How to Attach Lattice to Stucco

Stucco is an exterior finish material that lasts a long time and is easy to maintain. Its surface is hard, however, and attaching lattice panels to it involves drilling holes into the surface before you can screw anything into it and using spacers to hold the panel away from the wall. Placing lattice panels on stucco surfaces lets you train vines to grow up the panel or hang pots or other decorations from it.

Stucco can have many textures.

Step 1

Measure the lattice panel with the tape measure and note the dimensions. Decide where you want to put the panel on the outside wall. Determine the height for the top and use the pencil to mark the top height. Measure the distance to the ground and mark another point so you can hang the lattice level with the ground. Lay the level on the two points and verify that the line is straight. If it is, use a ruler to create a light line on the wall.

Step 2

Cut the PVC pipe using a hacksaw to the length you want the panel to rest away from the wall. You need one spacer for each screw.

Step 3

Hold a screw next to the drill bit and mark the bit 1/8-inch longer than the screw. Don't drill deep holes into the stucco since you risk drilling into wires or pipes. You can use a permanent marker to place a line on the bit all the way around it.

Step 4

Lift the lattice panel so the top of it runs evenly along the line. Ask your assistant to hold it in place while you drill the pilot holes with a drill. Drill holes through the lattice approximately a foot apart on the top and bottom. Add more holes if you intend to hang something heavy. Select a few sections in the center of the lattice and drill holes. Before your assistant lowers the panel, mark the edges of the stucco wall where the lattice panel sits to ease finding the holes when repositioning the panel. Set the panel aside.

Step 5

Blow out the screw holes with a can of compressed air or a turkey baster. Don't use your mouth to clear the holes since you could blow stucco dust into your eyes.

Step 6

Remove the screws from the anchor bolts and set them aside to use for another purpose and use the stainless steel screws, which do not corrode when exposed to moisture.

Step 7

Apply a small amount of caulk in the first screw hole and insert the anchor bolt. Tap it in lightly with the hammer until it is flush with the stucco. Repeat until you have inserted all the anchor bolts.

Step 8

Ask your assistant to hold the panel again, matching it to the positioning lines you drew. Insert the screws into the far right side corner at the top, in the middle and at the far left side, inserting a spacer between the wall and the lattice for each screw. Your assistant can release the panel once you have installed these screws, while you finish inserting the rest of the screws, working from the top to the bottom.