The Once-Popular Trellis Trend That Should Be Left Behind In 2026

Wooden trellises have a beautiful and natural element to them, which looks elegant in a garden. However, despite their classic looks, this popular trend might not be one to carry with you to 2026. These trellises are a great option initially, as they are generally easy to DIY and do their job efficiently. The nice appearance also helps them to serve multiple purposes, such as hiding unsightly areas of your backyard with a DIY wooden trellis screen that your plants can also climb for support. However, they do have some downsides. For one, unless you are getting high-quality wood, you are unlikely to have the most durable design, which takes away some of the cost efficiency. This might be fine for some plants, but dense vines may need a sturdier and more reliable support.

The other problem with wooden trellises is that they don't last long. Even if you invest in something beautiful you are sure will charm you over the winter, the beauty soon fades. The issue is that they rot, warp, or crack, and they're susceptible to insect damage. You may have to sand and stain them yearly to maintain the design and integrity of the wood. Even with regular care, you might only get five to 10 years before you need to replace it. While the temporary beauty can be fun, it's also tiring. Thankfully, metal trellises could be a more dependable and still gorgeous option. 

Metal trellises are a great option, as they are still relatively affordable and much more durable than wood overall. A good metal trellis can decorate your garden for up to 50 years, depending on the climate and the care. They also tend to be able to support more weight. This means that some of your heavier climbing plants, like hydrangeas, roses, trumpet vine, and wisteria, will have more support. Additionally, though pre-built metal trellises may be expensive, there are also options to build your own affordable DIY trellis for your climbing plants, which will save you a lot of money and still give you the benefits of a metal trellis.

Another perk is the maintenance. While you are looking at regular staining, sealing, and potentially painting with wood, metal doesn't need the same care. You can add products or get treated materials to help it stay resistant to rust, or you could allow it to naturally gain the beautiful red color. If you don't need the sturdiness of a large metal structure but are looking for something simple that isn't the usual wood, there are also several types of DIY trellises for your vegetable garden or the rest of your yard. Many of these involve something relatively cheap, like a cattle panel, or items you might already have around the home, such as string. Though they are not as durable as metal, they are generally easier to set up and much cheaper than even a wood trellis.