Lattice is gaining strength

EALERS who think lattice is the same old familiar product that's been around for years haven't done their homework. There have been some changes.

Always a popular product with builders and homeowners, especially d-i-yers, lattice is on its way to becoming a popular product with dealers. However, some dealers are still unimpressed with its potential. As one put it, "l get rid of a lot of lattice. Most of it isswept out the back door as trash."

The dealer who believes this needs to get with it. Super, heavy, tough and durable are replacing the words often used to describe lattice in the past. Products designed to be durable with little maintenance are earning a new reputation for lattice.

Much of today's lattice product is made of pressure treated southern pine or western wood, cedar, redwood,Douglas fir and hemlock/pine.

Several manufacturers including T. R. Miller are producing super duty lattice using pressure treated material. Wider than average slats are being used as well as the traditionaf narrow slat. Measuring 2t/2" in width. these have a thickness of approximately 1" at the intersection where the slats cross. Manufactured in a 4x8 panel, the material carries a lifetime Wolmanized guarantee against wood rot and decay. lt can be used for fencing as well as lattice.

Burns, Morris & Stewart also produces lattice in treated southern pine. Both their treated and untreated lattice is glued as well as stapled at the intersections. Panel sizesare 4x8 and 2x8.

Woodway by LWO Corp. offers either a square or diamond design in regular or heavy strength as part of their quality program. Cedar, redwood, Douglas fir,hemlock/pine and treated woods are available.

Vinyl lattice is fabricated with foamed polyvinyl chloride with joints chemically welded. White or colors are available, eliminating the need for painting. A special heavy duty product is made for usesubjected to loads and impact.

Although vinyl lattice sells for about a third more than wood lattice. "retailers turn their inventory as frequently as 25 times a yearand make gross profits up to $1,380 per net square foot of floor area per year," according to Susan Boyd at Cross Industries in Atlanta, Ga. The product averages 8006 repeat customers.

Story at a Glance

New lattice products more durable, easier to sell pressure treated material carries lifetime guarantee...vinyl eliminates painting, maintenance.

An estimated 9 million panels of lattice are usedeachyear in outdoor applications such as porch and stair railngs, fences, arbors, screen walls and foundation screens for houses and mobile homes. With new. improved products and quality control, this figure is due to grow.

lf a dealer's not part of the profit picture, he needs to do his homework.