Home Garden

How to Use a Lattice Under the Deck

Deck skirting hides the unattractive views under the porch while keeping out any wild animals that want to take up residence there. Lattice is an inexpensive material frequently used as deck skirting. The crossing wood or vinyl slats create an interesting pattern. Wood lattice can be painted or stained to vary the look of your landscaping. Proper installation of the lattice panels makes the under-deck area look finished. Using hinges to install the lattice panels allows you to easily access the area under the deck if needed.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch-by-4-inch boards
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Corner brace
  • Mending plate
  • Lattice
  • Circular saw
  • Hinges
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the old skirting if the deck already has something along the bottom. Remove any nails along the deck.

    • 2

      Measure the space between the posts on the porch. Write down the measurements for each space along with notes to ensure you remember which measurements correspond with each gap. Measure the distance from the bottom of the deck fascia to the ground at several points, as the ground may vary.

    • 3

      Cut 1-inch-by-4-inch boards to create a frame to fit into each section underneath the deck. Subtract 1/2 inch from the width and 1 inch from the height to fit the frame into the area properly. Cut another board to make a vertical center divider that will hide the lattice seams.

    • 4

      Construct the frames by nailing the pieces together in a rectangular shape. Use corner braces and mending plates on the back side at each joint for additional support. Attach the center board right in the middle of the frame from top to bottom.

    • 5

      Cut the lattice using a circular saw so that it completely covers the opening of the frame with enough overhang to attach it to the frame. Drill holes before attaching the lattice to the back side of the frame with screws. Screw the lattice to the center support board.

    • 6

      Attach the lattice panels to the deck fascia using hinges along the tops. If you don't want the panels to open, screw the panels to the deck rather than using the hinges.