How to Make Latticework

Lay Out the Lattice Panel Design

• 1

  Draw the dimensions of the target panel on a sheet of plywood, using a tape measure, t-square and straightedge.

• 2

  Put a mark on the top border line and one on the left border line, each at a point 12 inches from the upper left corner of the panel. Use a straightedge to connect these marks, producing the first course control line, which will intersect the top border and left border at a 45-degree angle. The first course of lath (lattice members) will all be placed parallel to this line. Note: This line cannot be up near the corner, as a very short line could result in a loss of precision in aligning members.

• 3

  Draw a line from the upper left corner of the panel to the first course control line, using a t-square to ensure that it meets that line at a right angle. This is the second course control line, and all second course lath will be placed parallel to this line and automatically perpendicular to the first-course lath.

Lay Down the Lath and Frame

• 4

  Lay down a piece of lath aligned on the first course control line, with the lath end extending several inches beyond the top border of the panel design. Mark a cut-line on the other end at a point several inches beyond the left border line, and cut the lath. Precise measuring is not necessary, as the lath that overlaps the panel borders will be trimmed later.

• 5

  Tack down the first course control lath at both ends with brads -- half-depth -- tacked outside the dimensions of the panel design.

• 6

  Complete the placement of the remaining first course lath above and below the first course control lath using a piece of lath scrap as a spacer. Repeat the rough measurement-cut-tack procedure, and continue for all first-course lath -- covering the entire panel. When you get to the corners, the last lath should not have its inside edge beyond the corner of the panel design.

• 7

  Lay down the second course of lath starting at the second course control line. Repeat the rough measure-and-cut procedure and, ensuring exact alignment on the second course control line, staple the second course control lath twice at each intersection with first-course lath. Complete the placement of the remaining second course lath to the left and right of the control lath, using a piece of scrap lath as a spacer.

• 8

  Redraw the panel border lines on the top of the second course lath, using the straightedge. Use a claw hammer to pull out all the brads, and remove the panel from the plywood.

• 9

  Cut off the excess lath extensions by making a single cut with a circular saw along each panel boundary line. This finishes the panel to the desired dimensions.

• 10

  Take an exact measurement of each panel side. Transfer these measurements to lath strips and cross-cut or miter the corners, as required. Staple the lath pieces to the outside edges of the panel, completing the panel frame.