Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows how easy it is to add lattice to the underside of a deck. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison rates this job as a four.
Tools:
portable work bench
power drill
standard twist bit for deck screws with a countersink
3/8-inch twist bit
5/16-inch masonry bit
Phillip's-head drilling attachment
circular saw
socket wrench
hammer
tape measure
carpenter's level
torpedo level
chalk line
electrical tape
carpenter's pencil
paint brush
safety glasses
carpenter's square
lattice
1" x 1" framing members
Steps:
1. Use a countersinking drill bit to drill holes at 4-inch intervals in the framing members. Cut the member that will be used for the upper mounting blocks so you have 6-inch pieces with two holes on each piece spaced 4 inches apart (figure A). These blocks will be attached to the floor joist of the deck and serve as upper mounting points for the lattice.
2. Attach the 6-inch framing blocks to the underside of the deck (figure B) . Partially insert two galvanized deck screws into each block first to make them easier to attach. Recess the blocks 1/2-inch back from the front of the floor joists so the lattice fits flush against the joist. Make sure to wear eye protection when doing overhead work to guard against falling debris.
3. Use a straight edge to determine where to mount the lower framing member. Place the straight edge against the outside of the floor joist and use the level to plumb everything up (figure C). That simply means the lattice will be straight up and down at a 90-degree angle to the floor joists of the deck and the ground. When marking the points for the lower framing member, remember to move them back a half-inch to allow for the lattice.
4. Mark several points along the concrete for the lower framing member, then use a chalk line to lay out a straight line. Place a long framing member against the line, and using a 5/16 masonry bit drill little starter bumps into the concrete through each of the pre-drilled holes in the framing member.
5. Remove the framing member and drill holes into the concrete for the anchors. Mark the drill bit to the desired depth with a piece of electrician's tape.
6. Treat the ends of the lower framing member with water sealant. After the holes have been drilled in the masonry, line the member up and insert the anchors in each of the pre-drilled holes. Tap the anchors with a hammer to drive them home (figure D). Secure the anchors by tightening with a socket wrench.
7. Cut another 1" x 1" into vertical support members (figure E). Cut the pieces so the fit tightly and use a hammer to tap them into place. Make sure they're plumb using the torpedo level, then drill angled pilot holes at the top and bottom of each vertical support and secure with deck screws (figure F).
8. Size and mark the lattice with a chalk line. Cut to fit and attach to upper, lower and vertical mounting points using deck screws.
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