15 Inexpensive Deck Skirting Ideas

Want to enhance the aesthetics of your existing deck? Doing that doesn’t have to be expensive to the point where you’ll need to spend thousands, and that’s where inexpensive deck skirting ideas come into play.

By covering the open area beneath your deck, skirting provides a clean, cohesive look apart from offering protection from pests and the daily weather and elements—all without requiring a hefty sum of money.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 budget-friendly deck skirting ideas so you can achieve your aesthetic goals and transform your outdoor space into something extraordinary! 

Why Should You Have a Deck Skirt?

There are a myriad of reasons why you should have a deck skirt, here are some of the reasons why you’ll find a deck skirt definitely useful: 

Unsightly Areas 

If the area beneath your deck is an open space, it can affect the overall look of your yard and make it look messy. The exposed beams and structural pieces, such as screws and fasteners can create clutter.

Fortunately, a deck skirt can easily conceal these, transforming your deck’s messy look into a cleaner and more cohesive appearance. 

Pest Control and Prevention

A deck skirt also helps prevent the entrance of pests into your home through the underside of your deck. By blocking their access to the deck, you can reduce the risk of large insects entering, which also reduces the chances of infestations.

With deck skirts, you can also prevent damage to your decks, especially when you have a wooden deck that is susceptible to termite infestation. 

Safety and Risk Reduction

Skirting can also help minimize the safety risks that an open space in your deck could pose. If you have toddlers and pets, skirts are really helpful to protect them from getting tripped or stuck between the open space and the deck.

When you opt for skirting, you add an extra layer of safety to your outdoor space. 

Enhanced Aesthetics 

Aside from function, skirting can elevate the messy look of your deck into something more cohesive and stylish. By opting for a skirting that complements your existing deck’s design, you can create a good balance between the two, resulting in better aesthetics. 

Increased Property Value

Investing in deck skirting can also increase your home’s value, which is beneficial if you’re planning to sell your property sooner or later. A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing deck, along with its skirting can significantly boost curb appeal—making it attractive to potential buyers. 

Materials Used in Deck Skirting 

Inexpensive deck skirting ideas will not be complete without exploring various material options. Skirting material options include metal, composite, vinyl, or wood, with each material possessing different benefits.

As a note of advice, you can choose the material depending on the overall look you want to achieve, the durability you want, and whether you want a low-maintenance or high-maintenance material. 

15 Inexpensive Deck Skirt Ideas 

When it comes to improving your deck, you don’t have to spend too much to achieve a stylish and functional look. Here are 15 cheap deck skirt ideas to choose from:

Composite or WPC

Composite products, known commercially as wood plastic composite (WPC) are a great option if you need a budget-friendly deck skirting. These are known to mimic the look and feel of traditional wood but with added durability and less maintenance.

Here at Oakio, we offer a full range of composite products that are both cost-effective, long-lasting, and visually appealing. Our decking products are made with sustainability, durability, and aesthetics in mind, giving you a great deck skirting option. 

Wooden 

Using wooden skirting is also a good classic option for your skirting needs. Woods, like treated lumber or cedar, can effectively conceal the underside of your deck without needing a complex installation. They can be stained and painted to suit your existing exterior design. 

They can also be installed in simple panels, but if you need a more sophisticated design, you can opt to install them with intricate patterns. 

Wood Lattice 

Wood lattice panels are a great classic deck skirting idea. Though they can conceal the open space beneath your deck, they can still allow for ample ventilation—making your deck’s floor cool even with warm weather.

They can also be painted or stained to your preferences, just like traditional wood. They’re also easy to install and you can add one to your deck directly. 

Plants and Shrubs

Using plants and shrubs around the edge and base of your deck can also be an effective option. The plants and shrubs provide a visual barrier to cover the open space and provide a nature-inspired, welcoming look.

Opting for low-maintenance plants and shrubs is a good way to keep things tidy and beautiful. 

Stone and Brick 

If you need a more classic or traditional look but you don’t want wood, you can opt for a stone or a brick. Though this may seem pricey, you can use faux stone panels or brick panels to keep your budget intact without sacrificing the looks.

This option provides a sturdy but attractive skirt that works well to enhance your deck’s look. 

