Lattice fencing is a good choice for people who want privacy, or just an attractive fence that is easy to put up. What makes a fence a "lattice fence" is the pattern in which it is built, not the actual materials in the fencing. Lattice consists of thin diagonal slats that are arranged in a crisscross pattern to form square holes with the points of the square at the top and bottom and the middle of the right and left sides. In most cases the slats are secured to each other and to the frame of the fence with staples.
Popular materials used to make lattice fencing are cedar, redwood, and birch. You will rarely, if ever, find lattice fencing made of metal. The fencing can be stained or painted to appear to be nearly any color. It's best to do this before putting up the fence so there is no worry that these materials will drip into the yard and damage plants.
While it is easy to find lattice fencing at most home improvement stores, it also possible for people with the time and inclination to make their own. Before they get started, they should cut the slats from a very thin piece of wood or wood lath using a miter saw. The ends need to be cut at angles since the wood will be arranged diagonally.
Once that's done, all the builder has to do is staple the slats together at their meeting points, and add the square or rectangular frame. The most important thing is to take very precise measurements to avoid wasting wood. It can help to build the frame first and then fit in the pieces of lath.
In addition to serving as the backbone of lattice fencing, lattice can be used for garden trellises, gazebos, arbors, and railings. It can also make attractive skirting for under steps or below mobile homes. It's especially good for this, because it screens off areas while still allowing a person to see through if the space is used for storage.
Lattice fencing can add a homey feel to almost any yard, especially when it's covered in vines or other climbing plants. Once a person starts a plant growing up the lattice, it will provide supreme privacy after a fairly short amount of time. All it takes is regular watering and a little bit of pruning to make sure the plants don't get overgrown and become a challenge to the lattice's structure.
