Steel trellis structures
Fabricated steel frames for commercial and architectural applications where the project calls for steel proportions and connections.
Metal Trellis Structures
Custom metal trellises for patios, courtyards, and entrances.
Universal Awning fabricates steel and aluminum trellis structures for commercial and residential outdoor areas. These open overhead frames provide partial shade, define a space, and can be coordinated with separate fabric or panel coverage when the project requires more protection.
Open-lattice metal trellisPermanent metal frame providing partial patio shade
MaterialsFabricated steel or aluminum selected for the structure and finish
LayoutsWall-mounted, post-supported, freestanding, and repeated trellis bays
CoverageOpen members alone or a frame coordinated with separate shade panels
Planning the system
A metal trellis provides structure and partial shade without a solid roof
A trellis uses spaced overhead members to shape the light and create a clear edge to an outdoor area. It can project from a facade, connect to posts over a patio, or stand independently in a courtyard or landscape.
We plan the member direction, spacing, span, supports, finish, and relationship to the building around the intended use. A restaurant patio may prioritize seating and shade hours, while an office entrance may focus on facade rhythm and the view from the approach.
Frame an outdoor roomGive a patio, terrace, or courtyard a permanent boundary without closing it with a solid roof.
Create patterned shadeUse the direction and spacing of overhead members to control the character of the light.
Extend the architectureCarry building lines, colors, and structural proportions into the outdoor area.
Support added coveragePlan the frame for compatible fabric or panel systems when partial shade is not enough.
Available configurations
Steel, aluminum, attached, and freestanding trellises
The right structure depends on span, weight, exposure, finish, building attachment, foundation conditions, and the amount of shade required.
Explore all shade systemsAluminum trellis structures
A lighter, corrosion-resistant option for patios, hospitality spaces, and outdoor areas with a powder-coated finish.
Wall-attached trellises
Project outward from a facade over windows, doors, walkways, and smaller patios with supports as required.
Freestanding trellises
Create a separate shaded framework over courtyards, seating, pool areas, gardens, or open commercial space.
Project planning
Member spacing changes the shade and the appearance
An open trellis is not the same as a solid canopy. Orientation, member depth, spacing, and height determine the shadow pattern, while the frame proportions and finish determine how the structure relates to the building.
Sun orientationReview the direction of exposure and the hours when the outdoor area is occupied.
Member layoutSet beam direction, spacing, depth, and overhang around the shade and visual goals.
StructureCoordinate spans, posts, foundations, wall connections, deflection, and existing conditions.
Finish and transitionsConfirm coating, color, end conditions, connections, and interfaces with the building.
Common applications
Metal trellis applications
Metal trellises are appropriate where the property wants a permanent architectural frame and partial overhead shade rather than a fully covered canopy.
Restaurants and hospitality
Dining patios, waiting areas, pool decks, terraces, and outdoor lounges.
Restaurant projectsOffices and commercial buildings
Courtyards, employee patios, entries, walkways, and tenant amenity areas.
Commercial building projectsHotels and multifamily properties
Guest or resident outdoor areas, pools, rooftops, and shared terraces.
Hotel projectsResidential outdoor areas
Patios, gardens, pool areas, outdoor kitchens, and entries.
Residential projectsSelected work
Custom metal trellis details
These installations show two open overhead patterns and how the member spacing changes the shade below.
Project process
Developing a custom metal trellis
The shade pattern, structure, connections, finish, and field access are coordinated before fabrication.
Review the area and exposure
Document the footprint, use, sun direction, building, clearances, ground conditions, and available support points.
Set the trellis geometry
Develop the spans, supports, member direction, spacing, height, projection, and finish.
Resolve drawings and connections
Coordinate structural information, building attachment, foundations, material samples, and installation access.
Fabricate and install
Build the approved metalwork and coordinate transport, staging, assembly, and field alignment.
Metal Trellis Structures questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a metal trellis?
A metal trellis is an open overhead frame made from steel or aluminum members. It provides partial shade and architectural definition over a patio, entrance, courtyard, walkway, or outdoor area.
How is a metal trellis different from a metal canopy?
A trellis uses spaced overhead members and is generally open to the sky. A canopy has a continuous roof or covering intended to provide more complete overhead protection.
Can a metal trellis be freestanding?
Yes. It may be freestanding, wall attached, or use a combination of building attachment and columns depending on the site.
Can fabric be added to a metal trellis?
Yes, when the trellis and added system are planned together. Fixed panels, slide-on-wire fabric, or another compatible cover may be considered where more shade is needed.
Is steel or aluminum better for a trellis?
The answer depends on span, weight, connection design, exposure, finish, maintenance, and the architectural requirements. We review those conditions before recommending a material.
What should I provide for a metal trellis estimate?
Send the property address, photographs, approximate footprint and height, intended use, desired shade, plans if available, and any finish or schedule requirements.
Discuss a custom metal trellis
Share photographs, approximate dimensions, how the area will be used, and the amount of shade you want. We will review the structure, member layout, supports, and finish options.