Maya Ellison
Installing plastic traditional lattice is a simple process that can be done by beginners and experts alike. It can be used to give your home a polished look and to create hidden storage space. The first step is to measure the space where you want to install the lattice and then cut the lattice to the required size. You can use a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut the lattice. Once you have the lattice cut to size, you can attach it to the frame or structure using staples, stainless steel screws, or nails. If you are installing lattice under a deck or porch, you will need to remove any old lattice and check for any animals living in the space. You may also need to pre-drill oversized holes in the lattice to allow for expansion and retraction in different weather conditions.
Characteristics and Values Table for Installing Plastic Traditional Lattice
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Easy, no special tools required |
| Cost | Relatively inexpensive |
| Lattice material | Vinyl or plastic lattice |
| Lattice size | 4-by-8 foot sections; 48 by 96 inches |
| Lattice placement | Beneath a porch or deck, or as a topper for fencing |
| Lattice removal | Use a flat pry bar and reciprocating saw; remove small nails with a carpenter's cat's paw |
| Lattice cutting | Use a circular saw with the blade reversed to prevent chopping |
| Lattice mounting | Directly to a self-supporting frame or structure; use staples, stainless steel screws, or nails |
| Lattice attachment | On the back or front side of the structure; lattice can be framed with a u-channel |
| Lattice spacing | Maximum distance of every 4 feet between supports |
| Lattice expansion | Plan for a 1/16” gap between panels; predrill oversized holes for some vinyl lattices |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Planning:
Firstly, determine the purpose of your lattice installation. Do you want to add vinyl lattice beneath a porch or deck for a fresh look and hidden storage? Or are you aiming to create a privacy fence or a topper for fencing? Defining the purpose will guide your planning process.
Sketch and Measurements:
Create a detailed sketch of the area where you plan to install the lattice, including dimensions. Measure the openings between the support columns or posts of the deck or porch. The completed lattice frames should be slightly narrower and shorter than the openings to ensure a proper fit.
Materials and Tools:
Calculate the number of lattice panels you will need based on the dimensions of the area. Standard lattice panels are typically 48 by 96 inches and can be mounted horizontally or vertically. Plan for a small gap between panels to allow for expansion and contraction. Decide whether you want to use a u-channel for your installation, which provides a framed look and helps guide the lattice along. Gather the necessary tools, including a power screwdriver, circular saw, tape measure, and safety gear such as eye protection, earplugs, and work gloves.
Site Preparation:
Before beginning any installation work, ensure that no animals or insects have made their home underneath your deck or porch. Humanely encourage them to leave by running a hose next to the deck and allowing light into the space. If needed, contact your local animal control office for assistance.
Building Permits:
Check with your local city or county to determine if installing lattice requires a building permit. Review any relevant building and construction guidelines to ensure your project complies with regulations.
Installation Method:
Decide on the installation method that best suits your project. You can attach the lattice to the front or back of the structure, depending on whether you want the edges to be visible or hidden. Alternatively, you may choose to use a u-channel to align the lattice within the railing or post, creating a framed look.
By following these planning and preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful plastic lattice installation project.
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Removing old lattice
Before installing plastic traditional lattice, you must first remove any old lattice. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Remove any buildup and trim plants
First, remove any buildup behind the lattice to prevent moisture damage. Trim any vines or plants growing on the lattice to prevent overgrowth.
Step 2: Assess the fastening method
Check how the lattice is fastened to the structure. It may be attached with staples, nails, or screws.
Step 3: Prepare the necessary tools
If the lattice is stapled, you will need a screwdriver with a blade that fits the staple. For nailed lattice, a small carpenter's cat's paw can help pry off the nails. If the lattice is screwed in, you will need a drill/driver to unscrew them. A flat pry bar will also be useful for prying off the lattice.
Step 4: Carefully remove the lattice
Using the appropriate tools, carefully pry off the lattice. Be cautious not to damage the porch, deck, or support columns. If you are having difficulty removing the lattice, consider cutting it into smaller pieces with a reciprocating saw to make the process easier.
Step 5: Clear the area
Once the lattice is removed, clear the area of any debris, vegetation, or dirt. Use a shovel or rake to level the ground if necessary.
