Every garden needs a touch of creativity, and a recycled trellis does exactly that. It helps climbing plants grow stronger, keeps your space neat, and adds charm you can’t buy from a store.
You’ll be amazed by how many forgotten items around the house can become stunning plant supports. Old ladders, window frames, or even bicycle wheels can turn into artful trellises that tell a story.
With just a few tools and a weekend afternoon, you can craft something beautiful and practical. Get ready to explore 15 clever recycled trellis ideas that will make your garden both greener and more inspiring.
#1 Branch Garden Trellis
Give your climbing plants a natural stage to shine with this rustic branch trellis. Using fallen branches or pruned limbs, you can craft a sturdy and eco-friendly support that blends beautifully into any garden.
Arrange the thicker pieces as the frame and tie thinner twigs horizontally with twine for a ladder-like design. Once it’s secured in the soil, your vines will quickly find their way upward.
You can even coat the branches with a clear sealant to make them last through the seasons. This trellis feels organic, charming, and perfect for gardens that celebrate nature’s imperfect beauty.
#2 Old Wagon Wheel
An old wagon wheel can become a striking trellis that turns your climbing roses or vines into living art. The spokes provide perfect gaps for tendrils to twine through while the circular frame adds a rustic touch to any outdoor corner.
Simply anchor the wheel upright against a wall or fence and secure it with stakes for stability. As the plants grow, gently weave them through the metal spokes for a natural, spiraling pattern.
You can leave the metal weathered for a vintage charm or paint it for a brighter accent. This idea is both nostalgic and practical, effortlessly merging history with nature’s beauty.
#3 Ladder Trellis
An old wooden ladder can instantly transform into a charming trellis that your vines will adore. Its rungs make perfect climbing steps for beans, peas, or morning glories to weave through as they grow skyward.
You can stand it upright against a fence or open it in an A-frame shape for a freestanding garden accent. To secure it, push the legs a few inches into the soil or add stakes for extra support.
The weathered look adds a vintage farmhouse feel that fits beautifully among lush greenery. Over time, as the plants envelop the ladder, it becomes a living sculpture bursting with texture and color.
#4 Old Patio Umbrella Frame
Turn an old patio umbrella frame into a creative trellis that gives your garden a touch of whimsy. Once you remove the fabric, the metal ribs form a ready-made climbing structure perfect for cucumbers, beans, or flowering vines.
Simply anchor the umbrella pole into the ground or a raised bed to keep it stable. As your plants grow, they’ll wrap around the frame, creating a dome of green and blossoms.
This idea adds height and character to even the smallest garden spaces. You’ll love watching it transform into a living sculpture right in your backyard.
#5 Bicycle Wheel Trellis
This clever trellis idea gives an old bicycle wheel a second life in your garden. By attaching two rims together with wire or string, you can create a circular climbing structure that’s both sturdy and eye-catching.
The spokes make natural supports for peas, beans, or other twining plants. To build it, fix the wheel to a central pole or fence post and secure it firmly in the ground.
The vines will soon spiral upward, filling the space with lush green growth and color. It’s a simple project that brings both nostalgia and practicality to your outdoor space.
#6 Baby Crib Trellis
Give an old crib rail a new life by turning it into a beautiful trellis for your climbing plants. The evenly spaced bars are perfect for peas, beans, or flowering vines to weave through.
You can attach the crib rail to wooden posts or secure it against a fence for extra support. A coat of outdoor paint or stain helps protect it from weather damage and adds a stylish touch.
This recycled trellis not only keeps your plants organized but also brings a nostalgic charm to your garden. It’s an easy, budget-friendly project that looks elegant and works beautifully.
#7 Mattress Spring
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with an old mattress, this idea turns it into a stunning vertical trellis. The metal spring frame provides a sturdy base for climbing plants like clematis or morning glories.
Simply mount the frame against a fence or between two wooden posts to keep it upright. As vines grow, they naturally cling to the coiled wires, creating a lush wall of greenery.
You can even paint the springs for a pop of color or a rustic patina look. It’s a clever mix of recycling and garden artistry that adds both texture and charm to your outdoor space.
