The Porch Gets A New Skirt

A long awaited project... I finally get to make the lattice skirting for the front porch. The PO left some sheets of vinyl lattice, so all I needed was materials to build the frames. I wanted to build the framing out of cedar, but getting lengths that I needed and to have them dead straight is a rare commodity these days. So I used 1x4 finger joint pine that comes pre-primed and in 16 foot lengths. I also bought L and T brackets to support the joints of the framing. Using original pictures I also added the little corner detail to the frames which give them a little more character. Here you can make out some of the details in this early pic.

Wally Hall in front yard - about 1916

There were 5 sections in all to build. I'll show a breakdown of one of the larger front sections. First was measuring, cutting, and laying out the basic frame and support brackets. The assembly was screwed together with 3/4 zinc coated wood screws. I did a trial fit in place to make sure it would fit before I went any further. Getting good measurements to stone was a bit tough and I ended up tweaking a couple before getting a good fit.

Next the corner pieces were added and then any bare wood from cuts was spot primed. I also used painter's caulk on the seams in prep for painting.

Next both sides received two coats of paint - I'm using the darker green I used on the railings.

Finally the vinyl lattice was cut to size and it too mounted to the frame with the 3/4 zinc coated screws.

Then they were mounted in place. A few sections needed some 2x4's mounted to the rim so there was something to hang the lattice from. I also sanded down and painted the porch rim joist and added new trim also painted dark green.

The final results really make a difference with the look of the porch - and the front of the house for that matter. This was definitely one of those fun projects with high payback for your efforts!