Quick Answer

Wooden trellis panels are open-lattice timber panels used to add height to a fence, create a decorative screen, or give climbing plants something to grow up. They come in several styles — square, diamond, and concave or convex-topped versions — built from timber battens fixed in a criss-cross or diamond pattern. Trellis can be fitted on top of an existing fence panel for extra height and privacy, or used as a standalone garden feature or plant support.

Trellis styles at a glance

Style	Pattern	Top edge	Batten size
Standard square	Square lattice	Flat	18 x 38mm
Diamond	Diagonal lattice	Flat	18 x 38mm
Standard square concave	Square lattice	Curved inward (concave)	18 x 38mm
Diamond convex	Diagonal lattice	Curved outward (convex)	18 x 38mm
Double concave	Square or diamond lattice	Curved inward, tighter lattice	19 x 25mm
Double convex	Square or diamond lattice	Curved outward, tighter lattice	19 x 25mm

The double concave and convex styles use a thinner batten to achieve a tighter lattice spacing than the standard ranges, giving a more delicate finish. All styles are made to order in our own workshop.

Why does the ​‘shoulder height’ matter when measuring

This is a detail that catches a lot of buyers out: the height you order for a curved (concave or convex) trellis panel is measured to the shoulder — the straight part of the panel — not to the highest or lowest point of the curve. On our convex styles, the curve’s peak sits roughly 150mm above the shoulder height. On concave styles, the curve dips roughly 150mm below it.

This matters most if you’re working to a fixed height limit — for example, staying under the 2m boundary height that generally avoids needing planning permission in the UK. If you order a 300mm-high convex trellis to sit on top of an existing fence, budget for the finished height at that point to reach closer to 450mm at the curve’s peak, not 300mm.

Fixing a trellis to a fence or using it freestanding

Trellis panels are commonly fixed to the top of an existing fence panel to add extra height and privacy without the heavier, more solid look of a taller closeboard or lap panel. They can also be fitted between posts as a standalone decorative screen, or used to define a separate area of the garden — for example screening off a bin store or compost area while still allowing light through. See our full wooden trellis panels range for the complete style selection, or browse our fence panels if you’re pairing trellis with a new run of fencing rather than adding it to an existing boundary.

Best plants for a wooden trellis panel

A trellis really comes into its own once climbing plants have had a chance to establish. A few that suit UK gardens particularly well:

• Climbing and rambling roses — varieties such as Climbing Iceberg, New Dawn, Compassion and Zéphirine Drouhin all perform well on trellis. Roses do best on an open-lattice style (our standard square or diamond patterns) rather than a tight double concave/convex, since the wider gaps improve air circulation and help reduce mildew.

• Clematis — a reliable, vigorous climber that grips trellis battens easily with its twining leaf stalks.

• Jasmine — particularly the summer-flowering varieties, valued as much for scent as for coverage.

If you’re training climbing roses, tying new stems in horizontally where possible (rather than letting them grow straight up) tends to encourage more flowering side-shoots and gives a fuller, more even covering over time.

Quality and guarantee

Our trellis panels are made to order in our Walford, Herefordshire workshop, with a typical lead time of around 14 days (longer during busy periods — we’ll confirm your delivery date once your order is placed). All styles come with a 10-year product guarantee, are available pressure-treated in green or brown, and are designed and manufactured in-house rather than bought in from a third party.

FAQs

What’s the difference between square and diamond trellis?

Square trellis has battens fixed in a straightforward horizontal-and-vertical lattice. Diamond trellis uses the same style of construction but set at a 45-degree angle, giving a diagonal criss-cross pattern instead.

Is trellis height measured to the top of the curve?

No — on concave and convex styles, the height you order is measured to the shoulder (the straight section), not the highest or lowest point of the curve. The curve typically adds or removes around 150mm relative to the shoulder height.

Can I fit trellis on top of an existing fence?

Yes, this is one of the most common uses for trellis panels — adding extra height and a degree of privacy to an existing boundary without the heavier look of a taller solid panel.

What’s the best trellis style for growing roses?

An open-lattice style, such as our standard square or diamond trellis, works best for roses. The wider gaps allow better air circulation around the foliage, which helps reduce the risk of mildew.

How long does it take to get a trellis panel made?

Our trellis panels are made to order, with a typical lead time of around 14 days. This can be longer during busy periods, but we’ll confirm your delivery date once your order is placed.

Related guides

• Wooden trellis panels (full range)

• Standard square trellis

• Diamond trellis

• Standard square concave trellis

• Diamond convex trellis

• Double concave trellis

• Double convex trellis

• Fence panels (full range)