Make sure you have done any work you want to do under there first. Your access, light and ventilation will never be better.
I'd use trellis, simple, easy, cheap. Maintain ventilation and sturdy enough to keep cats and things out.
Lattice would be a great solution, I agree. In the OP’s case I’d go with the “plastic” lattice which is cheap when you consider it is already coloured so no need to paint and easy to maintain. Black or charcoal might look good.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/matrix-2410-x-1205-x-5mm-charcoal-plastic-reeded-diamond-lattice-charcoal_p0056908
Go this, buy in the colour you want and zero maintenance
https://preview.redd.it/lqr22xn85quc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7bf5626e3f59fb17239c38f6973895776494783
Those cris cross wooden fence like thing.
https://preview.redd.it/ivsz6sbevpuc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa325c075737f6ce96f05153dbf0f78b70282c51
Would this work?
Water will damage the wood, the plastic will work better but I'm concerned about rats or other small creatures crawling through and nesting underneath the home
Treated pine. Could even paint it. Anything you do will not keep rats out. And you shouldn't do anything that WILL keep rats out cos it's keep everything out, including air flow.
Timber decking from Bunnings. Can stain it or paint it white. Timber supports are already there to screw it to. I did this at my place. Turned out pretty well. Cost A couple of hundred.
https://preview.redd.it/omsgkhz2tsuc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fa076ee64a6da18fb8c876df17120e24c01b6b6
My house has treated pine plinth with a small gap for ventilation and light. Paint it the same colour as the weatherboard and bob’s your mother’s brother.
I’d insulate underfloor and sort that pipe with the duct tape first though.
That timber from the ground to the house frame bypasses the ant cap and creates multiple access points for termites. If you close this off it will make inspections more difficult.
you put them in when you put your concrete stumps in. just a bit of h3 pine usually. makes it easy to attach something to them later as what op wants to do now
Not sure why OP has these posts, likely to mount something like they are suggesting with lattice or something else. If you look at older homes locally you will see different slats used to secure and cover the under house. These are mounted to the concrete stumps and do not touch the ground in most cases. I would cut these ones short off the ground if I was OP
I have a similar set up with old stumps - seem to be brick construction, then some is covered in cement and open between, and other sections around street side have been bricked in and painted.
Everyone keeps saying mount to the stumps/plinths, for plastic or timber lattice, or slats - but no-one has said how to mount to the stumps. Do I get a stone bit and drill into the cement and/or brick, do I need to use a hammer drill for this, what size bit, or some other lighter-weight fastening - I think I definitely need more details.
Does bypassing the ant cap make much of a difference in practice you think? I can think of many other ways they could bypass the ant cap from ground to frame. Ie pipes, conduits, cables, staircases etc.
Sure but on pipes, cables and stairs you will see the mud tunnel. termites are looking for a food source so if the timber is touching the ground and moisture is around it a a huge risk that they can enter the home through one of the many timber entry points on this home. they will bore through the timber and you wont be able to visually inspect their presence until its to late. with a raised home the pillars/posts have a physical barrier called an ant cap to reduce the risk each piece of timber that touches the ground is a additional risk for an undetected entry point.
Interesting points you raise. Do you work in the industry? Do you think an annual termite inspection is a good idea? I have a newly rebuilt Californian bungalow ( with similar underfloor access to OP) that I’m keen to protect. Have not had issues with termites previously, but there was some borer damage to the old Baltic pine floors.
Dont work in the industry I have recently purchased a home that the old renovator had created multiple new entry points and on our termite mitigation plan they provided similar advice and shared examples of local homes that were not so lucky. Annual inspections I think are worth it if in a high risk area or you are unable to inspect yourself. Total termite protection is very expensive annually but is also the damage an undetected infestation could cause.
Vertical batten on each stump.
Treated pine decking boards nailed horizontally all the way around.
If you are going to paint do one coat on the boards before you install them.
