How to cut plastic lattice. Vinyl fences, like plastic lattices and wood fences, can be cut just like a cookie. Whether you’re installing your own vinyl fence or working on one of your other vinyl projects, chances are you’ll need to know how to do some slicing and dicing in order to achieve the look you’re going for.
To get it right, every slice should have clean edges to avoid nicks or deterioration, that way your fence will look as good as new for a long time to come.
How to cut plastic lattice
Plastic lattice is a do-it-yourself landscaping solution that works great around trees, shrubs, and hedges.
When putting it in place, you may need to cut it at odd intervals with an electric saber saw which can in some cases damage the lattice if any nails sticking out from the edge of your circular blade.
Make it easier to work with by using some lightweight metal trimmers (tin snips) to cut these protruding nails first.
Take a measurement
If you’re interested in installing a new lattice fence, it’s worthwhile to cut the panels first. To do this, measure your project and write down the W, H, and L measurements.
Then find panels that match your specifications or sections of plastic lattice to match these dimensions.
Leave around 0.25 inches on either side of the panel to accommodate for adverse weather conditions that can expand or contract your plastic lattice fence during usage.
Allow for frames
Frames can be a headache if you’re not careful. If you really want to know how wide your frames will be, think of adding the measurement of the frame material itself as well as any dividers or caps at each corner.
The trick lies in a simple formula:
Lattice inches = Project space inches + 0.25 inches + Frame thickness inches – Frame width inches.
Allow for the height of the lattice fence
For lattice fences that are going to be part of a garden’s border, add 2 inches to their height. It is useful for the partition walls to come up higher than the garden terrain.
Because it gives you the opportunity to deeply bury them in the soil, making them virtually impossible for anyone to crawl over or move out of place.
Mark the lattice cut points
Now that your measurements have been set, it’s time to get your protective gear on and dive in. Take your ruler and pencil and transfer the measurement by drawing a straight line where you need to cut through the lattice.
The lattice should be lined up
Instead of buying pre-made lattice squares, simply cut a lattice shape out of some rectangular material. Cut the rectangle so it’s about a foot wide and two feet long to begin.
Lay down your wooden material on a flat, sturdy surface like the kitchen counter or a tabletop.
Line up one edge of your lattice strip with the 3-inch mark from the edge of your flat surface and secure it with clamps if necessary so that it doesn’t move while you’re cutting.
Measure and cut the lattice
To begin, you will want to set the blade of your circular saw one-half-inch wider than the thickness of your plastic lattice fencing.
We recommend using a vinyl cutting blade for this job but other blades such as reciprocating saw blades should also work in some cases if used carefully.
Once you are ready to make the cuts, squeeze the trigger of your circular saw and slowly guide it along with your pencil line using this tool’s handle to keep it steady.
Congratulations. You’ve now cut down your plastic lattice fence material.
Note: If you are inexperienced with tools like a circular saw, we highly recommend that you have a professional do the hard parts for you if not all of them.
How to cut plastic lattice
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