Optional Step: Create an access door
If you want easy access to the area under the deck or porch in the future, consider creating a small access door within the lattice. Cut out the desired doorway size and location, preferably next to a post. Frame between the deck supports to create a wall with a frame around the doorway. Build a door using the cut-out piece, add hinges and a latch, and hang the door.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove the old lattice and prepare the area for installing the new plastic traditional lattice.
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Cutting the lattice
To cut the lattice, you can use a circular saw with the appropriate blade. For plastic lattice, use a vinyl blade. For wooden lattice, use a carbide blade. Remove any staples from the lattice beforehand to avoid damaging your blades. Adjust the blade to cut just below the lattice. Support the lattice on both sides of the cut to prevent it from bending or vibrating, which could result in an uneven cut.
If you need to cut a curve, use a jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade and go slowly to maintain control. You can also use a handsaw with a fine-toothed blade for a clean cut, but this will require more manual effort. Mark the cutting lines on the lattice with a pencil or marker, and follow these lines with your saw at a steady pace to avoid chipping the lattice.
After cutting, you may need to sand down any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Be gentle to avoid removing too much material or rounding off the edges. Always cut through the lattice where the strips intersect to maintain the panel's strength and structure.
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Attaching the lattice
When attaching the lattice, you can use stainless steel nails or screws for a secure and rust-resistant hold. It is recommended to drill pilot holes, especially when screwing close to the edge of the material. This will prevent the plastic lattice from cracking. If using vinyl lattice, you may need to pre-drill oversized holes to allow for expansion and contraction in different weather conditions.
The lattice can be attached directly to the self-supporting frame or structure. You can attach it to the backside of the structure to hide the edges, or to the front side to showcase the edges, depending on the desired look.
For a cleaner installation, you can use a u-channel to "frame" the lattice sheet before installing it. This is especially useful when installing the lattice within a confined area. The u-channel can be attached to the lattice sheet, and then the entire assembly can be screwed to the post or rail.
When cutting the lattice, use a circular saw with the blade reversed to prevent chopping through the lattice and achieve a smoother cut. Remember to wear eye protection, earplugs, and work gloves when operating power tools.
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Finishing touches
Now that you've installed your plastic traditional lattice, there are a few final steps and considerations to keep in mind to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
Firstly, check that the lattice opens and shuts properly. If the lattice frame drags on the ground or doesn't close completely, use a shovel or garden hoe to remove some of the dirt in front of and under the frame. If there is too much space beneath it, add and compact more dirt to ensure an even surface.
Secondly, depending on the type of vinyl lattice used, you may need to pre-drill oversized holes throughout the lattice sheet. This is particularly important for plastic or HDPE lattices, as they expand in warm weather and retract in cold weather. By pre-drilling these holes, you prevent the lattice sheet from warping or cracking at the fastener due to temperature changes.
When it comes to cutting the lattice, it is recommended to use a circular saw with the blade reversed. This prevents the blade from chopping through the vinyl lattice, resulting in a smoother and cleaner cut. Remember to wear eye protection, earplugs, and work gloves when operating power tools like the circular saw.
Finally, consider the accessories you can use with your lattice installation. For example, a u-channel can be used to "frame" the lattice sheet, providing a neat and capped look. Additionally, an h-channel is useful for connecting two sheets of lattice together. It is generally easier to attach these channels to the lattice sheet before installing it, especially if you're working within a confined area.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need everyday power tools such as a power screwdriver, circular saw, and tape measure. You should also wear protective gear like eye protection, earplugs, and work gloves.
Use a flat pry bar to carefully remove old lattice. Cut the lattice into pieces with a reciprocating saw if necessary, and use a small carpenter's cat's paw to pry off small nails.
Before installing a new lattice, ensure no animals are living in the area. You can humanely encourage them to leave by running a hose next to the space and allowing light into it.
Reverse the blade of your circular saw to prevent it from chopping through the lattice. You can use stainless steel nails or screws to secure the lattice, but remember not to over-tighten the screws.
Plan the number of panels you need and the finished size of each panel. Allow for a 1/16” gap between panels for expansion and contraction. Mark the sub-structure with a chalk line to keep the panels aligned, and construct solid framing between posts to provide a sturdy structure.
