12 Stylish and Practical Deck Skirting Ideas

Deck skirting is an essential element for any raised deck, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Whether you’re looking to protect the substructure of your deck from animals, mold, and moisture or enhance the overall design of your outdoor living space, deck skirting provides a clean and practical solution. In this article, we will explore various ideas for skirting a deck that can refresh your deck’s appearance and functionality.

What is Deck Skirting

Deck skirting involves adding a “skirt” around the substructure of your deck to hide its underside. This not only extends the deck’s life by providing additional protection but also presents an opportunity to unify and enhance the feel of your outdoor space. While deck skirting covers the vertical space from the deck surface to the ground, it is different from deck fascia, which covers the wood perimeter joist of the deck frame.

Traditional deck skirting materials include wood, but modern options like composite materials and cellular PVC wraps offer enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal. These materials resist weathering and insect damage, providing long-term solutions with minimal maintenance.

Deck Skirting Ideas

1. Composite Deck Skirting

Composite deck skirting is ideal for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance solution without sacrificing the natural look of wood. Composite materials are highly resistant to weathering and insects, ensuring that your deck remains fresh and well-maintained year-round. The durability of composite skirting means you can enjoy a beautiful deck without the frequent upkeep required by traditional wood.

2. PVC Wraps

PVC wraps offer a crisp, clean finish that matches your home’s trim. These wraps are highly resistant to fading, staining, moisture, and mildew, providing a durable and attractive skirting option. PVC wraps are perfect for homeowners seeking a uniform look that ties together their deck and home exterior.

3. Under Deck Living Space

Elevated decks offer valuable square footage underneath that can be transformed into a ground-level living space. Adding pavers and outdoor lounge seating creates a cozy area for gatherings. Partial skirting can enhance privacy while maintaining an open and airy feel. This design provides a secluded space for relaxation, perfect for unwinding away from the main deck area.

4. Latticework Panels

Latticework panels are a timeless and versatile choice for deck skirting. Their distinctive crisscross design not only masks unattractive areas beneath your deck but also supports climbing plants, fostering a harmonious coexistence between your deck and garden. Lattice panels are cost-effective and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.

5. Slat Fencing

Horizontal or vertical slats bring a streamlined, modern aesthetic to your deck decor. The simplicity of their design leaves room for individual interpretation, providing flexibility for homeowners. You can use multiwidth boards to create unique patterns and designs that help your deck stand out. Slat fencing is also effective in providing privacy and shading.

6. Stone Skirting

Stone skirting can set your deck apart from others, offering an equally stylish alternative to wood and composite materials. With stone, you can create a personalized look that adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. While as durable as wood and composite materials, stone offers a unique, custom look that will impress.

7. Plank Fencing

Opting for planks that match or complement your deck surface can achieve a harmonious, visually pleasing look. Whether you decide to go with natural wood or manufactured materials, coordinating your skirting with your deck enhances the overall design and can make your outdoor space appear larger and more cohesive. Deck boards, which offer a similar look to planks, are thicker and more durable, making them a better choice for longevity.

8. Under Deck Storage

With a well-thought-out design, your deck skirting can double as concealed storage space. By installing a door within your skirting, you gain easy access to the under-deck area, creating a practical, hidden storage solution. Whether you’re stowing away gardening tools or outdoor furniture during off-seasons, this clever design adds significant utility to your deck.

9. Landscape Lining

Thoughtful landscaping can naturally hide your deck’s underside without the need for traditional skirting, while also enhancing your home’s overall appeal. However, maintaining an adequate distance between plants and wooden supports is crucial to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup, which can cause rot. Landscaping provides a natural and seamless integration with your outdoor environment.

10. Decorative Panels

For those wanting to inject a bit of personality into their outdoor space, decorative panels are an ideal choice for deck skirting. With a wide variety of unique designs and cutouts available, panels allow you to express your personal style while also serving the functional purpose of protecting your deck’s structure from the elements. Decorative panels can be made from various materials, including metal, wood, and composite.

11. Brick Skirting

Brick skirting lends a warm, classic aesthetic to your deck. Whether you want it to blend with a brick exterior or create a striking contrast with wood and greenery, brick skirting makes a bold statement. It’s a timeless option that brings a sense of history and character to your deck design. Brick is also highly durable and low maintenance.

12. Stairs as Skirting

For low-profile decks, wraparound stairs offer an elegant and practical solution to skirting. They provide a seamless transition from your deck to your yard, eliminating any concerns about the deck’s underside. This design combines aesthetics and practicality, creating a smooth flow that enhances the overall look of your outdoor space while ensuring the health and longevity of your deck.

How to Choose Your Deck Skirting

– Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for wood decks to prevent moisture and water damage. Ensure your skirting design allows for adequate airflow to keep the wood dry and healthy.

– Maintenance

Some deck skirting ideas can significantly reduce regular deck maintenance. If you want to decrease manual upkeep, consider a skirting option that requires limited maintenance, like composite or PVC skirting.

– Function

Skirting can have both practical and visual benefits. If you want to entertain or host gatherings on your deck, consider a skirting option that opens up your space, like wraparound stairs or a carefully considered layer of landscaping.

– Cost

Some skirting options are more affordable than others. Do some research before investing in skirting to ensure the project is within your budget. Consider the long-term costs and benefits of different materials.

– Materials

Deck skirting is relatively flexible in terms of the variety of material options. Some materials that work well for skirting include wood, PVC, composite, stone, and brick. Each material has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, so choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Advantages of Composite Decking

– Design Variety

Composite decking offers a wide range of colors, realistic grain patterns, and innovative options that mimic the look of natural wood. This allows for creative and personalized deck designs.

– Long-term Value

Opting for composite decking reduces maintenance costs compared to traditional wood. Composite materials are more durable and require less frequent replacement, providing better value over time.

– Performance

Composite decking typically lasts longer than wood, with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years compared to wood’s 10 to 15 years. This extended lifespan, combined with industry-leading warranties, makes composite decking a reliable and long-lasting choice.

Conclusion

Enhancing deck functionality, style, and lifespan with skirting is a smart investment for any homeowner. By selecting a skirting option that fits your personal taste and budget, you can create a beautiful and practical outdoor living space. Contact a professional to bring your ideas for skirting a deck to life and transform your deck into a stunning and functional area for relaxation and entertainment.