Trellis Fence Panel Styles
Trellis fence panels are a timeless addition to any garden, offering not only style but also practical benefits like supporting climbing plants, adding privacy, and dividing spaces with elegance. With so many styles available, it is important to understand the options to help you choose the best design for your outdoor space. Here, we explore some popular styles such as Diamond, Lattice, Tartan, and Square Trellis, and explain why quality, framing, and fixings are just as important as the design itself.
Popular Styles of Trellis Panels
Diamond Trellis
Diamond trellis panels feature a distinctive criss-cross pattern, forming diamond shapes across the panel. This style is perfect for those looking for a traditional and decorative look. The open design is ideal for climbing plants such as roses, clematis, or honeysuckle, allowing them to weave naturally through the gaps. Diamond trellis can also soften the lines of a garden while still maintaining an airy, open feel.
Diamond trellis is also available in tighter lattice versions, where the diamond gaps are smaller and closer together. This offers a slightly different look and provides more screening, making it suitable for areas where a little more privacy is desired.
Lattice Trellis
Lattice trellis panels are similar to diamond styles but tend to feature slightly tighter, smaller gaps throughout. They provide more privacy than open diamond trellis and are often used around patios, seating areas, or as decorative tops to solid fence panels. A lattice trellis looks particularly charming when used to create a leafy backdrop or when mounted atop walls.
Square Trellis
Square trellis panels are the most popular style of trellis and are neatly structured with straight horizontal and vertical battens forming uniform square openings. This clean, geometric style suits modern gardens and is perfect for creating partitions, defining spaces, or forming a sturdy framework for plants. The square openings offer a balanced combination of visibility and privacy.
Tartan Trellis
Tartan trellis is not as popular as the above but is a stylish, eye-catching option, featuring a combination of horizontal and vertical battens set at varying widths to mimic the criss-cross pattern of tartan fabric. This creates a strong visual impact and offers a more contemporary feel compared to traditional trellis styles. Tartan trellis is great for those who want to make a bold statement in their garden design.
Why Trellis Panel Quality Matters: Framing, Fixings, and Guarantees
While the style of trellis fence panels is important, so too is the quality of the materials and construction. A well-made trellis should have a robust frame to ensure it remains strong and stable over time. A framed trellis panel not only looks more finished and substantial but also withstands the pressures of wind, weather, and the weight of climbing plants far better than an unframed one.
Fixings are another critical detail. Opting for stainless steel fixings is essential because they will not rust or corrode, ensuring your panels remain securely in place and looking good for many years. Poor-quality fixings can fail quickly, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
If a trellis is well made, framed, and uses high-quality stainless steel fixings, it can be installed in a variety of different ways. Strong trellis panels can be face-fixed directly to walls, added to existing structures, or even installed as standalone fencing when combined with slotted fence posts. This flexibility makes trellis panels a highly versatile choice for garden design.
When trellis panels are installed between posts to create a fence, there is no reason post caps or capping rails cannot also be used to add a decorative and finished touch. These small details can really enhance the overall look of the installation and provide additional protection to the tops of posts.
It is also important to note that when trellis panels are used in a fencing setup, most manufacturers recommend that panels should not be in direct contact with the ground. Gravel boards should be used underneath to raise the panels slightly and protect them from moisture damage, prolonging the life of the fence.
Finally, when investing in a trellis panel, look for products that come with a long guarantee, such as 25 years. A lengthy guarantee is a sign of confidence in the quality of the materials and workmanship. It gives you peace of mind that your investment will stand the test of time, even in the unpredictable British weather.
Additional Trellis Panel Design Options: Concave and Convex Tops
Some manufacturers also offer trellis panels with concave and convex tops, where the top of the panel curves either downwards (concave) or upwards (convex). These designs were once very popular for adding a more decorative finish to fencing runs or garden features. However, they are less common today as they are often considered a little old fashioned compared to the clean, straight lines that are now preferred in more modern garden designs.
Trellis Fence Panels in Summary
Whether you prefer the traditional charm of a diamond trellis, the classic appeal of lattice, the boldness of tartan, or the clean lines of square trellis, there is a style to suit every garden. Just remember, the beauty of your trellis should be matched by its durability. Choose panels with strong framing, stainless steel fixings, and long guarantees to ensure your garden looks fantastic for many years to come.
