Adding a deck to your home can elevate your outdoor living space, both literally and aesthetically. To enhance the appearance and functionality of your deck, consider installing lattice beneath it. Lattice serves as a practical solution to conceal the underside of your deck, keeping debris out and providing privacy. This article will guide you through the basics of installing deck lattice, including materials, costs, and methods.
Project Overview: Working Time: 2 – 5 hours Total Time: 2 – 5 hours Yield: 8-foot lattice section Skill Level: Intermediate Estimated Cost: $12 to $35 per section Installation Basics: Lattice comes in two materials: plastic and wood. Both are available in 2-foot and 4-foot heights, allowing you to cover decks up to that height with a single piece. For taller decks, additional lattice can be added, or pieces can be cut down for shorter decks. Professional installation typically costs between $2 and $50 per linear foot, with the cost influenced by the height of the lattice. For example, a 2-foot tall wood lattice panel costs about $12 to $16, while a 4-foot tall panel is around $30 to $35. Plastic lattice prices are $16 to $20 for a 2-foot tall panel and $26 to $36 for a 4-foot tall panel. Plastic Lattice: Pros: – Impervious to insects or rot – Molded as one piece – Available as a deck kit Cons: – Paint does not stick well – Limited color choices – Must be cleaned rather than painted over Plastic lattice is made of vinyl and comes in 8-foot lengths, in both diamond and square styles. While white is commonly available, other colors like black, green, gray, or brown can be special ordered. It’s durable and water-resistant, reducing maintenance needs. However, it offers fewer style choices than wood and cannot be stained. Cleaning is required instead of painting when discoloration occurs. Wood Lattice: Pros: – Stainable to wood tones – Paintable – Rigid and sturdy Cons: – Requires regular maintenance – Slats can dislodge from the lattice – May twist out of square Wood lattice is typically made from cedar or another hardy wood species and is constructed in the factory. It offers more style options and can be painted or stained, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Safety and Attachment: Lattice can be securely fastened to the deck’s rim joist or beam on top, and to the vertical posts on the sides. For horizontal support at the bottom, a two-by-four stringer should be installed from post to post. FAQ: Back to TopWood lattice is available in 8-foot lengths, ranging from 2 to 4 feet in height. A key advantage of wood lattice is its style versatility. As it arrives uncoated, you have the option to stain, paint, or let it weather naturally. Compared to plastic lattice, wood is more rigid and less likely to bend. However, wood lattice demands regular maintenance, which may involve repainting or applying additional protective coatings. Due to its construction from individual slats, these can become detached during cutting.
Lattice Alternatives for Under Decks:
If wood or plastic lattice does not appeal to you, there are several other options for deck skirting to provide privacy beneath your deck. These include faux or natural stone, metal or plastic decorative screens, wood pressure-treated boards (either vertical or horizontal), decorative wood panels, wire fencing, and trellis. Regardless of the choice, ensure that your deck skirting allows for adequate air ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to wood rot and mold, thus shortening the deck’s lifespan. Plan for gaps between wood boards, opt for screens with built-in holes, or leave spaces between stones to maintain the effectiveness of these lattice alternatives over time.
Codes, Regulations, and Permits:
In many areas, constructing a deck necessitates a permit. While installing lattice under a deck may not require a permit, it’s essential to verify this with your local building department.
Safety Considerations:
When cutting or fastening plastic or wood lattice to a deck, always wear eye and hearing protection.
What You’ll Need:
– Equipment/Tools: Cordless drill, circular saw, electric miter saw, tape measure, pencil, square.
– Materials: Plastic or wood lattice, 3 flat wood or PVC 1-3/4 inch by 8 foot molding strips, 2 galvanized reinforcing L-angles, 1 pressure-treated two-by-four, 1/2-inch stainless steel screws.
Instructions for Installing Lattice Under a Deck:
1. Measure and Cut the Stringer: Using a tape measure, determine the inside distance between two deck posts and transfer this measurement to the two-by-four. Cut the two-by-four with a circular saw or miter saw.
2. Install the L-Angles: Attach the L-angles to the sides of the deck posts using a cordless drill, stepping them back 1 1/2 inches from the front of the posts.
3. Install the Stringer on the Deck: Have an assistant hold the two-by-four against the L-angles while you drill the two-by-four into place from underneath the deck.
4. Measure the Coverage Area: The lattice should extend to the bottom of the stringer two-by-four and 1/2-inch below the deck floorboards. On the sides, it should reach the center of the posts, minus 1/4-inch.
5. Cut the Lattice to Size: Transfer these measurements to the lattice. For vinyl lattice, use a blade suitable for cutting plastics. For wood lattice, use a fine-toothed blade.
Securing lattice to a deck is crucial for a professional finish. Begin by pre-drilling holes every 24 inches around the lattice’s perimeter, ensuring they are slightly larger than the screws used for fastening. Hold the lattice in place and secure it with screws, allowing for slight movement to accommodate expansion and contraction.
For a polished look, attach molding around the lattice. Measure all four sides of the lattice and transfer these dimensions to the molding material, which can be plastic or wood. Cut the molding to size and attach it to the lattice using screws, ensuring the lattice remains free to move. Frequently Asked Questions: – How do you secure lattice to the ground? Lattice is typically installed within a frame, anchored between existing or newly installed posts. Attach the lattice to the bottom edge of the frame to secure it to the ground. – Can you staple vinyl lattice? Yes, use large staples for vinyl and wood lattice, especially in areas prone to heavy winds. Stainless steel screws or nails are also suitable for attaching lattice to the frame. – How do you attach lattice to a concrete foundation? Drill into the concrete foundation using a masonry bit and secure the wood with masonry screws before installing the lattice. – How do you cut PVC lattice? Use a circular saw or miter saw with a medium- or fine-toothed blade to cut plastic lattice, avoiding the rough edges caused by large-toothed blades designed for wood. Article Sources: The Spruce relies on high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content. For more information on our editorial process, please refer to our website. For cost considerations, the average cost to build a deck can vary, and HomeAdvisor provides detailed information on this topic.