How To Install a Lattice Patio Cover

Measure and mark the perimeter of the cover on the patio's surface with a tape measure and pencil. Stretch a chalk snap line between the marks and snap lines to create a chalk outline of the cover's perimeter; the lines form a square or rectangle. Set a post base in a corner of the cover's layout lines and mark the base's screw hole locations on the patio with a pencil. Create similar marks in each corner.

Select a masonry drill bit according to your concrete anchor manufacturer's pre-drilling guidelines, usually less than the anchor shank's diameter for concrete screws and equivalent to the diameter for expansion anchors. Mount the bit to the drill, set the drill to the hammer setting and drill through each screw hole mark to the depth specified by the anchor manufacturer.

Align the post bases with the pre-drilled screw holes. Use a drill and driver bit to secure the bases to the patio with concrete screws. Use a hammer to attach the bases with concrete expansion anchors. Tighten the anchors' nuts with a wrench if applicable. Set posts in the bases. Mount a nut driver to the drill and set the drill to the driver setting. Drive lag bolts through the bases' screw holes and into the posts to secure the posts to the bases.

Set post caps on each post. Secure the caps to the posts with the power drill and lag bolts. Set the beams in the open portion of the caps and secure the beam to the caps with the power drill and lag bolts. Mark the positions of joists on the top edges of corresponding beams with a tape measure and pencil, usually every 16 to 24 inches. Lay the joists on edge across the beams. Align the joists with their layout marks.

Fasten the joists to the beams with a hammer and deck nails. Drive nails through the side faces of joists and into the beam's top edge, a technique called toe-nailing. Mark the position of furring strips, lattice strips or lattice panels on top of the joists with a pencil and tape measure. If you are using furring strips or lattice strips, run the strips perpendicular to the joists. Space the strips according to the desired degree of shade; closer spacing is shadier than wider spacing.

Align the strips or panels with their layout marks. Fasten the furring strips or lattice strips to the joists with a hammer and deck nails. Do not toe-nail strips; face-nail them through their flat, upper surfaces. Fasten lattice panels to the patio cover frame with a staple gun and exterior staples.