How to build a trellis next to a fence?

[Matkai]

I want to build a trellis next to our boundary fence as part of our vegetable garden, to be used, not only to support climbing crops but to also block ugly old cracked boundary fence.

Was planning on using H3 treated pine and galvanised mesh.  The size I need is:

Length 3.8 m
Height  2.0 m (mesh to top 1/2 to 2/3 only)

I want to use stirrups to hold up posts rather than cementing post into ground if possible, assuming I will need 3 uprights.

I have noticed that Bunnings does not sell 4 x 4 posts (at least not here in WA) - so after advice on what sizes my framing and posts would need to be to make it structurally sound.

I hope my question makes sense, newbie DIYer

I have attached some images to provide an idea of what I am going for, but with replacing the wooden lattice with galvanised mesh - also open to considering other suggestions or recommendations.. Thank You

[EricL]

Hello @Matkai 

Thanks for sharing your question about building a trellis fence. I suggest having a quick look at this Featured discussion - Hardwood and mesh trellis with planter boxes by @DIY4Knuckleheds. It's an excellent example of how you can build a trellis using steel mesh. You'll notice that they used multiple timbers and sandwiched them together with cutouts so that it would fit into the stirrup. The most common stirrup size available at the store is 90mm and there are 90x90 timber posts that will work with them.

But as I have mentioned, you can get creative by combining 90x45 pieces so that the framework will not be so heavy. You can place a short piece of 90x45 with a long piece so that it sits in 90mm stirrup properly.

Let me call on our experienced members @DIY4Knuckleheds and @Remarka6le for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

G'day Matkai.....l think it all depends on the look you're after and l do agree with setting the posts into post stirrups rather than putting the post in the ground. However, If you do decide to put a post in the ground I'd go for an ironbark post and coat the piece that goes into the ground with bitumen paint to help preserve the part of the post that is in the ground. Iron bark is good for at least 25 years in the ground and 45 years above the ground which is pretty impressive. I built my front fence from iron bark and it looks fantastic! 

I'll attach a photo of the fence so you can see what l mean.

If you go for the stirrup method, consider a High Wind Rated Stirrup especially if the trellis fence is free standing......something like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/pryda-post-anchor-high-wind-450-x-90mm-m12_p1120037

Good luck 👍

Cheers,

Shane