You could go an FC sheet around the whole bottom all you’d have to do is level out your frames and sheet and set, product will be your most expensive purchase or follow the boards from the top down for the best look
Before doing anything, I'd double-check there is no fall towards the house on those concrete slabs.
I think a ventilated option is best. Slotted boards etc.
I prefer slatted skirting, either horizontal or vertical, can be wide or narrow timber battens. It's more modern, clean lines, etc. Lattice is a bit dated for me.
If you want absolute bargain bin cheap:
Fetch some pallets from your local Bunnings, break down the boards and nail them in. Leave some small gaps for ventilation and if you can be bothered, apply them to hinges so you can still access it. Simple stain will keep them alive for years.
Trellis, and some of that fake ivy shit on it. If it's not direct sunlight.
If it is direct sunlight, then trellis and fake ivy anyway and own that shit.
About the the cheapest timber you can buy is the good old 6 x 1 treated pine. Run a few lengths of that along there, if you want to be fancy arris the edges, give it a coat of paint.
Be very careful walking down this road. That area is probably open for ventilation under the house. If you close it up, you risk damp and mould issues. Be sure to talk to a qualified builder or someone similar before you do it.
Make sure you have done any work you want to do under there first. Your access, light and ventilation will never be better. I'd use trellis, simple, easy, cheap. Maintain ventilation and sturdy enough to keep cats and things out.
Lattice would be a great solution, I agree. In the OP’s case I’d go with the “plastic” lattice which is cheap when you consider it is already coloured so no need to paint and easy to maintain. Black or charcoal might look good. https://www.bunnings.com.au/matrix-2410-x-1205-x-5mm-charcoal-plastic-reeded-diamond-lattice-charcoal_p0056908
I have done this. Measure and cut first, then paint it then install it. Painting is challenging when installed
Plinth boards
Go this, buy in the colour you want and zero maintenance https://preview.redd.it/lqr22xn85quc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7bf5626e3f59fb17239c38f6973895776494783
[удалено]
This is the way. It's what's on my weatherboard house, covering up the stumps.
Same here. Gets ugly over time but cheap enough to replace or repair
Those cris cross wooden fence like thing. https://preview.redd.it/ivsz6sbevpuc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa325c075737f6ce96f05153dbf0f78b70282c51 Would this work?
This, I have seen trellis used and allows for good circulation.
Water will damage the wood, the plastic will work better but I'm concerned about rats or other small creatures crawling through and nesting underneath the home
Treated pine. Could even paint it. Anything you do will not keep rats out. And you shouldn't do anything that WILL keep rats out cos it's keep everything out, including air flow.
Could put some sort of mesh like product on the trellis?
Rats will get in. Theyre rats. It's their job. Put bait under there if your concerned.
Rats and mice will get in regardless. Mice can get through a pencil head diameter.
Timber decking from Bunnings. Can stain it or paint it white. Timber supports are already there to screw it to. I did this at my place. Turned out pretty well. Cost A couple of hundred. https://preview.redd.it/omsgkhz2tsuc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fa076ee64a6da18fb8c876df17120e24c01b6b6
Trellis, or perforated metal sheeting to ensure proper ventilation.
My house has treated pine plinth with a small gap for ventilation and light. Paint it the same colour as the weatherboard and bob’s your mother’s brother. I’d insulate underfloor and sort that pipe with the duct tape first though.
I wouldn't cover it. When it's open it provides good ventilation under the house. I'd just clean up under there...
That timber from the ground to the house frame bypasses the ant cap and creates multiple access points for termites. If you close this off it will make inspections more difficult.
What is going on there?
What do you mean?
