Wooden Trellis Panels — UK Manufactured, Pressure Treated

Why Choose Walford Timber for Your Trellis Panels?

• Manufactured in Britain — every trellis panel is made in our own workshops
• Experts since 1945 — over 75 years of timber knowledge
• Pressure-treated for long-lasting durability against rot and decay
• Certified timber from responsibly managed sources
• Nationwide Delivery
• Trade accounts available with discounted bulk pricing
• Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award-winning customer service.
• Trusted installer network to help with professional fitting

How to Choose the Right Trellis Panels for Your Garden

Step 1 — Decide what you’re using the trellis for

The first question to ask is: what do you want your trellis panels to do? Different uses call for different styles.

• Supporting climbing plants (roses, clematis, honeysuckle): a standard square or diamond trellis with an open gap works well, allowing stems to weave through and tendrils to grip. Our Standard Square Trellis or Diamond Trellis are both ideal for this purpose.

• Adding height to an existing fence: choose a fence topper trellis. Our range of square and diamond trellis panels can be fixed on top of closeboard or lap panels to add extra height without fully blocking light or air. A 6ft x 1ft or 6ft x 2ft panel is a popular choice for this.

• Creating a privacy screen: for greater screening, our Double Trellis panels are crafted with smaller gaps between the battens, reducing visibility while still allowing light to filter through. Pair with climbing plants for a living, green screen.

• Decorative garden feature: fan trellis panels are traditionally wall-mounted and create an attractive focal point, especially when combined with a trained rose or flowering climber.

• Dividing garden areas: larger trellis panels fixed between posts make elegant garden dividers, separating a patio from a lawn or a kitchen garden from a flower border.

Step 2 — Choose your trellis style

Walford Timber offers trellis panels in several distinct styles, each with its own character and practical advantages.

• Square trellis: the most popular and versatile style. The straight grid pattern suits both traditional and modern gardens and supports a wide range of climbing plants.

• Diamond trellis: an angled lattice design that is more decorative than a square trellis, and particularly popular for use on walls and as fence toppers. Available in our planned Diamond Lattice range for a premium finish.

• Double trellis: constructed from 19 x 25mm battens with a smaller gap, offering greater privacy while retaining the attractive open character of trellis fencing.

• Concave and convex styles: available in both square and diamond patterns, these shaped panels add a decorative curved top to a run of fencing, giving your garden boundary a more elegant, finished look.

• Fan trellis: a wall-mounted style that expands to support climbing plants on fences, walls, and pergolas.

Step 3 — Choose the right size

Trellis panels are available in a wide range of heights and widths. Here’s a quick guide to the most common sizes and their best uses.

• 6ft x 1ft: a slimline panel ideal as a fence topper or in narrow spaces. Lightweight and easy to handle.

• 6ft x 2ft: a popular all-rounder for fence toppers, partial screens, and supporting plants on walls.

• 6ft x 3ft and 6ft x 4ft: mid-size panels suitable for more significant screening, garden dividers, and climbing plant supports.

• 6ft x 6ft: a full-height panel suitable for use as a standalone fence section or as part of a continuous trellis boundary.

As a general rule, choose a taller panel when privacy is a priority and a smaller panel for decorative features or fence toppers. If you’re unsure, our team is on hand to advise — call us on 01989 563614.

Step 4 — Consider the treatment

All of our standard trellis panels are pressure-treated in either brown or green, providing long-lasting protection against rot, fungal decay, and wood-boring insects. Pressure treatment drives the preservative deep into the timber, making it far more durable than a simple surface dip.

If you want to change the colour of your trellis panels, they can be painted or stained once the treatment has fully dried. We stock a range of eco-friendly wood paints from Thorndown Paints, available in a wide variety of shades from natural wood tones to vibrant greens and blacks.

Step 5 — Plan for installation

Before ordering, take accurate measurements of the area you want to cover and consider how the panels will be fixed. Trellis panels are designed to be installed between timber posts, against a wall using timber battens, or directly on top of existing fence panels as toppers. For full guidance, see our installation section below.

How to Install Trellis Panels — A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing trellis panels is a straightforward DIY project that most homeowners can tackle over a weekend. Below, we cover the three most common methods: fixing to timber posts, attaching to a wall, and adding trellis as a fence topper.

