Lattice Under a Porch on a Slope - Completed Project

by James
(Porter, ME)

We wanted to show you our completed project on installing lattice frames under our porch (on a slope). It really finished the look of our porch. We had to cut around the generator that we use as backup to our off-grid solar power. You can see our rack of solar panels to the right of the picture.

Thank you for giving us the instructions on how to do this.

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James, thank you so much for writing to us and sending us the picture of your completed lattice under your porch. The lattice frames make an amazing difference in the curb appeal of your home. We are happy that our instructions on installing lattice were helpful to you. It's great to see it all come together so nicely.

We added the step-by-step instructions that we provided (and your before pictures) to the bottom of this article. See below.

Thanks again!
Mary and Dave

Lattice under a Porch on a Slope

QUESTION about Lattice Under a Porch on a Slope: We would like to install lattice frames (build them) to put under our porch with the option of taking them down. We store our wood under the porch.

How do we build the frames since the porch is built on a slope? See the attached pictures.


ANSWER: Thanks for contacting us about your lattice project. I think you have a few options based on the following assumptions:

• Access under the porch (I am assuming you want to be able to remove all of the lattice panels rather than just a few to access the wood.


• Something easy but substantial


• 8 feet between supporting columns


• Braces on columns that hinder positioning panels between columns

Option 1: Floating panels following the terrain.

Lattice is easy to cut so cutting it on a diagonal is not an issue. You can either position the lattice panels horizontally or vertically.

You won't be able to follow the terrain exactly but you should be able to come close. Since lattice usually comes in 4x8 foot sections, I would measure from the porch beam to the ground in several places between a set of columns. That will give you the diagonal from which to cut the lattice panels (you will need two panels per section). Don't cut yet!

You will then build wooden frames from treated 1x2s or similar sized wood. The wood frames will be three sided (unless you want the frame to extend across the bottom of the lattice - not necessary though. I'd let the lattice extend to the ground. Reinforce the corners with outside brackets as needed.

Next, attach U-channel (purchase at Home Depot / Lowes) to the inside of the wood frames. You will cut the lattice to fit inside the U-channel.

At this point you have two frames with U-channel and lattice panels that are 8 feet wide in total plus the width of the frames. Hopefully, you have dry-fitted them to see if they span across the section. You will want them to extend a little past each column.

Next, build a frame on the outside of each column and across the top to accept the lattice frames. It will be "L-shaped". You can build it easily with two pieces of wood. Make sure the front face extends far enough to cover the frame when it is inserted.

You can now insert your lattice frames into the column frames. Have someone hold the lattice frame in place and at least two holes on each side though both the column frame and the lattice frame. Insert metal pins through the frames to the hold the lattice frames in place.

You can install a gate latch (rod that goes into the ground) where the panels meet in the middle.

Install a latch lock to secure the panels together in the middle. When you want access, unlatch the lock, pull the gate hook, and pull the pins. The lattice under your porch will look nice.


Option 1A: If using the lattice panels horizontally, you can use the same method but screw the top panel(s) in place. The lower panel can be secured as above and removed when needed. You would still cut the bottom panel to follow the terrain.

Sounds like a lot of steps but it is fairly easy to do. Lots of text for a simple process; if I were there we'd make one trip to HD and have 'em done by lunch!

Hope you get the idea!

Here's one other thing to consider - black vinyl lattice panels. They would last well and would look ideal on your porch.

You might enjoy looking at our porch skirting page, too. Porch Skirting is the actual name for "Lattice Under a Porch". Interesting, eh?

Best,
Dave