Dura-Trel Melrose Trellis

Ok - it arrived today and I laid it all out and read the reviews about assembly. I followed the review that said to assemble the top and side pieces first, but dont push it in too much. From the top I put in the horizontal slats into each side but just enough to get it in otherwise you wont be able to get the next slat in. Then I needed my husband’s help to hold it up since the outcrop on the top made it hard to pound the slats in more. We then pushed the vertical slats through and pounded them in from the bottom so they were even. We then put in the bottom slat in to the sides and vertical slats at the same time. The bottom cross piece was made not as tight as the others so you can get it in pretty easy. Note on the 2 side pieces make sure the screw holes are both on the same side - I messed that up but it was no big deal. Looks GREAT and a good size rather than the normal 24” ones. All in all it took about 40 minutes I guess. You definitely need a mallet to get the slats in firmly- the fit is very tight, but that is good even though it makes it a bit harder. I guess you could do it with one person, but it was easier to have someone hold the trellis up when you are persuading the slats in. The arched piece causes this, but it looks so much better than the straight across tops. Not sure what purpose the plastic ground pieces served- just extended the length for anchoring in the ground I guess. I attached them anyway. We are going to anchor it to the wall for security. I don't think it would stay up free standing- too heavy for the 8-12” of legs going into the ground. Also reviews are correct about the screw holes not lining up - I just used an electric drill and made my own holes. But that may have been since I got the screw holes on different sides when assembling. My bad - I recommend this product - it is sturdy and good looking- time will tell.

Good quality product. Easy to put together. Arrived quickly.

Look awesome.

Excellent quality item. It a is sturdy, easy to assemble, and very good looking garden accessory.

Bought this 8 yrs ago and put it in the ground. Dug holes and filled with rocks , then soil, and plumbed it upright. It still looks beautiful behind my 6' tall Casa Blanca lilies. I heartily recommend.