Guide to Installing Lattice
An inexpensive way to add a visual impact to your home is to install lattice work to your porch or deck. Lattice attached to a home will also serve as a barrier from animals going under your home and causing damage to walls, wiring, or plumbing.
Installing lattice around a porch or deck is an easy project for any DIYer. However, the time to install it can be cut down drastically when you have another set of hands to help. There is a lot of tedious measuring, marking, cutting, and installing involved that two people could accomplish much faster.
Step 1 - Build Frame
The easiest way to install lattice panels is to build a frame for the lattice to be attached to. This frame acts as a guide for your measurements so that you always have a straight edge to measure against. When a frame is not used, you will be trying to work with the contour of the ground. This is a mistake and should be avoided.
Step 2 - Take Measurements for Lattice
After the frames are built for the lattice work to be installed on, you can take the actual measurements for the lattice. Lattice comes in two size sheets: two feet by four feet and four feet by four feet. Measure the lattice from the outer edges of the vertical boards and the inside edges of the horizontal boards. When you go to install the lattice work, you will see that this will give it a nice finish look.
Step 3 - Cut Lattice
There are several different ways to cut lattice. The most efficient way is to cut the lattice with a circular saw.
Set a piece of plywood either on a stable surface or on sawhorses. You are going to cut into this too, so it will be wise to use an old piece or a few pieces of scrap put together. Set the lattice work on top of the plywood. Adjust the blade so that the blade will be 1/4 inch below the lattice.
Having the plywood to cut into will keep the lattice from "chattering." Because lattice is built from sections of small lathes in a criss-cross section, it will bounce when it is cut if not on a stable surface. Mark the measurements on the lattice with a chalk line, and then carefully cut it to the desired dimensions.
Step 4 - Attach with Staples
Wood staples are the best way to attach lattice to the frame previously built. There is less chance of splitting and it will secure it with two different points.
Step 5 - Install Trim
To give your latticework a clean, finished look you will need to attach trim pieces around the frame. Attach directly on top of the lattice. Start with the bottom trim, then the top and finish with the sides. Cutting a 45-degree angle on each side will add a better finish than regular butt joining.
