fit right.