How to Build Lattice Fencing

Lattice fencing doubles as a trellis.

Lattice fencing is airy and lightweight, lending a feeling of openness while providing separation and semi-privacy. The sections are constructed with thin lath pieces attached to a frame in an overlapping horizontal and vertical or diagonal pattern. Placing the strips close together blocks an unsightly view while allowing the flow of air and light. Leaving the pieces farther apart will preserve a welcomed view, but maintain the boundary. Due to its light weight, you can build lattice fencing as tall as 8 feet without the need for heavy supports. With a design similar to a trellis, this fence provides excellent support for flowering vines, which soften the fence's hard edges and brings color to your yard.

Things You'll Need

• 1 ½-inch-wide lath strips
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Galvanized nails
• Hammer
• Combination square
• Chop saw or handsaw

Instructions

Preparation

1. Measure and plot out the layout for your fence and the location for each fence post.

2. Install 2-by-4 fence posts at least 2 feet deep and below the frost-line. Space the posts 4 feet apart with a narrow side facing forward.

3. Attach 2-by-4 top rails across the tops of the posts. Butt 2-by-4 bottom rails between the posts, 6 inches above the ground.

Construction

1. Measure the distance from the top of the upper rail down to the bottom of a lower rail and cut a piece of lath equal to this length, using your saw.

2. Position the strip vertically over the front edge of the first post. Attach the piece with a nail in the top and bottom, using the hammer and galvanized nails.

3. Measure and mark 6 ½ inches over from the edge of the strip onto the upper and bottom rail, using the combination square and pencil.

4. Cut another piece of lath equal to the length obtained in Step 1 and align it with the marks on the rails. Attach the piece with a nail in the top and bottom. Continue this process along the entire length of the fence, maintaining 6 ½-inch spacing between the vertical laths.

5. Attach a length of lath strip across the bottom of the fence, overlapping the vertical lath and the bottom rail. Secure it with a nail in each end of the strip. End each horizontal lath strip midway on a vertical post and butt the next piece tightly against it.

6. Measure 6 ½ inches up from the top edge of the horizontal strip and mark the location on the vertical lath strips, using the combination square and pencil.

7. Align another piece of lath with the marks and attach it with a galvanized nail in each end. Maintain the 6 ½-inch spacing between the horizontal strips. Continue this process over the remainder of the fence, ending with horizontal lath strips covering the front edge of the entire length of top rail.

8. Attach a lath strip to the front edge of each vertical post, covering the seam where the horizontal strips join. Secure the strips with a galvanized nail in each end.

Tips & Warnings

• For quicker installation, use a purchased 4-by-8 foot lattice panel from your local home improvement store. Adjust the height of the 2-by-4 posts to match that of the panels.

• Opt for pressure-treated or naturally decay-resistant wood to extend the life of your fence. If you choose pine or a similar material, protect the pieces with a coat of paint or stain before you assemble the fence.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Fence With Lattice
• "Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse Complete Landscaping"; Lowe's (Firm), Sunset; 2002