A Beginner’s Guide To Building Square Lattice Panels
Over the years, square lattice panels have been commonly used on porches and decks as low-maintenance skirts. However, in the past few years, architects, builders, and homeowners have revolutionalized this previous use of lattice panels to add an aesthetic appeal to their homes.
Although you can buy lattice panels, some people prefer to build their own because they are easy projects that anyone can handle and can help you save money. Here’s all you need to know to build square lattice panels.
What are Lattice Panels?
Lattice panels are made from wood strips crisscrossed to form a unique diamond or square pattern and come in various styles and colors. For instance, plastic panels mimic wood grain patterns and add architectural interest to homes. Depending on your preferences, these panels can also have foliage or floral designs. Lattice panels are used outdoors for privacy or as a place for climbing plants to grow. In addition, you can use them indoors as decorations on doors and headboards.
How to Build Square Lattice Panels
When creating your square lattice panel, you must first identify its purpose. This is because different lattice panels are used for different purposes. Knowing its intended use allows you to choose a design that will match.
In addition, you need to consider the material to use. For example, commercial lattice panels are made from vinyl, PVC, or cedar lath. Unfortunately, some of these materials, like PVC, dry out in hot climates causing them to crack. So, for your DIY project, it is advisable to use wood.
You will need lathing strips and thin wood strips of your preferred width and thickness, although the most common size is ¼ ‘thick and 1 ½’ wide. Also, most panels come in 4 x 8 or 2 x 8 feet. So, consider your panel’s desired size, the size of the lath strips you will use, the desired space between the strips, and the design, whether diamonds or foliage if you don’t want squares.
Ideally, all strips should have the same size for easy cutting. This allows you to use a band saw or table saw to cut the strips, with one cut being a single strip. If you have a band saw, use it as it minimizes the wastage of material when cutting.
Then paint, stain, or use a finish on the strips. Use the airless paint sprayer to save time and get better results. Next, consider the desired spacing of the strips. Some designs require bigger widths, but the standard spacing should be the same as the strips’ width. For a plaid design, you can double space every third strip.
Once you settle on a design, assemble the panels by laying out the connection strips and the cross pieces while stapling the intersection points. Finally, prepare a frame and install your lattice panels to add structural strength and then attach them to the structure that will be behind.
Conclusion
Using square lattice panels gives your home a crisp finish thanks to their decorative nature. They are the perfect addition to your porch, deck, or fence. In addition, you can use them to create a privacy screen or as part of your arbor, trellis, or gazebo.
