What is the standard width for a trellis panel?

The industry standard for trellis panels in the UK is 1.83 metres (exactly 6 feet). This matches standard fence panel widths, allowing them to be easily swapped or used as toppers on existing fence posts.

Diagonal vs Square Trellis: Which is better?

Diagonal (Diamond) trellis is generally considered more decorative and traditional. Square trellis is often used for a more modern look or when specifically training climbing plants that grow in vertical patterns. Diagonal trellis is usually slightly stronger structurally.

Can I add trellis to the top of an existing fence?

Yes, this is called a 'trellis topper'. In the UK, you can usually add a 1ft (300mm) or 2ft (600mm) trellis to an existing 6ft fence to increase privacy without blocking all the light. However, ensure your existing posts are strong enough to carry the extra wind load.

How do you fix trellis panels to a wall?

You should use 'stand-off' battens (timber strips) fixed to the wall first. Screw the trellis to these battens rather than directly to the wall. This creates a 25-50mm gap that allows air to circulate and gives climbing plants room to wrap around the lattice.

What is the standard width for a trellis panel?

The industry standard for trellis panels in the UK is 1.83 metres (exactly 6 feet). This matches standard fence panel widths, allowing them to be easily swapped or used as toppers on existing fence posts.

Diagonal vs Square Trellis: Which is better?

Diagonal (Diamond) trellis is generally considered more decorative and traditional. Square trellis is often used for a more modern look or when specifically training climbing plants that grow in vertical patterns. Diagonal trellis is usually slightly stronger structurally.

Can I add trellis to the top of an existing fence?

Yes, this is called a 'trellis topper'. In the UK, you can usually add a 1ft (300mm) or 2ft (600mm) trellis to an existing 6ft fence to increase privacy without blocking all the light. However, ensure your existing posts are strong enough to carry the extra wind load.

How do you fix trellis panels to a wall?

You should use 'stand-off' battens (timber strips) fixed to the wall first. Screw the trellis to these battens rather than directly to the wall. This creates a 25-50mm gap that allows air to circulate and gives climbing plants room to wrap around the lattice.

Trellis & Lattice Calculator

Fast panel and bracket takeoff for decorative screening.

Total Run Length (m)

Panel Width (Standard is 1.83m)

Adding to existing fence posts? (No new posts)

Material Summary

Climbing Plant Tip: Trellis panels are ideal for climbers like Clematis or Honeysuckle. Ensure you buy 'heavy duty' trellis if you plan on supporting heavy wisteria or ivy.

Trellis: The Elegant Screening Solution

Privacy Without the Shadows

Trellis panels are the ultimate multi-taskers in a UK garden. They provide privacy from neighbours, act as a structural support for stunning climbing plants, and allow sunlight to filter through into your garden.

Our **trellis calculator** simplifies the material takeoff, whether you are building a new boundary or adding toppers to an existing fence line.

Standard Sizes

Full Height Panel1.83m x 1.83m

Standard Topper1.83m x 0.3m

Gate Trellis0.9m x 1.83m

Diamond vs Square Lattice

Choosing between diamond and square lattice is mostly about personal preference, but there are practical differences.

**Diamond (Diagonal) Trellis:** Typically features a smaller aperture (hole size), usually 40mm to 70mm. This makes it excellent for privacy as it is harder to see through. It also handles wind better as the diagonal strips provide more lateral stability.

**Square Trellis:** Usually has larger holes (100mm+). It is perfect for modern, minimalist gardens and is much easier for plants with thicker stems (like Wisteria) to grow through.

U-Bracket Fixing

Always use galvanised U-Brackets to fix your trellis to timber posts. Using four brackets per panel (two per side) prevents the panel from rattling in the wind and allows for easy replacement if the timber eventually fails.

Planning & Height

Adding a trellis topper still counts towards your total fence height. If the combined height of your fence and trellis exceeds 2 metres, you may still need planning permission. Don't assume trellis is 'exempt' because you can see through it!

Pro Tip: Capping Rails

To double the lifespan of your trellis, install a **capping rail** across the top. This simple horizontal timber strip protects the end-grain of all the vertical lattice pieces from rain, which is where rot always starts.

Trellis & Screening FAQ

Technical Disclaimer

Material estimates assume level ground and standard 1.83m panel widths. If your run length is not a multiple of 1.83m, you will need to cut the final panel to size. Always ensure your posts are securely set in concrete before mounting panels.