Creating a DIY bamboo trellis for your garden is not only a budget-friendly option but also a rewarding way to support your plants. Whether you’re growing vines or flowers, a custom bamboo trellis adds both charm and functionality to your outdoor space. In addition, with just a few simple materials, you can design and build your own trellis, thus saving money in the process. By following this guide, you’ll not only learn how to create a durable and attractive trellis but also tailor it to your garden’s unique needs. Moreover, making the trellis yourself allows you to adjust the design and size to suit your specific plants perfectly.
One of the benefits of designing and building my own trellises is that I can determine their size. Moreover, I can work with two cane widths to give my designs more visual interest. To tie the bamboo together, I use a wax-coated black lashing cord that contrasts nicely with the buff-colored bamboo. By mail-ordering bamboo in bulk, I save money and have extra on hand for other projects. With an investment of less than two hours and for about $10, I have a custom-made trellis for one of the vines in my growing collection.
Supplies Needed
- Several canes of bamboo in different diameters
- Lashing cord
- Hand saw
- Ruler or tape measure
- Pencil
Steps to Build a Bamboo Trellis
1. Create a Design
First of all, imagine your trellis where it will eventually be placed, taking into account the size and shape of the area. Then, draw the design of your trellis on paper. Moreover, deciding on as many measurements as possible in advance will help you stay on track during the building process.
2. Cut the Bamboo to Size
Once the design is ready, use a hand saw to cut the sky-facing ends of your vertical canes just above a node, which is solid. This will prevent water from collecting in the open ends, and as a result, it will help prevent rot. Then, cut the trimmed canes to size from the bottom. In addition, cut the horizontal canes to size.
3. Lay Out Your Trellis
After cutting the bamboo, arrange the canes into the shape of your design on a flat surface, using a ruler to ensure that the canes are spaced evenly. Mark the intersecting points of the crossing canes with a pencil. In doing so, it will be easier to lash them together later.
4. Lash the Trellis Together
Finally, lashing is the most important part of making bamboo trellises since it’s what holds them together. Here’s how to do it: Start with a piece of cord that’s 4 to 5 feet long, and trim the excess when you’re done. By securely tying the canes together, you’ll ensure that your trellis is sturdy and long-lasting.
