Raised decks without deck skirting are fine, but many homeowners don’t want to show off what’s under their decks. Whether it’s unruly weeds or garden tools, adding skirting can make your deck look more uniform and sharp.
Many don’t often think twice about skirting, but it does make a big difference. Whether it’s lattice or wood planks, skirting covers the open underside of a deck that everyone can see. Let’s take a look at when and why deck skirting makes sense to add to your deck and some affordable ways to make it work on your deck.
Does Deck Skirting Matter?
The main reason homeowners choose deck skirting is that it helps the overall look of the deck come together. Skirting hides open gaps and exposed beams beneath the deck while eliminating clutter to produce a uniform appearance that improves the property’s curb appeal. The choice of material and design for skirting can harmonize with or provide contrast to your deck style, thereby serving as an extension of your home’s personality.
But it’s not just about looks. Deck skirting provides practical functionality for storage purposes. The space under the deck, which could be ignored as wasted space, transforms into an ideal storage area for gardening tools and seasonal decorations. The correct skirting allows you to implement a lockable access panel to ensure security and organization for your items. Deck skirting offers utility enhancements while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
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Deck skirting can keep some animals and pests from setting up camp under your deck (but not at all; there are some that can make most anything work). Raccoons, skunks, or stray cats may be kept out if the skirting is done right. It might also help to provide some protection from moisture and mold with the added airflow.
The safety benefits of deck skirting make it a valuable addition for families with children or pets. A closed deck area ensures that children and curious pets don’t wander underneath the deck. Deck skirting can also help people avoid uneven surfaces, as they could trip close to the deck’s edge.
So, why not absolutely necessary, adding deck skirting to your deck does help. Let’s take a look at eight affordable options.
Affordable Skirting Options
1. Traditional Lattice Panels
Lattice is one of the most well-known options for deck skirts. It’s classic. The crisscross design of the panels brings a delicate and elegant look to deck bases commonly seen in vintage homes and cottages. The crisscross pattern keeps any items you’re storing under the deck hidden while still letting air through.
Homeowners appreciate lattice panels because they are simple to personalize. Long Island homeowners like it for the crisp white paint that gives off a coastal look, but add some dark stain, and you’ve got a rustic look. Lattice serves as a natural trellis for plants and vines to climb when positioned near a deck edge.
2. Vertical Wood Plank Skirting
The appearance of horizontal wood planks extending vertically around a deck’s base is another affordable option. The deck design creates a strong visual impact by directing attention to its base, where structure and power are highlighted through skirting.
People who desire to match their deck boards with the skirt material often choose a single wood type for both elements to achieve a unified appearance. Vertical lines enhance the perception of height, which becomes especially noticeable in taller decks or when standing against horizontal yard elements. DIY enthusiasts will find this skirting solution easy to install.
3. Horizontal Slat Skirting
Horizontal slat skirting should be your preferred selection if you prefer modern design aesthetics. Imagine your backyard transformed with designer-inspired open spaces and clean lines. Slatted designs enable airflow and maintain sufficient coverage to hide stored items.
The spacing between the slats determines whether the skirting appears airy and open or provides more privacy with a more enclosed feel. To achieve this aesthetic appearance, homeowners prefer composite or treated wood, which they enhance with striking stain colors and finishes. The design complements modern decks with smooth lines and minimal railing.
4. Faux Stone Veneer Skirting
Nothing says “custom built” like stonework. Real stone masonry requires too much time and money for many people. That’s where faux stone veneer comes in. It’s got the looks without the price. It’s easy to install as well.
Imagine a raised deck with stone-textured skirting that integrates seamlessly into both landscaped gardens and stone-sided homes. The space immediately gains upscale curb appeal while achieving a lasting high-end appearance. Faux stone materials offer durability and weather resistance. They’re low maintenance, too. It offers homeowners affordable luxury since it provides a high-end appearance without substantial expense.
5. Composite Deck Skirting
Composite deck skirting may be one of the more expensive options on this list of affordable options, but when you compare it to a material like brick, which can add up and be hard to install, it’s worth adding to the list.
Composite wood also is easy to maintain. You end up saving money over time. The installation process requires no sanding, staining, or sealing, so you can immediately appreciate its elegant and consistent appearance. Composite materials gain popularity in extreme climates because they maintain their appearance without fading or warping and remain free from insect damage.
RELATED: Composite Decking: 5 Things Long Island Homeowners Need to Know
6. Metal Skirting Panels
Metal panels have emerged as a popular design choice for decks that feature an industrial aesthetic. Steel and aluminum skirting panels are unique. You’ll want to make sure there are holes for ventilation.
Your design goals will determine whether you select panels with decorative patterns or straight lines, or choose panels with powder-coated finishes available in multiple colors. Skirting panels exhibit exceptional appeal when used on decks integrated with modern homes or urban renovation projects. This product offers functionality because it requires minimal maintenance yet remains durable enough to endure harsh weather without showing damage.
7. Living Plant Skirt
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. I’ve seen more and more homeowners use plants to naturally create deck skirts instead of conventional panels or walls. A deck base can become integrated with the surrounding landscape by wrapping it with tall grasses, dense shrubs, or cascading vines planted in boxes.
The natural skirt brings outstanding airflow while introducing vibrant color and a pleasant fragrance to outdoor spaces along with varied textures. This green solution grows with seasonal changes while bringing natural elements to built landscapes.
8. Decorative Privacy Screens
Deck skirting transcends simple concealment and serves as a visual statement piece. The base of your deck becomes a work of art through the use of decorative privacy screens crafted from laser-cut metal, wood carvings, or woven bamboo. The designs combine pattern and intrigue with options for complete or partial privacy coverage tailored to your needs.
These screens work great for urban houses and small yards because they work well when neighbors live nearby. The best feature of these screens is their customizability. Functionality and design combine perfectly in this creation.
Quick Summary
A deck skirt may not be something you have to add to your deck, but they do add in airflow and hide anything you have stored underneath. Plus, they do add a layer of safety. Keep pets and children from trying to explore under your deck. Make sure raccoons, skunks, and cats don’t have a spot to settle in.
You don’t have to break the bank to add in a deck skirt. The affordable options I share give you a nice look and the privacy you’re after.