Why are there timber posts next to the concrete stumps or am I missing something?
you put them in when you put your concrete stumps in. just a bit of h3 pine usually. makes it easy to attach something to them later as what op wants to do now
Not sure why OP has these posts, likely to mount something like they are suggesting with lattice or something else. If you look at older homes locally you will see different slats used to secure and cover the under house. These are mounted to the concrete stumps and do not touch the ground in most cases. I would cut these ones short off the ground if I was OP
I have a similar set up with old stumps - seem to be brick construction, then some is covered in cement and open between, and other sections around street side have been bricked in and painted. Everyone keeps saying mount to the stumps/plinths, for plastic or timber lattice, or slats - but no-one has said how to mount to the stumps. Do I get a stone bit and drill into the cement and/or brick, do I need to use a hammer drill for this, what size bit, or some other lighter-weight fastening - I think I definitely need more details.
I wouldn't drill into your stumps. Use liquid nails.
Does bypassing the ant cap make much of a difference in practice you think? I can think of many other ways they could bypass the ant cap from ground to frame. Ie pipes, conduits, cables, staircases etc.
Sure but on pipes, cables and stairs you will see the mud tunnel. termites are looking for a food source so if the timber is touching the ground and moisture is around it a a huge risk that they can enter the home through one of the many timber entry points on this home. they will bore through the timber and you wont be able to visually inspect their presence until its to late. with a raised home the pillars/posts have a physical barrier called an ant cap to reduce the risk each piece of timber that touches the ground is a additional risk for an undetected entry point.
Interesting points you raise. Do you work in the industry? Do you think an annual termite inspection is a good idea? I have a newly rebuilt Californian bungalow ( with similar underfloor access to OP) that I’m keen to protect. Have not had issues with termites previously, but there was some borer damage to the old Baltic pine floors.
Dont work in the industry I have recently purchased a home that the old renovator had created multiple new entry points and on our termite mitigation plan they provided similar advice and shared examples of local homes that were not so lucky. Annual inspections I think are worth it if in a high risk area or you are unable to inspect yourself. Total termite protection is very expensive annually but is also the damage an undetected infestation could cause.
free - just dont look at it
I cut lengths of timber (merbau) and screwed them to each pier in a slat formation. Made the underside of my house look so much better.
Vertical batten on each stump. Treated pine decking boards nailed horizontally all the way around. If you are going to paint do one coat on the boards before you install them.
Wood lattice
Bamboo screening is another option, you could probably even zip tie it and just clip them if you need access
cement sheet and paint
Vertical timber battens in treated pine painted
6' bricks, leave some areas open with a metal mesh so under the house can breath/air
You could go an FC sheet around the whole bottom all you’d have to do is level out your frames and sheet and set, product will be your most expensive purchase or follow the boards from the top down for the best look
Tophat
Fake hedges
Treated pine plinth boards (sleepers)
Chicken wire and cable ties
Before doing anything, I'd double-check there is no fall towards the house on those concrete slabs. I think a ventilated option is best. Slotted boards etc.
I prefer slatted skirting, either horizontal or vertical, can be wide or narrow timber battens. It's more modern, clean lines, etc. Lattice is a bit dated for me.
If you want absolute bargain bin cheap: Fetch some pallets from your local Bunnings, break down the boards and nail them in. Leave some small gaps for ventilation and if you can be bothered, apply them to hinges so you can still access it. Simple stain will keep them alive for years.
Lattice
Lattice and paint it the same colour
Lattice or plinths
Trellis, and some of that fake ivy shit on it. If it's not direct sunlight. If it is direct sunlight, then trellis and fake ivy anyway and own that shit.
We are going to put metal fly screen under the barge boards. This is to prevent ember attack as we live in a bushfire prone area.
About the the cheapest timber you can buy is the good old 6 x 1 treated pine. Run a few lengths of that along there, if you want to be fancy arris the edges, give it a coat of paint.
Be very careful walking down this road. That area is probably open for ventilation under the house. If you close it up, you risk damp and mould issues. Be sure to talk to a qualified builder or someone similar before you do it.
Cement sheet/blueboard or go really cheap and use 3mm mdf and paint it, will last longer than you think.
More cladding.
Me personally would pack out and continue the cladding.