Fence 

In case you really have a tight budget and don’t have a lot of time to do the project, you can use a simple fence panel as your deck skirting. Wooden, vinyl, or even composite fences can be cut to match your deck’s base and act as the skirting.

This modern deck skirting idea is pretty cheap and doesn’t require complex installation. 

Synthetic Stone Wall Panels 

Synthetic stone panels are also an affordable option and a good alternative to real stone. These panels come in different colors, textures, and patterns which mimics the real look of natural stone without the hefty price tag.

These panels are also lightweight and easy to install, unlike real natural stones that are heavy and require a specialized installation process. 

Pallet Deck

You can also opt to repurpose old pallets to create a cost-effective deck skirt. Since they’re easy to disassemble and reassemble, you can fit them around to the base of your deck without much effort.

This DIY option is notoriously cheap, but not cheap enough to not make your deck look beautiful and cohesive.  

Black Vinyl Lattice 

These panels offer a modern look for your deck skirting. Since they are made of vinyl, they are durable, only need minimal maintenance, and can easily be cut to fit any size. The black aesthetics of the material can also provide a good contrast or balance to your existing deck design. 

Metal Lattice 

Metal lattice panels are also a good budget-friendly and durable deck skirting idea. Aesthetics-wise, these panels come in various designs and finishes, but you can also repaint them to match the color of your deck.

Being a metal panel, it’s resistant to weather and pest intrusion, making it a good choice when longevity is needed. 

Narrow Board 

You can also use narrow boards that you can choose to arrange either vertically or horizontally to create a deck skirt. This idea allows you a great deal of customization options, so you can experiment with different types of wood finishes or paint.

This is a cost-effective solution that offers both a modern touch and a straightforward appearance.

Trellis 

A trellis can also be used as deck skirting by installing it at the base of your deck. Though it has an open design, using a trellis should be supplemented by another idea to make sure the open space beneath your deck is fully concealed.

You can use some plants and shrubs together with a trellis to create a decorative and functional look. 

Bamboo Screening

Bamboo screening offers a budget and eco-friendly skirting solution. It adds a sense of warmth and a tropical touch while simultaneously providing a visual barrier to conceal the underneath of your deck.

Bamboo is also known for its durability, meaning you can use it for years to come. 

Fabric Panels 

You can also use fabric panels to use as skirting as they offer good versatility. You can choose weather-resistant fabrics to ensure longevity. They can be hung from a frame, but we suggest attaching them directly to the deck to secure it from heavy winds.

You can also choose to replace them with a different fabric of your choice since they’re easy to install and uninstall. 

Synthetic Rock (Polyurethane Foam)

Polyurethane foam disguised as synthetic rock panels can also mimic the look of natural rock without paying a few hundred dollars. These lightweight panels are easy to install and can be painted over—giving you design versatility.

They are also durable and look visually attractive, which is perfect for your skirting needs. 

How Much Does Deck Skirting Cost?

The cost of deck skirting varies depending on several factors involved. These factors are the choice of materials used, the size of the deck, the complexity of the design, and even labor costs if you opt for a professional installation.

Basic materials can cost as low as $1 to $5 per square foot of your deck, while more durable and visually appealing materials such as composites and synthetic stones can cost about $10 to $30 per square foot. 

As always, we recommend reviewing your budget and seeing if you accommodate the costs that entail some of the inexpensive deck skirting ideas. If not, you can opt for cheaper materials and do the installation yourself if you have the experience to do so. 

Deck Skirting Maintenance 

Maintaining your deck skirting ensures a long lifespan and a consistent appearance. Though your choice of skirting might differ from the actual material of your deck, cleaning both is essential to keep them looking clean and pristine.

You can use a mild detergent and water for minor dirt and stains, but should you encounter tough stains, we recommend using a soft brush or a pressure washer on its lowest setting.

Aside from cleaning, maintaining the deck skirting by inspecting for wear and tear and repairing any issues ASAP can help keep it strong and beautiful for years to come.

Build Your Deck Skirt with Oakio

Ready to start your deck skirt project? Go with Oakio, a leading innovator in composite wood manufacturing. We offer premium-quality products designed to make your deck look aesthetic, elegant, and comfortable.

Our wide range of decking products combines the beauty of true wood and the durability of modern plastic technology, ensuring your composite skirting can stand the test of time. Let’s start your composite deck skirt project today!

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