Home Garden

Three Deck Skirting Solutions

The design variations for decks are almost endless, and that’s also the case for accessories and trim work. A short deck that is low to the ground will only require a plain board skirt to cover the area between the ground and the deck flooring. An elevated deck, or a multi-level deck, requires more coverage for this area for aesthetic and practical reasons. A couple of the most important reasons for skirting a deck include creating a finished look and keeping animals out. Many materials offer creative deck skirting solutions.

  1. Lattice

    • Lattice is an inexpensive and attractive deck skirting option. Its open design allows air circulation under the deck and the criss-crossed slats are decorative. Lattice is easy to work with and can be painted or stained in any shade desired. It looks nice simply secured to the front of deck supports or framed for a more formal appearance. Lattice is available in polyvinyl materials that don’t weather or break as easily as thinner wood lattice for more durable deck skirting.

    Vertical Boards

    • Vertical 1-inch by 6-inch boards are commonly used for deck and stair skirting. They can be used for low or higher decks to enclose the area underneath, keeping out animals and covering the supports under the deck. For odd-sized skirting needs, use 1-inch by 6-inch vertical boards with 1-inch by 2-inch vertical boards, or 1-inch by 4-inch boards, to cover the opening around the underside of the deck floor.

    Vertical Boards and Lattice

    • For taller decks that require larger skirts and more skirting material, combine boards and lattice. Create a decorative look by using several stacked 1-inch by 6-inch vertical boards topped with lattice, or vertical lattice sandwiched in between vertical boards.

    Other Materials

    • Add a unique look to your deck by using corrugated tin or fiberglass as skirting. Corrugated fiberglass adds a modern touch to your outdoor deck. Match the skirting to decorative awnings above the deck or decorative panels or railings with the same materials. You can save money on your deck by using leftover or found materials if you have them on hand or know where to get them. Siding panels can be a good option for deck skirting, especially vinyl siding. If you have enough ends of boards from other projects, cut them into short uniform pieces and secure them together with corrugated fasteners into long skirting pieces. Separate old pallets, sand them and use them for skirting.