Homeowners can expect to pay between $60 and $350 per linear foot for trellis installation, with the average trellis project costing around $170 per linear foot.
A trellis is a framework of thin, interwoven pieces of wood or other materials used to support climbing plants. The cost of trellis installation depends on the size and materials used.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Trellis Installation Costs in 2023
| National Average Cost | $170 per linear foot |
| Typical Price Range | $60 – $350 per linear foot |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $150 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $3,500 |
The typical price range for a trellis is between $60 and $350 per linear foot. The national average for trellis installation is $170. For a small stainless steel trellis, homeowners can expect to pay closer to the low-end cost of $150. For a sizeable wooden trellis archway, homeowners might pay as much as $3,500.
Trellis Cost Estimator by Size
Project size is the most crucial factor when purchasing a trellis. The typical price of a trellis is between $60 and $350 per linear foot.
We used the following examples of small, medium, and large trellis projects to approximate the cost of a new trellis or trellis system by size. We multiplied the project sizes by the national average for trellis installation, which is $170.
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 4 feet | $680 |
| 6 feet | $1,020 |
| 10 feet | $1,700 |
Other Factors that Affect Cost
Other than size, several factors will impact the price of your new trellis, including:
Materials
The materials used significantly impact the cost per linear foot of a trellis. A stainless steel trellis, for example, costs an average of $50 per linear foot, while a vinyl trellis is $115 per linear foot. Wood trellises are the most expensive to add to your outdoor space at around $135 per linear foot.
Below we’ve listed the average cost per linear foot of common trellis materials.
| Material | Average Cost Per Linear Foot |
| Stainless Steel | $50 |
| Iron | $60 |
| Metal | $70 |
| Plastic | $70 |
| Composite | $75 |
| PVC | $95 |
| Vinyl | $115 |
| Wood | $135 |
Shape
In addition to materials, there are several different shapes for a trellis that can influence the cost. A simple, cone-shaped trellis will cost homeowners around $175. For a more elegant shape, such as an arch trellis, homeowners can expect to spend as much as $825. Below we’ve listed various trellis ideas and their cost.
| Shape | Average Cost |
| Cone | $175 |
| Fan | $225 |
| V | $230 |
| Triangular | $290 |
| Diamond | $370 |
| Heart | $425 |
| Tree | $460 |
| T | $585 |
| Leaf | $600 |
| Oval | $725 |
| Arch | $825 |
Plants
If you don’t yet have climbing plants to adorn your trellis with, you will want to purchase some. Climbing plants will weave their way up your new trellis, creating a beautiful artistic addition to your lawn or garden. Common trellis plants such as honeysuckle, climbing roses, morning glories, blue moon wisteria, or cucumbers will cost homeowners anywhere from $10 to $60 per plant.
Painting and Sealing
Depending on your chosen material, you may also wish to add paint or sealant to your trellis to add aesthetic appeal. Sealing your wood trellis will protect the wood from rotting. Painting your metal trellis will prevent the metal from rusting. You can expect to pay an additional $40 to $100 on top of the total cost of your project to add painting or sealing.
Related Services
If a landscaping pro is helping you design and install the trellis of your dreams, there are a few additional services you may want to consider to help transform your lawn.
Fencing
Installing a new fence can add privacy and aesthetic appeal to your lawn. On average, a new fence will cost homeowners between $1,330 and $5,550. Like trellises, fences can be made from a variety of materials. Wood fencing costs homeowners $3,222 on average, while aluminum fencing costs approximately $4,932.
Walkways
Adding a walkway to your lawn can add curb appeal to your property as well as make it more accessible. A winding walkway made of pea gravel or stepping stones can elevate the natural beauty of your garden. A simple pea gravel walkway typically costs around $46, while a stepping stone kit will cost $50.
Raised Garden Beds
Building raised garden beds pairs well with installing a trellis. In addition to your climbing plants, you may wish to grow less adventurous flowers or vegetables. Raised garden beds typically cost between $104.18 and $210.46. Installing raised garden beds can help protect your plants from wildlife and improve drainage.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
You can have a landscaping pro design a custom trellis for your garden greenery or buy a prefabricated one from a home improvement store. Depending on size, materials, and shape, most retailers sell trellises for anywhere from $40 to $400. If you’re more interested in DIY projects, it’s relatively easy and cost-effective to build a simple trellis yourself.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Wire mesh sheet | $15 |
| Two 8-foot tall stakes | $20 |
| Zip ties | $5 |
| Bolt cutters | $15 |
| Total DIY Cost | $55 |
Having a professional install your new trellis is inexpensive, but it still costs $150 for a low-end build. The labor cost will be about 25% of your purchase, averaging around $115. Purchasing a trellis from a home improvement store can be slightly cheaper, as low as $40, depending on its size, materials, and shape.
Turning your new trellis into a DIY project is much cheaper than having a professional do it at only $55. You can spend even less on your DIY trellis if you have some of the materials on hand or if you repurpose household items. A trellis made from old garden tools can be a fun and unique backyard project.
However, if you want a specific shape or wish to use special materials, a professional may be worth the added cost for style and quality.
Cost of a Trellis by Location
While a new trellis will cost roughly the same no matter where you are, you may find that the cost of a trellis will change depending on where it’s located in your yard. A small free-standing garden trellis may cost only $215, while a trellis over your garage can cost $325.
You can also install trellis fencing, which will cost anywhere from $485 to $2,650. Trellis fencing doesn’t offer much privacy, but it can be good in windy areas because the open spaces allow wind to pass through.
FAQ
What trellis works best for you depends primarily on your aesthetic preferences. Arches and triangular trellises are the most sturdy in terms of shape. A metal trellis or a thick sealed wood trellis will be the most durable.
While a cheaply made trellis may last only 3 or 4 years, a trellis made from bamboo can last up to 10 years. Trellises from heartier woods like black locust or white cedar can last up to 50 years.
To keep your climbing plants from climbing onto your house, place your trellis at least 1 to 2 feet away from the nearest wall. This also gives you enough room to prune and maintain the plants.
Final Thoughts
A trellis is a great way to add plant support to your vegetable garden or other outdoor space. If you want to incorporate climbing plants into your garden, a trellis is an aesthetically pleasing way to do so. There are several different options for building a trellis in terms of shape and materials, so you can customize your new trellis based on your design preferences and budget.
It is simple and affordable to build a trellis yourself. However, you can also find trellises for sale at home improvement stores. If you have a large or unique build in mind, it may be best to hire a professional. Call a local landscaping pro to ask how a trellis can bring beauty and functionality to your backyard.
Main Photo by: Virginia State Parks staff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
