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How to make a wire espalier trellis

A timber wire frame positioned next to a garden bush with the intent of letting a tree grow around it

Overview

A wire trellis can help transform a garden or courtyard into an attractive, lush and modern outdoor space. Find out how easy it is to bring your garden to life in a few simple steps.  

Steps

1Pre-cut your timber at Bunnings

You can tailor the size of your wire trellis to suit your space. Ours measured 920mm x 1825mm. To make your project easier you can have your timber pre-cut at Bunnings.

Several planks of wood in a pile

2Measure and mark for the saddle clips

Measure and mark one of the long pieces of timber for the saddle clips to hold the wire. Ours were spaced 150mm apart. Use the set square to transfer the marks onto the other long piece of timber. This will ensure the clips are in the same place.

A pencil and tape measure being used to mark a length of wood

3Mark the centre point on the timber

Find the centre point of the timber and mark where you want to fix each of the saddle clips.

A square rule being used to mark pieces of timber

4Pre-drill holes for the clips

Place a saddle clip, so it's centred on the line where it will be attached. Use the 3mm drill bit to pre-drill the holes. Repeat this step where the saddle clips will be attached.

A loop being drilled into place in a piece of wood

5Pre-drill holes and fix the outer frame

Assemble the rectangular frame, so the shorter pieces of timber are between the longer pieces. Make sure the edges of the timber are flush. Pre-drill two holes into each corner with the 4.5mm drill bit. Use the drill and 75mm batten screws to join the frame together. Use two screws in each corner.


A timber frame being drilled to make way for screws

6Paint the frame

You can paint the frame any colour you choose. We spray painted ours black. When spray painting, try to use smooth, even strokes. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear a ventilator mask. Apply as many coats as needed. Leave the paint to dry between coats.

A timber frame being spray painted black

7Attach-the-clips

Turn the frame onto its side and clamp it to your workbench. Use the drill and screws provided to attach all of the saddle clips to the frame.

Loops being secured to the inside of a garden frame

8Thread the wire

Starting at one end, loop the wire through the saddle clips. Attach a swage at one end and crimp it tight.

Metal wire being threaded through loops inside a timber frame

9Tighten the wire

When one end of the wire is crimped, hand tighten the wire and crimp the other end. Trim the wire as close to the swage as possible. Hand tightening the wire is fine for the trellis we built, but for tighter wire, use a turnbuckle.
Heavy pliers being used to trim excess wire

10Install the wire trellis

Now the trellis is made, plant your favourite tree or vine and start training it upwards. Before long, you'll have a lush green screen that will make a real feature of your garden or courtyard.

A timber wire frame positioned next to a garden bush with the intent of letting a tree grow around it
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.