Method 1 — Fixing trellis panels between timber posts

This is the most common installation method and creates a clean, professional-looking result.

What you’ll need:

• Trellis panels (measured to fit the span between posts)

• Timber fence posts — we recommend 75mm x 75mm or 100mm x 100mm pressure-treated posts

• Post mix or concrete for setting posts

• Galvanised screws or panel clips

• Spirit level, tape measure, and drill

Step-by-step:

1. Mark out the post positions, ensuring they are spaced to match your panel widths. For 6ft (1.83m) wide panels, set posts approximately 1.85m apart to allow for a small clearance on each side.

2. Dig post holes to a depth of at least 600mm. For taller panels, aim for 750mm or deeper to ensure stability.

3. Set your first post in the hole and check it is perfectly vertical using a spirit level. Fill around the post with post mix, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to set.

4. Repeat for remaining posts, checking alignment as you go.

5. Once posts are fully set, offer up your trellis panels and fix them in position using galvanised screws through the outer frame battens into the posts, or use panel clips for a cleaner finish and easier future replacement.

6. Check the panels are level and adjust as necessary before fully tightening the fixings.

   Tip: Use our PermaTimber® fence posts for the best long-term result. They carry a 15-year guarantee against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects.

Method 2 — Fixing trellis panels to a wall or fence

Trellis panels can be fixed directly to a wall, a solid fence, or a garden outbuilding to create a surface for climbing plants or a decorative feature.

What you’ll need:

• Trellis panels

• Timber battens (approx. 50mm x 25mm)

• Masonry fixings (for brick or stone walls) or screws (for timber fences)

• Galvanised screws

Step-by-step:

7. Fix horizontal timber battens to the wall at the top and bottom of where the trellis will sit, and at intermediate points for larger panels. Using battens rather than fixing directly to the wall creates a small gap between the trellis and the wall surface, which is important — it allows air to circulate and climbing plants to weave through from behind.

8. Offer up your trellis panel against the battens and check it is level.

9. Screw through the trellis frame into the battens using galvanised screws. Space fixings evenly around the perimeter for a secure result.

10. Once fixed, use vine eyes or garden wire horizontally across the trellis to give climbing plants additional support if required.

    Tip: Leave at least 40 – 50mm of clearance between the trellis and the wall surface. This allows air circulation, which keeps both the trellis and your plants healthier and helps reduce the risk of mould or damp on the wall surface.

Method 3 — Adding trellis as a fence topper

Trellis fence toppers are an excellent way to add extra height to an existing fence without requiring full planning permission in most cases (though we always recommend checking with your local authority if you are in any doubt).

What you’ll need:

• Trellis topper panels — 6ft x 1ft or 6ft x 2ft are the most popular choices

• Timber batten or capping rail

• Galvanised screws or nails

Step-by-step:

11. Check your existing fence posts are sound and will support the additional height and wind load. If posts are old or damaged, replace them first.

12. Fix a capping rail or batten along the top of your existing fence panel. This gives a solid, flat surface to screw the trellis topper into and protects the top of the fence panel.

13. Place the trellis panel on top of the fence, resting it against the existing post. Screw through the trellis frame into the post using galvanised screws. For a neater finish, use panel clips.

14. Repeat along the full length of the fence, ensuring panels are aligned and consistent in height.

15. Finish by painting or staining the trellis to match your existing fence colour, if desired.

Not confident doing this yourself? Walford Timber works with a network of trusted local fencing contractors who can install your trellis panels to a professional standard. Find an installer near you.

The Best Climbing Plants for Wooden Trellis Panels

One of the great pleasures of garden trellis is watching it come to life as climbing plants grow, flower, and weave through the lattice. Here are some of the best plants to grow on wooden trellis panels in the UK, chosen for their beauty, vigour, and suitability to our climate.

Climbing Roses

Few sights in the British garden are as lovely as a rose-covered trellis in full bloom. Climbing and rambling roses are ideally suited to wooden trellis, which offers both the structural support and the fixing points needed to train stems as they grow. Varieties such as ​“Climbing Iceberg”, ​“New Dawn”, ​“Compassion”, and ​“Zéphirine Drouhin” all perform beautifully on trellis panels.

