PVC Lattice vs Trellis Screening: Clearing Up The Confusion Once And For All
There is a lot of confusion in the South African market around the words "lattice" and "trellis".
Many people use the terms incorrectly.
Some suppliers refer to diagonal diamond-pattern screening as "diamond lattice". Others call square-grid screening "square trellis".
At Value Fencing, we prefer to keep the terminology clear, practical and correct:
Lattice is square.
Trellis is diagonal.
That simple distinction helps homeowners, architects, contractors, developers and DIY clients choose the correct PVC screening style for their project.
What is the difference between lattice and trellis screening?
Lattice screening has square openings formed by horizontal and vertical strips. Trellis screening has diagonal strips that create a diamond-shaped pattern. In correct Value Fencing terminology, square-grid screening is lattice and diagonal diamond-pattern screening is trellis.
OVERVIEW
PVC lattice and trellis screening are often confused, but they are different styles. Lattice refers to square-grid screening, while trellis refers to diagonal diamond-pattern screening. Value Fencing offers custom PVC lattice and trellis screens with 22mm, 32mm, 50mm and 102mm apertures, supported by PVC 50x90mm slot rails, optional middle double slot rails, CNC-cut post notches, U-channel or framed finishes, DIY options and fully installed solutions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lattice is square.
- Trellis is diagonal.
- "Diamond lattice" is actually trellis.
- "Square trellis" is actually lattice.
- Value Fencing offers 22mm, 32mm, 50mm and 102mm apertures.
- Panels are supported by PVC 50x90mm slot rails.
- Middle double slot rails are available for taller or wider screens.
- Screens can be fully framed or finished with U-channel.
- DIY and fully installed options are available.
- 45 degree mitred and machine-welded corner pieces are available on request.
What Is PVC Lattice Screening?
PVC lattice screening is a square-grid screening style.
The openings run horizontally and vertically, creating a clean square pattern.
This makes lattice ideal for:
- Modern garden screening
- Decorative privacy screens
- Estate boundary features
- Patio screening
- Courtyard privacy
- Pool area screening
- Wall-top screening
- Architectural feature panels
Lattice creates a structured, neat and contemporary look.
Because the openings are square, it works especially well where a clean, ordered design is required.
What Is PVC Trellis Screening?
PVC trellis screening is a diagonal screening style.
The strips cross at an angle, usually creating a diamond-shaped pattern.
This is where many people become confused.
A diamond-shaped PVC screen is not "diamond lattice".
It is trellis.
Trellis screening is often chosen for:
- Garden features
- Climbing plant support
- Decorative outdoor screens
- Cottage-style homes
- Estate entrances
- Boundary wall features
- Patio screening
- Pergola side panels
Trellis gives a softer, more decorative appearance than square lattice.
It is also commonly associated with classic garden design.
The Correct Difference: Lattice vs Trellis
The easiest way to remember the difference is this:
Lattice = square pattern.
Trellis = diagonal diamond pattern.
There is no need to overcomplicate it.
If the screen has square openings, it is lattice.
If the screen has diagonal diamond-shaped openings, it is trellis.
Common Misconceptions
"Diamond lattice"
This term is commonly used, but it is not technically correct.
A diamond-shaped pattern is trellis.
"Square trellis"
This is also misleading.
A square-grid pattern is lattice.
"All decorative PVC screens are lattice"
Not correct.
Lattice and trellis are two different screening styles with different visual effects.
Why Correct Terminology Matters
Using the correct name matters because it helps avoid confusion during:
- Quoting
- Ordering
- Manufacturing
- Design approval
- Site planning
- DIY installation
- Architect specifications
- Developer documentation
When a client requests lattice, they should receive a square-grid screen.
When a client requests trellis, they should receive a diagonal diamond-pattern screen.
Clear terminology helps prevent costly misunderstandings.
Value Fencing PVC Lattice & Trellis Screening
Value Fencing offers custom-made PVC lattice and trellis screening solutions for residential, commercial, estate and architectural applications.
Our screening systems are designed to be attractive, durable, low-maintenance and suitable for South African outdoor conditions.
They can be used as:
- Wall-top privacy screens
- Garden screening panels
- Patio privacy screens
- Pergola side screens
- Pool area screens
- Estate feature panels
- Boundary wall extensions
- Decorative architectural panels
- DIY screening systems
- Fully installed custom screens
Custom Aperture Options
Value Fencing offers custom aperture sizes to suit different privacy, airflow and design requirements.
Available aperture options include:
- 22mm apertures
- 32mm apertures
- 50mm apertures
- 102mm apertures
Smaller apertures provide more privacy.
Larger apertures allow more airflow and visibility.
This flexibility makes it easier to match the screen design to the exact purpose of the project.
Choosing The Right Aperture Size
The best aperture size depends on the level of privacy, ventilation and visual style required.
22mm Apertures
Best for increased privacy and a tighter decorative appearance.
32mm Apertures
A balanced option for privacy, airflow and aesthetics.
50mm Apertures
Popular for decorative screening where airflow and light are important.
102mm Apertures
Best for bold architectural screens, open garden features and larger visual patterns.
Strong PVC Slot Rail Support
Value Fencing PVC lattice and trellis panels are supported using our PVC 50x90mm slot rails.
These rails help create a secure, neat and professional finish.
For taller screens or wider panels, an optional middle double slot rail can be used.
This is especially useful for:
- Screens higher than 1.5m
- Wider panel spans
- More exposed positions
- Stronger panel support
- Neater long-term alignment
The support structure is an important part of the screening system.
A good-looking panel still needs the correct frame, rails and posts to perform properly.
