Lattice

Lattice is a panel of thin wooden battens that cross diagonally or square-on to form a tight grid inside a wooden frame. On roof terracesFlat roof (roof terrace)The flat concrete roof on top of a building. It is the most common kind of roof in Greece and the part that takes the most sun and rain., balconies and yards it is used as a screen, behind railings to block the view from neighbouring buildings, around pergolasPergolaAn open shade structure in a garden, on a terrace or a roof, made of posts and beams with slats, reeds, fabric or plants on top. It is often made of wood., or to clad planters. It lets air and some light through.

Because it is made of many thin pieces, lattice has a lot of surface exposed to sun and rain, and water sits where the battens cross. That's why it needs regular varnishVarnishA clear or semi-transparent finish for wood that lets the grain show through and protects it from sun, rain and wear. or another finish, which has to reach every batten and every crossing.

If a batten has gone soft or broken, varnish won't solve it: it needs repairing first. Lattice that is maintained in time usually just needs cleaning, a light sandingSandingSmoothing a surface with sandpaper or a power sander to remove bumps, loose old paint or gloss, so the new paint or varnish grips well and comes out smooth. and a fresh finish.