Roses benefit from an open-gap trellis (our standard square or diamond designs) to allow free air circulation, which helps to minimise mildew. Train new stems horizontally where possible — this encourages the plant to produce more flowering laterals and gives a more even, attractive result.

Clematis

Clematis is arguably the most popular climbing plant in British gardens, and for good reason — there is a variety in flower for almost every month of the year. From the early-flowering Clematis armandii (evergreen, with white flowers and a vanilla scent) to the dramatic large-flowered hybrids of summer such as ​“Nelly Moser” and ​“The President”, clematis is an outstanding choice for trellis panels.

Clematis climbs using its leaf stalks, which naturally wrap around thin supports, making the lattice structure of a trellis ideal. Ensure the gap in your trellis is large enough for the stalks to grip — our standard square and diamond panels offer the perfect spacing.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is a classic British cottage garden climber, prized for its sweetly scented flowers and its wildlife value — bees and moths are drawn to it in abundance. It is vigorous and fast-growing, making it an excellent choice if you want to cover a trellis quickly.

Native honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) and the popular cultivar ​“Belgica” are both well suited to trellis panels. Honeysuckle twines naturally and will weave its way through the lattice without much intervention.

Wisteria

For sheer spectacle, few climbing plants rival wisteria. Its cascading lilac-blue flower clusters create a breathtaking display in late spring, and its architectural, twining stems add winter interest even when dormant. Wisteria is a vigorous plant and requires a sturdy structure — our heavier double trellis or larger diamond lattice panels are well suited to supporting its weight once established.

It does require regular pruning to keep it in check, but the results are well worth the effort.

Jasmine

Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is one of the most fragrant climbers available and is a wonderful choice for trellis near a seating area or doorway. It produces small, white, star-shaped flowers from summer into autumn, filling the air with a distinctive, sweet scent. Summer jasmine is a twining climber and grows happily through trellis panels of any size.

Ivy

For a year-round, low-maintenance option, ivy (Hedera) is hard to beat. It is fully evergreen, provides excellent cover across all seasons, and supports wildlife by providing food and shelter for birds and insects. Ivy attaches itself using aerial roots, so it will cling to your trellis without needing to be tied in. Choose a variegated variety such as Hedera helix ​“Glacier” or ​“Gold Heart” for added visual interest.

Roses and trellis — a word on gap size

When selecting trellis panels for climbing roses, the gap size matters. A standard square trellis with a gap of around 38 – 50mm allows new rose stems to be threaded through and trained easily. If you are growing a rambling rose with thicker, woodier stems, a larger gap makes training and tying significantly easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What height trellis panel do I need for privacy?

For effective privacy, choose a trellis panel that is at least 3ft (900mm) tall, or ideally 4 – 6ft (1200 – 1830mm) when used as a standalone screen. Our Double Trellis panels are specifically designed with a smaller gap between battens, offering greater privacy than standard open-lattice designs. Combining any trellis panel with climbing plants such as climbing roses, clematis, or ivy will significantly increase screening over time, eventually creating a dense, living boundary.

Can I paint or stain wooden trellis panels?

Yes, wooden trellis panels can be painted or stained. Our pressure-treated panels are available in brown or green from the factory. If you’d like to change the colour, allow any new trellis to dry fully first — typically a few weeks after delivery — then apply an exterior wood paint or wood stain. We stock a range of eco-friendly Thorndown wood paints, available in a wide variety of colours from traditional wood tones to contemporary shades. Always use an exterior-grade product to protect the timber from the elements.

What is the difference between dip-treated and pressure-treated trellis panels?

Pressure treatment drives preservative deep into the timber fibres under high pressure, providing long-lasting, thorough protection from the inside out. It offers significantly better resistance to rot, fungal decay, and wood-boring insects than dip treatment. Dip-treated timber is dipped into a preservative solution, which protects the surface but does not penetrate as deeply — it typically requires retreating more frequently. All Walford Timber standard trellis panels are pressure-treated for maximum durability.

Do I need planning permission for a trellis fence topper?

