Sofia Martinez
Attaching plastic lattice to a deck can be a simple and inexpensive way to give it a fresh look and create hidden storage space. It can also be used to conceal the space underneath the deck and hide unsightly areas such as floor joists or posts. Before installing a lattice, it is important to ensure that no animals are living underneath the deck. This can be done by encouraging them to leave by letting in light and running a water hose next to the deck. When it comes to attaching the lattice, it is recommended to use stainless steel screws or nails to secure the lattice to the frame. Plastic lattice expands, so it is important to use oversized holes to accommodate this movement. Additionally, the lattice should be free to move and not pierce the material.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the deck and measuring
Before installing plastic lattice under your deck, it is important to prepare the deck and take the necessary measurements. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Preparing the Deck:
First, ensure that there are no animals living under your deck. This is a crucial step as you do not want to trap any animals or cause them harm during the installation process. You can encourage animals to leave by increasing light and running a water hose next to the deck, as they prefer dark, dry areas.
Next, remove any old lattice or existing materials under your deck. Use a flat pry bar to carefully remove the old lattice, being cautious not to damage the deck or support columns. If necessary, cut the lattice into pieces with a reciprocating saw to make removal easier.
Taking Measurements:
Now, it's time to take the necessary measurements for installing the plastic lattice. Measure the inside distance between two of the deck posts. Transfer this measurement to a two-by-four piece of lumber, which will be used as a stringer. The lattice should reach the bottom of the stringer and be 1/2 inch below the deck floorboards.
Additionally, measure the openings between the support columns or posts of the deck. The completed lattice frames should be 1/2 inch narrower than the overall width and 1 inch shorter than the height of these openings. These measurements will be used to create the lattice frames.
By following these steps, you will have prepared your deck and taken the necessary measurements to install plastic lattice effectively. Remember to wear eye and hearing protection when cutting or working with the lattice material.
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Cutting the lattice
When cutting the lattice, always wear eye and hearing protection. If you are cutting plastic lattice, use a circular saw or miter saw with a medium- or fine-toothed blade. A blade with large teeth designed for wood can cause rough edges or breaks in the plastic lattice.
If you are cutting vinyl lattice, use an inexpensive plywood blade run backwards, with more teeth and not carbide. You can also use a circular saw with a 60-tooth blade run backwards.
To cut the lattice into pieces, use a reciprocating saw. You can also use a small carpenter's cat's paw to help pry off small nails. If the lattice is stapled, use a screwdriver with a blade just wide enough to fit onto the staple and gently pry it off.
To cut the four perimeter pieces for the lattice frames, use a circular or jigsaw to cut 1-by-6-inch lumber to a length of 4 1/2 feet or your required measured length. Cut the centre stiles for each frame using 1-by-4-inch lumber.
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Removing old lattice
To remove old lattice from your deck, you will need a few tools and a careful approach to avoid damaging the deck or support columns. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Begin by gathering the necessary tools, including a flat pry bar, a reciprocating saw, a small carpenter's cat's paw, and a screwdriver.
- Inspect the old lattice to determine how it is attached. If it is stapled, proceed to the next step. If it is nailed or screwed in place, use the appropriate tool to remove the fasteners. For nails, use a small carpenter's cat's paw to pry them off. For screws, use a screwdriver to remove them. Be careful not to damage the deck or support columns during this process.
- If the old lattice is stapled, use a screwdriver with a blade just wide enough to fit onto the staple. Gently pry off the staples, being cautious not to damage the underlying surface.
- Once all the fasteners are removed, carefully lift and separate the old lattice from the deck. If it is challenging to remove, use the reciprocating saw to cut the lattice into smaller pieces, making it easier to detach.
- After removing the lattice, inspect the area for any debris or vegetation, and ensure that no animals are living underneath before proceeding with the installation of new lattice.
- As an optional step, if you plan to reuse the old lattice elsewhere, you may need to repair or restore it. This could involve cutting out damaged sections, refinishing the surface, or reinforcing weak areas.
Remember to work carefully and wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, when handling tools and removing the old lattice.
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Attaching the lattice to the frame
Hold the two-by-four as a stringer against the L-angles and drill it into place. The lattice should reach the bottom of the stringer two-by-four and sit 1/2 inch below the deck floorboards. On the side, the lattice should reach the centre of the posts, less 1/4 inch.
When attaching the lattice to the frame, it is important to note that plastic lattice expands, so it needs to float. Use screws with a larger head and a smaller shaft, such as washer head or cabinet screws, to allow for larger holes. Stainless steel is the recommended material. Drill a small pilot hole first, then install the screw. The lattice should be attached to the bottom edge of the frame to secure it to the ground, and the frame itself should be anchored between existing or new posts.
If you are installing the lattice on a concrete foundation, you will need to drill into the foundation with a masonry bit and use masonry screws to secure the wood to the concrete before installing the lattice.
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Using screws, nails, or staples
Attaching plastic lattice to a deck can be done using screws, nails, or staples. This process can be done by beginners and does not require any special tools.
Firstly, measure the inside distance between two of the deck posts. Cut a two-by-four to this length using a circular saw or miter saw. Attach L-angles to the sides of the deck posts with a drill, positioning them 1 1/2 inches back from the front of the posts and as low as possible while ensuring they do not touch the ground or interfere with deck piers. Drill the two-by-four into place against the L-angles. The lattice should reach 1/2 inch below the deck floorboards and the center of the posts, less 1/4 inch.
When using screws, it is recommended to use stainless steel and drill pilot holes if screwing close to the end or side of the material. The screw should run from the moulding to the rear attachment point without piercing the lattice, allowing the lattice to move freely. Washer head or cabinet screws are also recommended as they provide a larger head and smaller shaft, allowing for larger holes to accommodate the natural movement of the plastic lattice.
If using nails, simply hammer them into the rear attachment point, again ensuring the lattice is not pierced and can move freely.
Staples can be used for vinyl or wooden lattice, but it is recommended to use large staples to ensure the lattice is held securely, especially in the case of heavy winds or other damaging factors.
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Frequently asked questions
Attaching plastic lattice to a deck is a simple process that can be done in a few hours. First, measure the inside distance between two of the deck posts and cut a two-by-four to this length. Attach L-angles to the sides of the deck posts, then drill the two-by-four into place. The lattice should reach the bottom of the two-by-four and sit 1/2 inch below the deck floorboards.
You will need a tape measure, a circular saw or miter saw, and a cordless drill. You should also wear eye and hearing protection when cutting or fastening the lattice.
Stainless steel screws are recommended. Use a washer head or cabinet screw for a larger head and smaller shaft.
Yes, lattice is typically installed inside a frame. You can attach the frame to a concrete foundation using masonry screws, or between existing or new posts.
Use a flat pry bar to remove old lattice, being careful not to damage the deck or support columns. You can also use a reciprocating saw to cut through the lattice, making it easier to remove.
