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Highlights
It costs about $400 to $2,400 to install a trellis.
Cost factors include the size, material, and shape.
Labor accounts for 25% of the total project cost.
You can save on costs by DIYing your trellis project.
From tomatoes to honeysuckle to wisteria trees, many plants need a little extra support as they grow. The tried-and-true trellis adds support to all kinds of greenery without taking away from the beauty of your yard. You can expect to pay an average of $400 to $2,400 to build a trellis for your climbing plants.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Trellis per Linear Foot?
Trellises cost between $60 to $350 per linear foot to install, with your average trellis costing around $200 per linear foot.
Cost Breakdown for Building a Trellis
It costs anywhere between $400 to $2,400 to build a trellis, including the installation. When planning your project, keep in mind that size, material, and shape have the biggest impact on your total cost.
Material
Materials alone will cost you anywhere from $45 to $260 per linear foot and make up the bulk of the project cost, or 75%.
You’ll have to choose a material for the structure and the lattice. The structure holds up the trellis, while the lattice consists of a diamond- or square-shaped panel that serves as a support for plants.
Metal trellises are usually at the lower end of the price range, while wood and vinyl tend to be at the higher end. Low-quality wood like pine is a popular choice for lattices. It does the job and is resistant to rot. For high-quality wood, homeowners might choose cedar, Douglas fir, or even mahogany. These come at a higher price point.
Here’s a close-up of your estimated material costs.
Trellis Costs by Material Type
| Trellis Material Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | $50 – $60 |
| Iron | $50 – $80 |
| Metal | $60 – $80 |
| Plastic | $60 – $90 |
| Composite | $60 – $90 |
| PVC | $90 – $100 |
| Vinyl | $100 – $130 |
| Wood | $130 – $150 |
Lattice Costs by Material Type
| Lattice Material Type | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Plastic | $2 – $4 |
| Low-quality Wood Lattice | $2 – $4 |
| High-quality Wood Lattice | $8 – $20 |
| Vinyl Lattice | $12 – $24 |
Size
The size of your trellis significantly affects the total cost. The following size estimates are based on linear feet:
| Trellis Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 linear feet | $250 – $550 |
| 6 linear feet | $350 – $700 |
| 8 linear feet | $800 – $2,000 |
| 10 linear feet | $1,200 – $3,500 |
Shape
Simpler shapes are often more budget-friendly for this project, while more complex, curved, or arched designs are usually at the higher end of the price point. Here are a few different shapes and their estimated costs:
| Trellis Shape | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cone | $150 – $200 |
| Fan | $180 – $280 |
| V | $180 – $290 |
| Triangular | $200 – $380 |
| Diamond | $340 – $400 |
| Heart | $380 – $480 |
| Tree | $400 – $520 |
| T | $500 – $680 |
| Leaf | $530 – $680 |
| Oval | $600 – $850 |
| Arch | $700 – $950 |
Installation
Installation makes up approximately 25% of the cost of a trellis project if you opt for hiring a pro to do the job. Most handypeople charge around $60 to $125 an hour, while a professional landscaper near you can charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour.
Additional Cost Factors to Building a Trellis
Building a trellis alone isn’t all that can affect the price of your project. You’ll also have to factor in a couple of other tidbits that can pack a surprising punch on your wallet if you’re not prepared:
Plants: If you don’t already have plants, you’ll want to buy ones to climb up the trellis after the installation. Most climbing plants cost anywhere from $10 to $60 each, so don’t forget to factor them in.
Painting or sealing: If you used metal or unfinished wood for your project, be sure to regularly maintain it with paint or a sealant to protect it from rotting or rusting. This will add $40 to $100 to your project.
Upgrades: Some trellises have extra features like stained glass, accent lighting, or a water feature, which can all add hundreds of dollars to your final cost.
Adding an arbor: For that whimsical fairy garden, some homeowners want to add a roof to their trellis, which turns it into an arbor. Adding a roof to your trellis adds $300 to $1,000 to your expenses.
Cost to Build a Trellis Yourself
DIYing a trellis can save you 25%, meaning you’ll pay anywhere from $300 to $1,800 to complete your project if you decide to build it yourself.
Build It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
Many trellises are easy to build or come prefabricated. If you want a custom trellis, arbor, or added features like lighting, then it might be advantageous to hire a local garden pro to do the job.
5 Ways You Can Save Money While Building a Trellis
For bargain hunters who like the rush of getting a good deal, there are a few ways you can save on the cost of building a trellis. Here are some tips for constructing a budget-friendly trellis:
You can save money by choosing metal for your trellis as opposed to high-quality vinyl or wood panels.
If you have materials in your shed or garage, you might be able to get away with building your trellis frame and purchasing remesh wire for the lattice, which only costs $7 per 7-by-3-1/2-foot sheet.
Cone, fan, and V-shaped trellises are also more wallet-friendly because they don’t have an arch or lattice roof.
Depending on the type of support your plants need, if you can opt for a smaller trellis, you’ll save money on the materials.
Hiring a professional installer adds 25% to your project, so if you can put in some elbow grease and do it yourself, you’ll save on labor costs.
Building a Trellis Questions and Answers
Should I buy or build a trellis?
If you have a knack for DIYing, a trellis can be built from scratch from all kinds of materials. However, if time is of the essence, it’s far easier to buy a trellis ready-made and put it together at home.
What should I consider when building a trellis?
Consider the height of the plants you plan on using with the trellis, as they will need the right amount of support to grow.
What other projects should I do at the same time?
Other projects that you can do at the same time as your trellis include painting the deck, installing a pergola, or adding mulch to your garden beds.