In most cases, adding a trellis panel as a topper to an existing fence does not require planning permission, provided the total fence height (including the topper) does not exceed 2 metres in a rear garden, or 1 metre in a front garden adjacent to a highway. However, rules can vary depending on your property, its location, and any relevant permitted development restrictions or conservation area designations. We always recommend checking with your local planning authority before proceeding if you are unsure.

How do I maintain wooden trellis panels?

Pressure-treated wooden trellis panels require very little maintenance. We recommend checking fixings annually and retightening any that have worked loose. Inspect the timber for signs of damage and treat any exposed cuts or end grain with a suitable wood preservative. If you’d like to keep the colour looking fresh, apply a coat of exterior wood stain every two to three years. Climbing plants growing through the trellis can accelerate wear in damp areas, so check periodically that the timber behind dense growth is in good condition.

What gap size is best for climbing plants?

For most climbing plants, a trellis gap of 38 – 50mm (roughly 1.5 – 2 inches) works well. This allows stems and tendrils to weave through easily and provides good support. For plants with thinner tendrils such as clematis, a standard square or diamond trellis with a 38 – 40mm gap is ideal. For vigorous climbers with thicker stems such as wisteria or mature climbing roses, a wider gap of 50mm or more makes training and tying easier. Our Double Trellis panels have a smaller gap, making them better suited to privacy screening than to dense plant support.

Can trellis panels be used in a windy garden?

Yes, trellis panels can be used in exposed or windy gardens, but it is important to ensure they are properly supported. Fix panels securely between sturdy timber posts set at sufficient depth, and ensure the posts are concreted in rather than simply driven into the ground. Note that trellis panels covered in dense climbing plant growth create significantly more wind resistance, so robust fixings become even more important as plants establish. For very exposed sites, our heavier double trellis panels provide a more solid structure.

How long do wooden trellis panels last?

Pressure-treated wooden trellis panels can last for many years when properly installed and maintained. The lifespan depends on a number of factors including the quality of the timber, the depth of treatment, the conditions in the garden, and how well the panels are fixed and maintained. As a guide, quality pressure-treated trellis can be expected to last 10 – 15 years or more with reasonable care. All Walford Timber trellis panels are manufactured from quality pressure-treated timber to maximise service life.

Trellis Panel Ideas — Four Ways to Transform Your Garden

1. Trellis panels as fence toppers

One of the most popular uses for trellis panels is to add height to an existing boundary fence without creating a solid, oppressive barrier. By fixing a 6ft x 1ft or 6ft x 2ft trellis panel along the top of a standard closeboard or lap panel fence, you gain extra height and privacy while keeping the garden feeling open and light.

This approach is particularly effective when combined with climbing plants — within a couple of seasons, a trellis topper covered in honeysuckle or roses creates a natural, fragrant boundary that enhances both your privacy and your garden’s visual appeal.

2. Trellis as a garden privacy screen

For patios, seating areas, and outdoor dining spaces, a trellis screen provides a beautiful and practical way to create a sense of enclosure and privacy without the harshness of a solid fence panel. Our Double Trellis panels — designed with a closer batten spacing — are an excellent choice for screening, offering greater privacy while retaining the attractive lattice character.

Fix a run of Double Trellis panels between timber posts and plant a mix of fast-growing climbers such as clematis and jasmine for a screen that looks stunning from the first day and improves with every growing season.

3. Wall trellis for climbing plants

A fan trellis or square trellis panel fixed against a sunny house wall creates an ideal growing surface for a wide range of climbing plants and trained fruit trees. The gap between trellis and wall (created by fixing battens first) allows air to circulate and stems to weave through from behind, producing a full, even coverage across the surface.

This approach is particularly well-suited to south-facing or west-facing walls, which provide the warmth that climbing roses, wisteria, and jasmine thrive in.

4. Trellis as a garden divider

Larger trellis panels fixed between posts make elegant internal garden dividers, allowing you to create distinct zones within your outdoor space — separating a vegetable patch from a flower garden, for example, or defining a children’s play area from an adult seating space.

Unlike a solid fence panel, a trellis divider allows light and air to pass through, preventing one side from casting too much shade on the other, and creating a visually interesting boundary rather than a stark solid wall.