How Connect a Lattice Fence to a Home

Lattice, Not Lettuce

• Lattice is created using 3/8-inch-thick, 1 1/2-inch-wide strips of weather-resistant wood such as cedar. The strips are attached in a grid pattern to form 3-inch squares that, when turned sideways, appear as diamond shapes. Lattice material is usually manufactured in 48-by-96-inch sheets or panels, much like building materials like plywood. The delicate nature and flexibility of lattice panels require proper attachment on both sides to prevent breakage or damage. It's typically used as a privacy screen -- even though you can see through it -- to enhance fences, gardens and landscaping. Lattice cannot stand by itself, and the lattice will fail if individual pieces are fastened to a stationary object without backing or bracing.

Frames Are Everything

• Since lattice has no rigid framework, existing with open ends on all individual strips, if your fence is built using lattice, individual panels must be framed between two pieces of lumber or posts. To attach it to the side of any home, build a frame around an additional lattice panel similar to the frame on the existing lattice fence. Start with an additional, unframed, unedged lattice panel and sandwich the vertical edges of the lattice between two pieces of 3/4-by-3/4-inch cedar. Screw through both pieces of cedar to secure the lattice between them. Attach the doubled-up, framed lattice panel to the side of the house and the existing post on the fence, using screws through the cedar frame on both sides. If the lattice fence terminates into a blank wall at 90 degrees, screw a cedar stud to the house and then screw the framed side of the lattice to the edge of the stud that is perpendicular to the house.

Make a Sandwich

• Complete the look of the fence by adding a post to the side of the house. If the lattice fence is anchored with 4-by-4 posts, then use a similar post. Dig a hole beside the house, plant the post and complete the lattice fence by fastening it to the post in a similar manner as the existing posts on the fence. If you need to sandwich it between two posts, that's fine; you can also attach the ends of the lattice to the post with a stapler and then overlay it with a 3/4-inch thick piece of cedar to sandwich it securely.

Gated Community

• It's usually not recommended to fence off or place a barrier that interferes or blocks passage around the perimeter of a house. You can solve this problem by adding a gate to the lattice fence where it contacts the home. Plant a post beside the house and make a lattice gate that swings open to allow passage through the fence. Sandwich the panel between two pieces of cedar around the perimeter to make the gate. Hang some hinges on the cedar and attach a latch to the gate and post on either side. This gives you some flexibility while maintaining the look of a continuous fence.