The opening under a porch can become the home to unwanted pests and animals without proper closure. Covering the opening between the ground and the porch floor hides away construction materials, floor joists and pillars that are unsightly also. Adding a cover to the under-porch area will add visual appeal to your porch and landscape and protect your home from unwanted intruders. Pests can damage the construction of the porch and the foundation of your home if left undisturbed. Skirting is available in many colors, patterns and materials to suit every budget and style.
Ensure there are no pests currently under the porch area. Place a stick into any holes and check for movement daily. Movement of the stick will indicate that the hole or home is currently being used. Determine the type of pest and have it professionally removed. You don’t want to block the pests under the porch without an escape.
Begin the installation with measurements of the under porch openings. Measure each opening between porch pillars separately. Mark the wood lattice with the correct measurements, allowing a small amount for swelling of the materials. Saw the wood lattice along the pre-measured lines. Pull chipped pieces of wood from the lattice edges with a gloved hand to make a smooth edge.
Set the lattice in place under the porch and hold in with one hand. Screw the top corner of the lattice to the porch frame with galvanized screws. You may need a helper to hole the lattice if large pieces are being hung. Level the lattice and continue to screw into place across the top of the panel.
Repeat for each section until the entire area has been covered, butting each new section of lattice against the last when more than one piece is used on a section. Place a metal bracket across the joint of the two sections and secure in place with a wood screw to stabilize the lattice sections.
Stain the wood lattice to seal it and protect the wood from the elements once all has been installed. It will need to be resealed and stained annually to keep it in its optimal shape. Planting hedges and flowers around the base of the porch will add even more visual appeal to the porch skirting and your home. Choose flowers and plants that will not cover the lattice completely to allow the lattice to act as a backdrop to the landscape.