How to Build a Trellis with Pipe Fittings

Looking for your next DIY project? Consider building a trellis for your yard or garden.

Incorporating a trellis into your yard is a simple way to add interest and variety to your outdoor space. You can use a trellis to grow vegetables or to add shade over a patio. Trellises are versatile and you can be creative when designing one for your yard.

You might be thinking that a trellis would be challenging to create. Don’t worry, with the right materials, this project is much easier than it seems. By using pipe and Kee Klamp fittings, you can easily build an affordable trellis in just a few hours.

If you are ready to get started, keep reading. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know to build your own trellis.

Create Your Ideal Trellis

Before you get started, think about the type of trellis you want to design. Trellis is a broad term for a structure that supports growing plants. So, there are many different designs you could use when building your own version.

Are you interested in creating a trellis that provides shade? Or do you just want a decorative piece that supports a growing vine? Think about where you want to build your trellis. Will it be free-standing, leaning against a wall, or mounted to the ground?

Some of the most popular trellis designs include arches, fences, and pergolas. Of course, you can also design a unique style of trellis that fits your space and vision.

Advantages of Using Kee Klamp Fittings

As you think about your design it is important to consider the materials you will use. Galvanized pipe and Kee Klamp fittings are perfect materials for this type of project.

Unlike threaded pipe, Kee Klamp fittings offer design flexibility. You can easily break down and rebuild this type of project if needed. That means you can adjust the design as your plants grow or you can quickly move the trellis if you want to place it in a different area.

Plus, galvanized pipes work well in many different weather conditions, so they are a great choice for outdoor projects.

Now that you know more about constructing a trellis, let’s look at some design inspiration.

DIY Trellis Ideas

This pergola-style trellis was designed and built by the founder of Simplified Building. His dream was to help the backyard grapevines extend out and cover the driveway. In this simple design, he used Flange fittings to attach the pipe to the garage and driveway. He also used Side Outlet Elbow fittings to create the corners. You can read more about this project here.

Peter built this trellis to support a wisteria vine. He said the “system supports a grid of lighter garden stakes and netting for the vine to work itself around. Wisteria is very difficult to control but this is designed to keep it all within reach for weekly clipping while being high enough to produce a shaded arbor underneath.”

The structure is stable enough for Peter to sit under it without fear that the heavy wisteria will cause the trellis to collapse. To create a similar trellis, you need Corner Swivel Socket Fittings. Plus, Peter cemented the legs of the pipes into cement blocks for additional support.

A customer from Minnesota built this modern trellis using just a few simple materials. They attached the trellis to the side of their house with Flange fittings and Swivel Flange fittings. Three Socket Tee fittings and Single Socket Tee fittings were used for additional support.

With time, their grapevine plant will grow up the side of the trellis and add an interesting focal point to their yard.

Joel designed and built this fence-style trellis on this side of his garage. He could use this trellis to grow ivy or other plants in his yard. Since this isn’t wall-mounted, he cemented the legs of the pipes into concrete blocks for additional support. He incorporated Three-Socket Tee fittings into the design of this trellis. 

Li constructed this pergola-style trellis for their backyard garden. With time, their plants can attach to the pipe and grow around the trellis. This will create a beautiful plant-covered space in the garden. If you want to create a similar design, be sure to use Side Outlet Elbow fittings. 

How to Build Your Own Trellis

Are you ready to design and build your own trellis? Now that you’ve seen a few trellis projects, let’s get started!

Step 1: Design Your Trellis

Spend some time thinking about what you want from a trellis. Do you want to create a pergola for shade? Or do you want to build a simple piece to support a growing vine?

If you don’t know where to start, we are here to help. Contact our design team today to learn more about our free design assistance!

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

Once you’ve decided on a design, it is time to start gathering your materials. Browse our selection of over 100 different types of Kee Klamp fittings to find the perfect supplies for your project. Kee Klamp and galvanized pipes are a great way to keep a trellis project easy and affordable.

Step 3: Build Your Trellis

After gathering your materials, it’s time to get to work. Start by laying out your materials in the shape of your design. Attach the fittings to the frame using an Allen wrench.

Next, attach the trellis to its final location. If you are wall-mounting the trellis, now is the time to attach the Flange fittings to the wall. Finally, secure the trellis to the ground. If your plants are starting to grow, you can now move them towards the trellis to encourage the growing process.

Step 4: Enjoy Your New Trellis

Now you can sit back and enjoy your hard work! Over time, your plants will grow around the trellis. Feel free to send us a picture of your completed project. We would love to see your new trellis!

Build Your Own Trellis Today!

We know it can be hard to know where to start with a design project. We hope this post gave you some inspiration so you can start on your own trellis project today!

If you need some assistance getting started, we are here to help! Check out our collection of projects for some extra inspiration. Or, receive free design assistance from our design team.