Making Lattice Fences

An alternative to a fence comprised of solid wooden boards, a lattice fence is comprised of diagonal or square patterns that easily fit between post spacing. This decorative and functional fencing option provides privacy, enhances security and contains children or pets. Depending on personal preference, leave the lattice panels as they are for a natural look, or paint them a bright shade so the fence stands out in the landscape. Making and installing a 4-foot lattice fence is a straightforward procedure.

Powdered chalk
Measuring tape
Post hole digger
Bucket
Concrete
Trowel
4-inch by 4-inch wooden posts, 6 feet long
Level
2-inch by 4-inch boards
Circular saw
16d and 10d nails
Hammer
4-foot by 8-foot lattice panels
Roller
Exterior-grade wood sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Spread powdered chalk on the ground to mark the area where you want to install the fence, keeping the lines as straight as possible. Measure and mark locations for fence posts at 8-foot intervals along the fence line.
- 2
  Dig a 2- to 3-foot-deep hole over each marked spot along the ground using a post hole digger. Tamp the base of each hole to level it and firm the soil. Pack the dirt in a mound near each hole.
- 3
  Prepare concrete according to manufacturer's direction in a bucket. Mix the required amount of water to the concrete using a trowel. The amount of concrete you need depends on the number of post holes; however, preparing small amounts keeps the concrete from drying, thereby reducing wastage.
- 4
  Stand a post vertically in a hole. Enlist a helper to hold a post upright while you check its level. Pour concrete around the post in the hole to within a few inches from the top. Level the concrete and leave to cure while you repeat the procedure for installing the remaining posts in the holes.
- 5
  Measure the distance between the inner edge of a corner post and the adjacent post using a measuring tape. Cut two 2-inch by 4-inch boards to the exact measurements using a circular saw. You need 2 boards between the posts.
- 6
  Measure 12 inches downward from the corner post and mark the spot along its inner edge. Also measure 2 inches up from the ground and mark the spot on the post. Measure and mark the spots along the inner edges of the adjacent post.
- 7
  Join the two lengths of 2-inch by 4-inch boards between the posts using 16d nails. Position each board with its wider edge facing up and down when hammering it to the posts, directly over the marks. Repeat the process of attaching two lengths of 2-by-4 boards between the remaining posts.
- 8
  Measure the space between the upper and lower 2-by-4-inch boards. Cut two more lengths of 2-by-4 wood to the exact measurement and attach each to the side of the fence board so all 4 boards form a secure frame for the lattice sheet. Continue attaching 2 boards between the remaining posts along the fence.
- 9
  Place a 4-foot by 8-foot lattice sheet against the 2-by-4 frame between 2 posts. Hammer 10d nails to attach the lattice panel to the wooden boards along the top, bottom and sides. Repeat the process of attaching the lattice sheets between the posts.
- 10
  Apply exterior-grade wood sealer to the lattice board, frame and fence to protect the fence from natural elements.

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