Does the space beneath your deck look worn, cluttered, or just plain unfinished? Deck skirting provides a smart, attractive solution, transforming that overlooked area into a clean, cohesive feature. A high-quality skirt helps conceal utilities and storage, keeps pests at bay, improves ventilation, and significantly boosts curb appeal, while harmonizing with your house’s design
Looking for a deck skirting design that will blend well with your home’s overall architecture? Then, you are at the right place. The blog explores various creative deck skirting ideas that can give your home a professional finish, regardless of its style.
Deck Skirting: Understanding The Concept
Deck skirting refers to a barrier or skirt that surrounds the lower perimeter of your deck’s substructure. The barrier closes off and hides your deck’s underside. Today, most homeowners opt for DIY deck skirting. The skirting serves a functional purpose, such as providing storage, and acts as a protective screen to keep pests from the underneath areas.
Traditional deck skirting options included the use of materials like wood, but today, homeowners are looking for modern options like composite materials and cellular PVC wraps. These options enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of your home. These materials resist weathering and insect damage, offering long-term solutions with minimal maintenance.
Best Skirting Materials for Your Deck
Before you start investing in a deck skirting, having a basic understanding of the various materials used will be helpful. This helps in simplifying the design and the project cost. With the knowledge of the materials used, you can give your deck skirting a unique combination of materials for your desired look.
Wood Lattice
Wood lattice stands as one of the most popular and traditional skirting materials. The technique effectively conceals your under-deck space while allowing air ventilation. Experts making skirting out of wood lattice use overlapping panels, creating a grid of square openings. If you are looking for an affordable option in wood, it is the best choice compared to solid wood skirting.
Composite
Composite skirting involves two or more building materials to create a new, sturdier material. It can be made from a hybrid blend of wood fiber (or wood flour) and plastic, often polypropylene or polyethylene, sometimes reinforced with cement or resin, composite skirting mimics the grain and warmth of wood without its maintenance drawbacks
Brick
Looking for a skirting material that comes with low maintenance yet is durable and weatherproof? Choosing brick for your deck skirting is ideal. Although it can be a difficult installation process, you require an expert for the job, making it an expensive option.
Metal
Want to give your space a modern or industrial vibe? Metal deck skirting is the best choice. They are best for keeping away animals from underneath, offering good storage and ventilation with the use of panels.
Stone or Stone Veener
Stone skirting, whether using real quarried stone (e.g. granite, limestone, slate) or lighter manufactured stone veneer, adds a grounded, architectural character to your deck edge, anchoring the design while integrating beautifully with masonry or foundation textures. Real stone is extremely durable but heavy and costly to install, whereas modern veneer panels replicate realistic rock profiles at far less weight and expense.
Top 8 Popular Deck Skirting Ideas
Horizontal Wood Deck Skirting
While there are several deck skirting ideas, horizontal wooden boards are a popular choice. You can paint them to match the rest of your deck or home. Additionally, you can even customise it to fit the desired height or length. These skirtings are ideal to keep away pests inhabiting the under-deck area.
Vertical Wood Deck Skirting
Traditional, vertical wooden boards give your deck a clean and modern look. Besides, they offer proper airflow and ventilation. When installed correctly, vertical wood deck skirting adds charm and functionality to your outdoor living space.
Narrow Board Skirting
If you are looking to create a neat and modern look, you can use narrow wooden slats for your deck skirting. It will significantly reduce the cost of the project. It’s best suited for small decks.
Composite Deck Skirting
Built using wider planks without the fear of warping or sagging, this style is well-suited for modern decks. Besides, since these are resistant to rotting, you will not require doing all the routine maintenance essential for wood deck skirts. Moreover, this comes in a variety of colours and textures, allowing you to choose from a wide range of designs. Most of these skirts come in a conventional box style. Hence, you chose the same composite material for deck and skirting, and fit a thick railing, making the deck stand out.
Wood and Stone Deck Skirting
The combination of wood and stone offers your deck an appealing contrast, adding texture to your deck design. If you are planning to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your deck, adding stone pillars is the best choice. Choose two different sizes of wood lattice for enhancing the visual appeal.
Faux Stone Deck Skirting
Stone deck skirting is another way to enhance the look and feel of your deck. Besides creating a polished look, it’s an excellent way to hide the unsightly area present under your deck. Stone is a durable and long-lasting material, and can withstand the elements. It adds a unique value to your home. If you are looking for something unique, you can choose from multiple options that match your needs, taste and overall décor. Whether you want to create a cosy retreat or a luxurious entertaining space, nothing can beat the beauty and style of stone deck skirting.
Shaker Shingles Deck Skirting
Looking to add a stylish and functional element to your outdoor area? Choose a skirting made from cedar shaker shingles. This unique style of skirting will give your deck a timeless and classic look, complementing a variety of deck styles and designs. With these skirting styles, you give your space a curb appeal and functionality.
Tips for Choosing Your Deck Skirting
When choosing your deck skirting, you must consider the key elements. These include the following:
Materials
You can make a deck skirting using a variety of materials. However, some materials work best for your skirt. These include wood, PVC, composite, stone and brick. Each of these comes with its own set of merits and demerits. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your demands and preferences.
Maintenance
Some materials require regular deck maintenance. If you are looking for inexpensive deck skirting ideas, opt for a skirting option that requires limited maintenance, such as PVC or composite skirting.
Function
Your skirt offers visual and practical benefits. If you frequently host gatherings on your deck, a skirting option that opens up the space is the best choice. You can opt for a wraparound staircase or opt for a layer of landscaping.
Ventilation
If you opt for wood decks, ensure they have proper ventilation to prevent moisture and water damage. Ensure that your skirting design allows adequate airflow, keeping the wood dry and healthy.
Cost
Some options are affordable than others. If you have a tight budget, it’s essential to conduct research and investigate various options, ensuring that your project is within the budget. Do not forget to consider the long-term costs, maintenance and benefits of the materials.
On a final note, enhancing your deck’s functionality, style and lifespan with skirting is an essential and smart investment. When you select a skirting option that fits your personal taste and budget, you create an attractive and practical outdoor living space.
Mithali Konety