[CenTxSasquatch]

What do you folks think about adding skirting to my porch? Just some cheap, vinyl stuff?

Edit: I'll be cleaning the area up, removing the bushes, debris and old section of fence that's propped up. Maybe even the tree. I'll also add a nice brick border and mulch or rock. End Edit

Also, do I need any special tools for cutting vinyl lattice? I've never worked with it before. Is it something you can score then just snap?

Roughly 24 inches high would be the dimension. For something that short, would I still need to install framing along the ground to attach the lattice to?

Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PaulDay]

Frankly, from the pictures, I would be spending the money for the lattice on cleaning up/repairing and painting the exiting porch before worrying about lattice around the skirt.

Never used vinyl anything for outside in the sun, doesn't last. Buy the cheapest wood lattice that you can afford and paint it. It will last years and look much better.

Good luck.

Have a good day.

 

[XSleeper]

You cut it just like wood, with a skilsaw or on a table saw. How you do it is up to you but you could either:

1). Fasten it to the rim and just let it hang down. (Not very secure)
2). Put a horizontal nailer on the ground directly below your rim and put stakes behind that nailer to hold it... then fasten it to the rim on top and the nailer on bottom.
3). Screw some vertical framing behind the ledger every 16 - 24" or so, (or alongside each joist) and fasten the lattice to that vertical framing, leaving the rim exposed.

Personally I think it looks best when the rim is left exposed and you only see the lattice below it.

 

[sab1]

Up north we use a lot of vinyl lattice (maintenance free - pressure wash to clean) but to Paul point I'd control or get rid of those trees/bushes. IMO - Maybe move trees/bushes to the middle of the yard away from the deck. Then work on the deck.

 

[CenTxSasquatch]

Frankly, from the pictures, I would be spending the money for the lattice on cleaning up/repairing and painting the exiting porch before worrying about lattice around the skirt.

Never used vinyl anything for outside in the sun, doesn't last. Buy the cheapest wood lattice that you can afford and paint it. It will last years and look much better.

Good luck.

Have a good day.

Porch is in great shape. It's only a couple of years old. But yes, I'll definitely be doing some cleaning up in the area in front of the porch. Possibly removing the sage completely and putting mulch or rock with a brick border.

 

[CenTxSasquatch]

You cut it just like wood, with a skilsaw or on a table saw. How you do it is up to you but you could either:

1). Fasten it to the rim and just let it hang down. (Not very secure)
2). Put a horizontal nailer on the ground directly below your rim and put stakes behind that nailer to hold it... then fasten it to the rim on top and the nailer on bottom.
3). Screw some vertical framing behind the ledger every 16 - 24" or so, (or alongside each joist) and fasten the lattice to that vertical framing, leaving the rim exposed.

Personally I think it looks best when the rim is left exposed and you only see the lattice below it.

I was thinking about option number 2. Fairly easy and it will add a lot of stability. Thanks!

 

[CenTxSasquatch]

Up north we use a lot of vinyl lattice (maintenance free - pressure wash to clean) but to Paul point I'd control or get rid of those trees/bushes. IMO - Maybe move trees/bushes to the middle of the yard away from the deck. Then work on the deck.

Oh yeah, absolutely. I'll most certainly be removing the sage, and cleaning the area up. I was going to add a brick border and do mulch or rock in front. May even remove the tree, not sure yet. I should have made it clear that the porch skirt is only part of the project... Thanks!

 

[lenaitch]

Any time I've used it I just cut with a jig saw. At only 24", I'm not sure I would bother with a bottom stringer. The rim joist (2x6?) should hold it solid enough. The more firmly you secure it, the more it will tend to warp in the sun.

I've painted wooden lattice once - and only once.