Something to put around the bottom of my front porch

Anne Zellner
by Anne Zellner
I had a new floor and side posts put on my front porch, it is about 20'x8' I need something to go around the bottom, it is all open. It is about 2' high. It has to be easy because I am limited as to what I can do.
  5 answers
  • Darla Darla on Mar 18, 2015
    The traditional way is to use wooden or plastic lattice. The vinyl is more expensive but it doesn't have to be painted. Sometimes it comes in 2 foot widths, or you can have them cut it where you buy it.
  • D & K D & K on Mar 18, 2015
    I agree with Darla and you can also go one step further and purchase some fiberglass landscape cloth and install it first before putting up the lattice work. It will help keep critters and bugs from getting under the porch and the dark color blocks light so no one sees under the porch. It's a few dollars more but be certain to get the fiberglass cloth and not the cheaper nylon which deteriorates in the sunlight and doesn't last.
  • Kathleen Potter Kathleen Potter on Mar 19, 2015
    If you was to go with natural look I would suggest either hostas or sedums. Both are perennial plants that require very ittle to no work at all. They both are very tolerant of all types of weather and if it frosts in yuor area they may die back and then regrow when the weather warms up again. I have used both and the best part is they do no attract bugs!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 20, 2015
    I'd either use lattice or plants. I would be cautious about using landscape cloth as I think you need some ventilation to prevent mold, etc. on the underside of your porch??? Screening might be better - would keep critters out - and fall leaves from blowing in.
    • D & K D & K on Mar 21, 2015
      @Marion Nesbitt as far as I'm aware all landscaping cloth allows air and water to pass thru it. If this wasn't the case all my shrubs and plants in my landscaped areas around the house would be dead. It's not solid like plastic sheeting and I installed it merely because I didn't want to spend my weekends pulling weeds.
  • Katie Katie on Mar 25, 2015
    Make sure you get the heavier lattice. It will last longer. I like @D & K idea of using the landscape cloth behind the lattice. You can staple it tightly to the back of the lattice before you install it. I think that's a great idea.