How Much Does Building a Trellis Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the nationwide average cost to build a trellis is $1,200. Most homeowners pay  $400 to $2,400, with material choice, size, and shape complexity driving the range. You should also plan for extras like climbing plants, paint or sealant, and arbor upgrades, which can add $300 to $1,000 to your total.

Trellis Cost Breakdown: What Affects the Price?

Building a trellis costs $400 to $2,400 in total, including installation, with size, material, and shape driving the largest share of that range. Materials alone account for roughly 75% of the project cost, running $45 to $260 per linear foot, while installation makes up the remaining 25%.

Material

Trellis materials run $45 to $260 per linear foot and account for about 75% of the total project cost, split between the structural frame and the lattice panel that supports your plants. Metal sits at the lower end of that range, while vinyl and wood land at the higher end. 

For the lattice specifically, low-quality wood like pine costs $2 to $4 per linear foot and resists rot well, while high-quality options like cedar or mahogany run $8 to $20 per linear foot, and vinyl lattice ranges from $12 to $24 per linear foot. 

Here is a breakdown of estimated material costs by type:

Trellis Costs by Material Type

Size

Trellis size is one of the biggest cost drivers, with installation running $60 to $350 per linear foot and averaging around $200 per linear foot. 

See how the dimensions you choose impact the price, as shown in the following table:

Shape

The shape you choose has a direct impact on your trellis cost, with simpler options like cones and fans sitting at the lower end of the price range ($150 to $280) and complex curved or arched designs pushing toward the higher end. 

See how the different shapes affect the cost of building a trellis:

Installation 

Professional installation accounts for roughly 25% of your total trellis project cost. Most handypeople charge $60 to $125 an hour, while a professional landscaper near you typically runs $50 to $150 per hour.

Design

Your design choices have a significant effect on the final cost of your trellis. Intricate shapes like arches or tree patterns demand more materials and skilled labor, while simpler options like cones or fans keep expenses lower. Choosing premium wood or vinyl over basic metal adds to the price but improves the finished look and longevity of the structure.

What Are Other Trellis Cost Factors?

Building a trellis alone isn’t all that can affect the price of your project. You’ll also have to factor in a couple of other tidbits that can pack a surprising punch on your wallet if you’re not prepared:

• Plants: If you don’t already have plants, you’ll want to buy ones to climb up the trellis after the installation. Most climbing plants cost anywhere from $10 to $60 each, so don’t forget to factor them in.

• Painting or sealing: If you used metal or unfinished wood for your project, be sure to regularly maintain it with paint or a sealant to protect it from rotting or rusting. This will add $40 to $100 to your project.

• Upgrades: Some trellises have extra features like stained glass, accent lighting, or a water feature, which can all add hundreds of dollars to your final cost. 

• Adding an arbor: For that whimsical fairy garden, some homeowners want to add a roof to their trellis, which turns it into an arbor. Adding a roof to your trellis adds $300 to $1,000 to your expenses.

• Location: Where you live can impact the cost of a trellis. Labor rates vary by region, with urban areas often being pricier. Material availability and climate factors, like durability needs in harsh weather conditions, also influence total expenses.

Cost to Build a Trellis Yourself: What to Expect

DIYing a trellis can save you 25%, meaning you’ll pay anywhere from $300 to $1,800 to complete your project if you decide to build it yourself. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

Many trellises are easy to build or come prefabricated. If you want a custom trellis, arbor, or added features like lighting, then it might be advantageous to hire a local garden pro to do the job.

5 Ways You Can Save Money While Building a Trellis

For bargain hunters who like the rush of getting a good deal, there are a few ways you can save on the cost of building a trellis. Here are some tips for constructing a budget-friendly trellis:

1. You can save money by choosing metal for your trellis as opposed to high-quality vinyl or wood panels. 

2. If you have materials in your shed or garage, you might be able to get away with building your trellis frame and purchasing remesh wire for the lattice, which only costs $7 per 7-by-3-1/2-foot sheet. 

3. Cone, fan, and V-shaped trellises are also more wallet-friendly because they don’t have an arch or lattice roof. 

4. Depending on the type of support your plants need, if you can opt for a smaller trellis, you’ll save money on the materials.  

5. Hiring a professional installer adds 25% to your project, so if you can put in some elbow grease and do it yourself, you’ll save on labor costs.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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