Shop Horizontal Slatted Trellis for Modern, Light‑Filled Screening
Want privacy that still feels open, contemporary and green? Horizontal slatted trellis delivers a sleek, design‑led look that filters views, lets breezes flow and gives climbers a beautifully disciplined framework. At East Coast Fencing our pressure‑treated trellis is built for British weather, with straight, consistent slats and sturdy frames that resist racking and keep shadow lines tight. Use it to lift a solid boundary, divide garden rooms, or finish a dining terrace with a calm, architectural backdrop—then check out with free delivery on orders £99+.
Why slatted trellis works so well outdoors
Horizontal lines create visual width and a sense of calm, especially near patios and large windows. The repeating slats manage privacy without heaviness—closing off sightlines at seated eye level while admitting light from above. Because the pattern includes countless fixing points, climbers—star jasmine, clematis, even espaliered fruit—thread easily and distribute weight across the frame so the structure stays neat beneath the greenery.
Heights, widths and aperture choices
Panels are made for \~1.83m centres, so planning is straightforward. Choose low toppers to soften solid fencing or full‑height screens to carve out garden rooms. Aperture (the gap between slats) controls both privacy and wind‑bleed: tighter spacing blurs views near hot tubs and kitchen windows; wider gaps feel airier on terraces and along side returns. Sketch seated and standing sightlines from key spots—tuning aperture to use makes the scheme feel tailored rather than generic.
Frame quality and long‑term alignment
Slatted designs demand straightness. Look for robust frames, consistent batten thickness and clean fixings—small deviations are more visible with horizontal geometry. Pressure treatment protects against rot and insect attack; if you cut on site, seal fresh end grain and avoid crushing slats with over‑tightened screws. A capping rail along the top completes the line and sheds water intelligently.
Build as a compatible system
Pair trellis with supports that match your maintenance appetite and style. For a fully timber look that’s easy to adjust, choose treated timber posts; for low‑upkeep straightness, frame between concrete posts. If you’re blending trellis with solid screens, consider single slatted panels or privacy‑leaning double slatted panels lower down, then lift the composition with trellis above. At the base, a neat, protective board—timber or concrete—keeps the lowest timbers out of splashback.
Installation pointers for crisp, quiet lines
Set end and corner posts first, pull a string at the final top height and work to that datum. On sloping sites, decide early whether to step or rake panels; either way, keep the bottom datum consistent so the run looks deliberate. Fix with galvanised or stainless screws, pre‑drill near ends to avoid splitting, and use compatible shims rather than improvised wedges if you need to level within frames. In breezy corridors, slightly wider apertures bleed pressure and reduce drumming compared with solid boards.
Design moves that elevate everyday spaces
Run slatted trellis behind a bench to create a protected micro‑zone; flank a pergola with narrow‑gap sections for shade and scent; or layer planter boxes in front of full‑height screens to turn a boundary into a feature wall. Pair with a complementary entrance from our decorative gates range for a consistent design language through the access point.
Colour and finish options
Leave treatment to mellow for a relaxed coastal vibe; stain brown to ground taller boundaries; or choose deep charcoal/soft black to dramatise shadow and make planting pop. Lighter tones brighten narrow side passages. Treat fresh cuts during installation, keep planters off the face so timber can dry, and refresh breathable finishes as needed.
Care and seasonal checks
Maintenance is light‑touch: check fixings each spring, brush away leaves that trap moisture and avoid aggressive jet‑washing close to joints. If stems thicken around slats, adjust soft ties to prevent chafe and spread weight evenly.
Integrate with the rest of your fencing
Slatted trellis plays nicely with many systems. Use it as a topper above solid fence panels to relieve visual weight, or alternate with aerated designs for windy plots. Tie the top line together with panel capping and keep the base clean with timber gravel boards if you want a fully wooden look.
Order today—build a calmer boundary tomorrow
Choose sizes and aperture to match privacy needs, pair with posts and base protection that suit the site, and install to a clear datum. Horizontal slatted trellis brings modern calm, dappled light and plant‑friendly structure to British gardens—add your panels to basket now and enjoy the convenience of free delivery on orders £99+.