Today, I installed the foundation lattice. First, I put in the steps. I used a dowel and a hammer to tap in the kitchen step riser. Long dowel sticks are helpful for reaching tight areas that are difficult to access with a mallet.
Once the steps were in place, I painted all the lattice pieces. It's crucial that all the lattice faces the same direction, as this can easily cause confusion. I recommend grouping them together before you start painting. Carefully check the pictures in the instructions to ensure you know the correct orientation for each piece.
Paint each part individually and then use binder clips to hold them flat and tight against each other while they dry. If you paint them after laminating, you might end up with too much paint in the small holes. Remember to paint only the side facing outward. The lattice should sit flat against the front foundation pieces, which you can paint in a contrasting color that shows through the lattice. Painting them dark brown or black creates the illusion of a hollow space behind the lattice under the porch. I chose to paint mine the same brown as the trim.