#8 Iron Headboards Trellis
An old iron headboard can instantly become a striking garden trellis that feels both vintage and romantic. Its ornate metal design provides perfect spaces for vines and flowers to weave through.
To use it, press the headboard firmly into the ground or secure it against a fence for extra support. You can leave it with its weathered patina for a rustic charm or repaint it in a cheerful hue that complements your garden.
Climbing plants like jasmine or sweet peas will soon wrap around it beautifully. This simple upcycle brings a touch of old-world elegance while keeping your garden lush and lively.
#9 Window Frame Garden Trellis
This old window frame trellis gives your garden a storybook charm that feels both nostalgic and creative. The wooden frame, paired with wire mesh, provides sturdy support for climbing plants like sweet peas or morning glories.
To create one, find an old window frame, remove the glass, and staple chicken wire or mesh across the back. Secure it upright near a raised bed or along a garden wall where vines can easily reach it.
As the plants grow, they’ll twist through the grid, forming a living curtain of blooms. This idea transforms forgotten decor into a graceful garden feature full of personality.
#10 Old Garden Gate
Give an unused garden gate a new purpose by transforming it into a rustic trellis full of charm. Its metal or wooden frame already provides the perfect grid for vines to cling to, making it both functional and decorative.
To recreate this, clean and repaint your gate if needed, then secure it against a wall or fence where climbing plants can easily reach.
Fast-growing blooms like black-eyed Susan vine or morning glory will quickly fill the structure with greenery and color. You can also add hooks at the top for hanging small planters or garden ornaments.
#11 Pallet Trellis
A wooden pallet can turn into a sturdy and simple trellis with almost no effort. It’s perfect for supporting lightweight climbers like morning glories or sweet peas, adding a rustic touch to your garden.
Just stand the pallet upright, secure it into the ground with stakes, and let your plants naturally weave through the slats as they grow. You can also paint or stain the wood to match your garden’s color scheme.
This design not only saves money but also keeps plants neat and contained within their space. It’s an easy, eco-friendly upgrade that makes your garden feel both lush and organized.
#12 Farm Tools
Old garden tools like shovels, pitchforks, and rakes can turn into a charming trellis that feels right at home in a rustic yard. Their strong handles provide the perfect framework for climbing plants such as roses or beans.
To make it, simply tie or bolt the tools together upright and secure them in the soil or against a wall for added stability. The worn metal and wood add a nostalgic touch, reminding you of past garden seasons.
You can even wrap twine around the handles for extra grip for your vines. This trellis not only supports plants but also tells a quiet story of your garden’s history.
#13 Chandelier Trellis
A vintage chandelier can become an unexpectedly elegant trellis when placed in a garden pot or flower bed. The curved metal arms give climbing plants like morning glories or sweet peas plenty of room to weave through and twirl upward.
To create this, remove any wiring, clean off rust, and anchor the chandelier securely into the soil or a sturdy container. As the vines grow, they’ll drape gracefully over the arms, softening the metal with green leaves and blooms.
The combination of aged iron and fresh foliage adds romantic charm to any garden corner. It’s a whimsical way to recycle beauty into something living and growing.
#14 Tobacco Sticks and Wood posts
If you love rustic gardening, this trellis made from tobacco sticks and wood posts fits right in. It’s an easy way to give your climbing plants strong vertical support without spending much.
Simply drive the wooden posts firmly into the ground, then tie tobacco sticks across using natural twine or wire to form a ladder-like grid. As vines grow, they’ll weave through the wood, creating a lush green wall.
This setup not only saves space but also adds a countryside charm to your garden. It’s a clever and eco-friendly idea that transforms old sticks into something truly functional.
#15 Screen Door Trellis
An old screen door can easily become a charming vertical trellis with a splash of creativity. Its mesh backing makes the perfect climbing grid for vines and flowering plants, giving them plenty of space to stretch upward.
You can paint the frame in a bright color like red or turquoise to make it a standout garden accent. Simply secure the door against a wall or fence and plant your climbers at its base.
As they grow, they’ll wrap around the mesh beautifully, softening the door’s structure with natural greenery. It’s a nostalgic, practical, and low-cost way to revive a forgotten piece of your home.