Framed Screen Options
Value Fencing screens can be finished in different ways depending on the project requirements.
Options include:
- Fully framed panels using PVC slot rail
- Simple U-channel framed screens
- Custom wall-top screen frames
- Garden panel frames
- Pergola side frames
- Standalone screen frames
Fully framed screens offer a stronger and more complete architectural finish.
U-channel options can work well for simpler, lighter applications.
Upright Post Options
Value Fencing offers different upright post options depending on screen size, exposure and design requirements.
Available upright post sizes include:
- 50x50mm posts
- 76x76mm posts
- 102x102mm posts
Posts are selected according to the height, width, fixing method and structural requirement of the screen.
CNC Precision Cut Notches
For a clean and accurate finish, Value Fencing upright posts can be CNC precision cut with notches for the slot rails.
This helps ensure:
- Cleaner rail alignment
- More accurate fitment
- Stronger visual consistency
- Neater manufacturing finish
- Better installation efficiency
Precision matters, especially where screens are used in premium homes, estates, architectural projects and commercial applications.
45 Degree Corner & End Pieces
Value Fencing can also manufacture 45 degree corner or end pieces on request.
These can be mitred and machine welded for a cleaner finish.
This is especially useful for:
- Corner screens
- Return sections
- Feature panels
- Architectural screens
- Custom garden layouts
- Complex wall-top installations
A machine-welded mitred corner gives a more professional finish than a rough on-site joint.
DIY Or Fully Installed Options
Value Fencing PVC lattice and trellis screening is available as:
- DIY supply options
- Fully installed solutions
- Custom manufactured panels
- Project-specific screening systems
DIY clients can order components and panels for selected applications.
Homeowners, estates, developers and commercial clients can also request professional installation through the Value Fencing network.
Why PVC Is Ideal For Lattice & Trellis Screening
PVC screening offers several advantages over many traditional screening materials.
No Routine Painting
PVC screening does not require ongoing repainting.
No Rust
PVC cannot rust or corrode.
Low Maintenance
Most screens only require occasional cleaning.
Clean White Finish
The white finish suits modern homes, gardens, estates and coastal properties.
Long-Term Outdoor Use
PVC is well suited to outdoor screening applications.
Customisable Designs
Panels can be manufactured to suit project-specific sizes and apertures.
Popular Uses For PVC Lattice Screening
PVC lattice is ideal for projects where a square, structured and modern look is preferred.
Common uses include:
- Wall-top screens
- Decorative garden panels
- Estate entrances
- Courtyard screening
- Patio privacy
- Pool screens
- Pergola sides
- Architectural screening
Popular Uses For PVC Trellis Screening
PVC trellis is ideal where a softer decorative style is required.
Common uses include:
- Garden screens
- Climbing plant panels
- Pergola side panels
- Feature walls
- Decorative estate screens
- Cottage-style privacy panels
- Boundary wall features
Which Is Better: Lattice Or Trellis?
Neither is better in every situation.
The right choice depends on the design goal.
Choose lattice if you want:
- A square-grid appearance
- A modern look
- Clean architectural lines
- Structured screening
- A neat contemporary finish
Choose trellis if you want:
- A diagonal diamond pattern
- A more decorative look
- A garden-style screen
- A softer visual effect
- A classic outdoor feature
Value Fencing Makes It Custom
Because Value Fencing systems are customisable, clients are not limited to one standard panel size or one standard aperture.
You can choose:
- Lattice or trellis pattern
- Aperture size
- Panel size
- Frame type
- Slot rail or U-channel
- Post size
- DIY or installed option
- Corner and end details
This makes the system suitable for both simple home projects and more detailed architectural installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lattice and trellis?
Lattice has square openings. Trellis has diagonal diamond-shaped openings.
Is diamond lattice the correct term?
No. A diamond-pattern screen is correctly referred to as trellis.
Is square trellis the correct term?
No. A square-grid screen is lattice.
Can Value Fencing make custom lattice and trellis panels?
Yes. Value Fencing offers custom-made PVC lattice and trellis screening with various aperture sizes and framing options.
What aperture sizes are available?
Value Fencing offers 22mm, 32mm, 50mm and 102mm aperture options.
Can the panels be framed?
Yes. Screens can be framed with PVC slot rail or finished with a simple U-channel depending on the application.
What rails support the panels?
Panels are supported by Value Fencing PVC 50x90mm slot rails, with optional middle double slot rail support for taller or wider screens.
Are DIY options available?
Yes. Value Fencing offers DIY options as well as fully installed solutions.
Can corner pieces be made?
Yes. 45 degree corner or end pieces are available on request and can be mitred and machine welded.
Why Choose Value Fencing PVC Lattice & Trellis Screening
Value Fencing offers custom PVC screening systems designed for South African homes, estates, gardens, patios, pools, pergolas and boundary walls.
Our PVC lattice and trellis screens are:
- Customisable
- Low maintenance
- Rust free
- Clean and modern
- Suitable for DIY or professional installation
- Available in multiple aperture sizes
- Supported by strong PVC slot rails
- Manufactured for neat, accurate fitment
Whether you need a square lattice screen or a diagonal trellis screen, Value Fencing helps you choose the correct product, the correct aperture, and the correct support system for your project.
Final Word: Lattice Is Square. Trellis Is Diagonal.
The simplest way to remember it is this:
Lattice is square.
Trellis is diagonal.
There is no such thing as "diamond lattice" in correct Value Fencing terminology.
There is no such thing as "square trellis" in correct Value Fencing terminology.
By using the correct names, clients, contractors, designers and installers can communicate clearly and achieve the right result the first time.
