How to Install Lattice
Installing lattice under a porch or deck on your house is a moderately easy, inexpensive way to greatly improve the appearance your house. All it takes is a few common tools, time and patience and some rudimentary math skills. My job took about ten hours (but I was working alone, so I had to constantly switch between measuring, cutting, installing, etc., so having a second pair of hands will reduce your time by more than half), and the materials cost about $350. The estimates I received from professionals for the job averaged around $1600, so you do the math! Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tools:
- Tape Measure
- Cordless Drill/Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Saw
- Level
- Putty Knife
- Paint Brush
- Supplies:
- Lattice Panels
- 2x4s
- Lattice Trim
- 2X4 Joist Hanger
- L-Shaped Angle Tie
- Screws
- Roofing Nails
- Finishing Nails
- Wood Putty
- Sandpaper
- Primer/Paint
Instructions
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How To Install Lattice Work Yourself
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The best way to install lattice is to construct a frame using 2x4s, and mount the lattice on the frame. Depending on the size of opening to be covered, you may have to divide the frame into smaller panes. The rule is that there should be a support every five feet or less.
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Lattice panels come in two standard sizes - 2’x4’ and 4’x4’. (At least those sold at standard home improvement stores.) By measuring beforehand, you’ll find out exactly how many sheets of lattice are required, how many 2x4s, and how many feet of trim.
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Secure the frame corners with 2X4 joist hangers. This is where your level comes in handy – use it, it’s far more accurate than eyeballing the job. Once the outside has been framed, the size of the opening determines whether additional sections have to be framed. Note that vertical frames look better than horizontal. Space vertical (and horizontal) supports evenly.
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Measure the openings and cut the lattice sheets to size. Because the edges of the lattice will be covered with the trim, it’s OK to have to rough edges. Note – if you’re very particular about things, make sure that every sheet is facing the same way (meaning that the “outside” lattice pieces are all pointing the same direction). Drill holes in the very top of lattice, and secure using galvanized roofing nails. Once it’s in place, repeat the drilling/nailing process around each piece of lattice into the frame.
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Once the lattice is nailed into place, it’s time to install the trim. Start with the bottom, then the top, the sides, and the middle, if applicable. The best bet here is to use finishing nails. There are many options for trim, but stick with standard lattice trim, as any trim that’s sold by the foot will run up the bill. Trim that is 3/8” thick is perfect. Finally, buy some wood putty to fill in the nail holes, any spaces where the trim doesn’t exactly fuse, etc. Sand, prime paint, and enjoy your handy work!
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Tips & Warnings
Don’t worry if adjacent pieces of lattice don’t line up. Unlike wallpaper, nobody is going to notice, and since there is trim between every piece, it’s fine if it doesn’t exactly match.
The bottom 2x4 should be level, and NOT follow the contour of the ground. I did my homework on this situation, and this is the right way to do it. Also, none of the wood (supports and/or lattice) should be touching the ground or be buried in the ground.
The most efficient way is to frame every section first, then install the lattice in every section, and then trim every section.
Eyeball the lattice and trim before buying it, and avoid pieces with large knots, broken parts, damaged or scratched, etc.
Do your homework! By measuring and planning, you can maximize your resources, and not have large pieces leftover.
The bottom of the outside frame should be one piece, but the sides and top that are nailed to the house can be two (or more) shorter pieces. Since they will be covered (and who exactly is going to crawl under the porch?), this is one time where neatness doesn’t count.
As in every project, the ironclad rule is: Measure twice, cut once.
Remember, every house/porch/deck is NOT perfectly level. Don’t panic if your level indicates that things are off by a little bit, this is normal.
Making a door is a lot harder than it looks, so if that’s out of your league, leave that part to a professional. Just build the frame, and let him do the rest.
Make sure you don’t obscure important things (oil fills, propane tanks, outside faucets, etc.). If you plan on having a door, make the opening wider than normal, as you may need the space to store large objects, or accommodate overweight oil deliverymen.
It’s all fun and games until somebody loses an eye, so wear protection!
Resources
- Photo Credit All photos: Chris Capelle
