Joan - Author
Here we share our deck skirting ideas guide with the best materials to use, benefits, maintenance and designs.
There are many things you need to consider when building an elevated deck, one element of an elevated deck that many people don’t automatically realize is a part of their plans is what type of desk skirting should you have.
What Is Deck Skirting
Deck skirting is basically a wall or “skirt” that is placed around the parameter of your elevated deck. The main goal of deck skirting is to enclose and hide the underside of your deck.
Generally, the proper deck skirting to use for your deck depends on the style of the deck. Most deck owners decide to add deck skirting that will match the material that their deck is made of.
However, some deck owners look to make a statement with their deck skirting, using contrasting skirting materials to make the deck stand out.
Deck Skirting Materials: Seven Best Options
One of the most important things to consider, whether you want deck skirting that matches your deck or contrasts with it, is what material the deck skirting ideas you consider are made of.
The deck skirting material that you choose to use will go a long way to create the “look” that you want for your deck.
Wood
Some deck owners choose to use solid wood boards for their deck skirting. Commonly, solid wood boards are either installed horizontally or vertically.
Vertical wooden boards, especially if they look “rough” or are unfinished are a great option if you are going for a rustic feel to your deck.
However, if you have a short deck, installing solid wood boards vertically will make your deck appear taller. See more wood deck designs here.
Wood Lattice
A lattice is basically created by crisscrossing strips of material. The end result is grid with diamond shaped openings.
Wood lattice deck skirting is an attractive way to accent your deck and hide the underside. It also allows for better air circulation. One disadvantage of wood lattice deck skirting compared to solid wood is that they are more fragile.
Composite
Deck skirting can also be made of composite material. You can basically use composite material the way you would solid wood boards or even use it to create lattice work.
Composite materials are rising in popularity as decking material because of the fact that, while it can be made to resemble wood, it is sturdier.
Composite materials are weather resistant and stain resistant. However, they can get slippery when wet.
Metal
There are also other creative ways to use metal as a deck skirting material. Sheet metal can come cut in attractive or fanciful patterns, including into lattice work. You can also paint metal deck skirting, so it a very customizable option.
Take note, however, if you decide to use metal as a deck skirting material you need to make sure it is rust-resistant.
Plants
This is a cool way to create a deck skirt; however it can be high maintenance. You’re going to have to keep the plants alive and healthy as well as trim them regularly.
Brick
The biggest disadvantage of using brick is that they tend to be difficult to install. Brick deck skirting isn’t really a DIY project and you might need to hire a mason. This makes a brick one of the more expensive deck skirting materials.
Faux Stone
Faux stone is becoming a popular material for deck skirting because of its versatility. They are available in a variety of styles that mimic the look and feel of real stone. If you are going for a rustic or country look, this is a great material to use.
Faux stone is as durable as natural stone but light-weight and easier to work with. As a result, it is more cost effective to use faux stone then it would be to use real stone or bricks.
Deck Skirting Design
There are several functions that your deck skirting design can serve, aside from aesthetics.
• Storage
One good reason to build deck skirting is to turn the space underneath your deck into extra storage space. Keep in mind however, is its still outdoors so you don’t want to store something that is sensitive to damp or dirt. 
• Keep Out Animals
Installing deck skirting will prevent animals such as raccoons, squirrels, or skunks from using the underside of your backyard deck as a nest or burrow.
• Ventilation
Ventilation is also an important function of deck skirting. The type of ventilation that you need will depend on the deck material.
If you have a wood lattice, the design will naturally offer good airflow. You might, however, want to install mesh under the latticework to keep animals out.
If you use solid wood boards, leave at least one inch of space between the boards to get proper ventilation.
The need for ventilation is one reason why brick and faux stone are more expensive than other deck materials. You will have to install a vent system to keep the area properly ventilated.
Deck Skirting Maintenance
However, in general, here’s what you need to do to maintain your deck skirting ideas.
Cleaning
What ever deck skirting material you use will need to be cleaned, the difference comes in how often they need cleaning.
Wood and wood lattice deck skirting is probably the most difficult to maintain, aside from plants.
Weatherproofing
In addition to cleaning, deck skirting will probably need you to apply and reapply weather-proofing to keep the wood from warping and weathering.
Composite material, brick, and faux stone are probably the sturdiest and easiest to maintain. All you will need to do is clean them every now and them with just some warm water and soap.
As long as you make sure that metal deck skirting is rust and weather proof, you can probably get away with only the occasional cleaning (again warm water and soap).
If you decide to paint the metal, however, you might have to repaint it every now and then as well as maybe apply some weather proofing.
For more related designs visit our gallery of deck railing ideas.
