Have something to hide on your property? A lattice enclosure is an attractive way to conceal anything from an old oil or gas tank to large garbage cans to kid’s yard toys. Plastic lattice panels create good-looking cover-ups, and the material is durable and maintenance-free.
You’ll find lattice panels at garden and home and lumber centers in a variety of colors—white, green, gray, and others—and sold in 4-foot-by-8-foot panels. You can finish the edges of the enclosure with matching molded U-shaped channels that frame the panels using screws. The material can be easily cut with a handsaw, so it’s a good first-time carpentry project for a beginner.
A carpenter will charge $446, which includes labor and material, to build an 8-foot-high, L-shaped enclosure that measures 4 feet by 8 feet. You can buy the materials for $170, build it yourself and save 62 percent. The materials include the lattice panels, channels, non-rusting or stainless screws, crushed stone for a base and 4-by-4 rot-resistant lumber for the three posts.
Digging the post holes is the most strenuous part of the job, so consider renting a post hole digger to make the job easier. For tools, you need a measuring tape, a handsaw, an electric drill and a shovel. Tip: Predrill all the screw holes for a professional looking job.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost—DIY Cost—Pro time—DIY Time—DIY Savings—Percent Saved
$446—$170—10.4—16.0—$276—62 percent
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