Dressing up your deck with attractive skirting is an easy DIY project that can transform the look of your backyard. Whether you want to conceal unsightly deck supports, add decorative flair, or provide more privacy, there are many creative deck skirting ideas to consider.
What is Deck Skirting?
Deck skirting refers to vertical boards or panels that are installed around the perimeter of a deck, hanging down from the edge of the decking to the ground. It creates an outer shell that covers up the space between the deck platform and the ground.
Deck skirting serves several purposes:
- It hides the structural posts and cross beams under the deck, creating a more cohesive, polished look.
- It prevents debris, leaves, dirt, and animals from getting caught under the deck.
- It provides additional privacy from neighbors or passersby being able to see directly under the deck.
- It can help keep animals and bugs out from under the deck.
- Decorative skirting adds visual interest, texture, and color to a deck design.
Benefits of Adding Deck Skirting
There are many good reasons to consider incorporating skirting around your deck:
Aesthetic Improvement
Deck skirting gives your deck an instant facelift by concealing the unattractive underside and creating a more finished look. No more visible deck joists, crossbeams, concrete piers or messy storage areas—just a clean, seamless foundation.
Added Privacy
Skirting blocks views under your deck, providing increased privacy from neighbors and preventing people from being able to see directly beneath your deck area.
Protection from Elements
Skirting acts as a shield to keep wind, rain, blowing leaves and other debris from collecting under your deck. It also helps prevent small animals from burrowing under your deck.
Temperature Control
By preventing airflow under your deck, skirting can help insulate your deck and prevent heat loss in colder months.
Increased Usability
The enclosed deck skirt area is perfect for storing grills, patio furniture, gardening tools or other seasonal items out of sight.
Planning Your Deck Skirting Project
Before starting your deck skirting installation, here are some key factors to consider:
Choose Skirting Materials
You have many material options when it comes to skirting—more on that later in this article. Consider factors like durability, weather resistance, cost and appearance to select the right skirting for your needs.
Measure Carefully
Take detailed measurements of the entire perimeter of your deck to calculate precisely how much skirting material you’ll require. Remember to account for stairs or other recesses in the deck edge.
Check Local Building Codes
Some municipalities may have regulations about enclosing space under a deck, so check with your local building department before installing skirting. Permits are usually not required.
Allow for Proper Ventilation
It’s important to allow for some airflow under your deck to prevent moisture buildup. Leave a gap between skirting panels or use vented skirting.
Incorporate Access Points
Be sure to include removable skirting panels or doors to allow access for storage or maintenance needs.
15 Stylish Deck Skirting Ideas
From traditional wood panels to sleek metal and contemporary composite materials, you have endless options when designing your deck skirting. Here are 15 distinctive looks to spark your creativity:
1. Classic Wood Lattice
For a timeless skirting choice that complements any style deck, wooden lattice panels offer an open, breezy feel that still provides some screening. Redwood or cedar are great lattice options. Stain or paint the lattice to match or contrast your deck color.
**The Pros of Lattice Skirting** – Provides partial screening while allowing air circulation – Classic look suitable for many home styles – Lets in some natural light under the deck – Easy to install rectangular lattice panels **The Cons of Lattice Skirting** – Does not fully enclose the area under the deck – Can look messy if not trimmed neatly around edges – Needs periodic cleaning, sealing and potential replacement over time
2. Vertical Wood Planks
For a Craftsman-style deck, vertical wood planks make an attractive skirting. Use rough-sawn cedar boards for a rustic look or dress it up with smoother fir or redwood boards. Allow a small gap between each board for ventilation and light.
**The Pros of Vertical Plank Skirting** – Traditional wood appearance suits many home styles – Allows airflow between planks – Relatively inexpensive and easy to install – Boards can be stained or painted for custom colors **The Cons of Vertical Plank Skirting** – Not a fully enclosed skirting solution – Gaps may allow blowing debris and leaves under deck – Planks can warp or split over time if not properly sealed
3. Board and Batten
For a cottage-inspired deck, board and batten skirting offers charming vertical panels with bold, contrasting battens (trim boards). Use wider battens for a more dramatic effect. Cedar and pine work well for this skirting style.
**The Pros of Board and Batten Skirting** – Timeless country-chic look – Wide trim battens make a bold statement – Allows for custom color combinations – Provides increased privacy compared to lattice **The Cons of Board and Batten Skirting** – More time-consuming to install than standard planks – Not recommended for severely sloped sites – Can appear busy if improperly spaced
4. Painted Plywood Paneling
For a clean, smooth surface, go with plywood panels cut to size and painted to coordinate with your deck and home exterior. Opt for marine-grade or exterior-rated plywood. Add decorative trim boards at seams for detail.
**The Pros of Painted Plywood Panel Skirting** – Seamless, polished appearance – Custom color options with paint/stain – Provides full coverage under the deck – Durable and weather-resistant **The Cons of Painted Plywood Panel Skirting** – Not easy to install on uneven terrain – Improper sealing can lead to delamination – Lacks ventilation without built-in vents
5. Angled Wood Slats
For a modern, dynamic look, use angled wood slats as your deck skirting. They can be closely spaced or with wide gaps, aligned vertically or horizontally—get creative! Use durable woods like cedar and allow for proper ventilation.
**The Pros of Angled Wood Slat Skirting** – Contemporary, eye-catching appearance – Allows air circulation between slats – Customizable angles and spacing – Spotlights architectural deck supports **The Cons of Angled Wood Slat Skirting** – Doesn’t fully enclose under the deck – Gaps may allow some blown debris below – Not ideal for sloped sites
6. Patterned Woven Panels
For a breezy, tropical look, use woven panels made of synthetic resin wicker, seagrass, bamboo or rattan as skirting around your deck. They allow airflow while adding texture and charm.
**The Pros of Woven Panel Skirting** – Provides screening while allowing ventilation – Variety of woven patterns and textures – Lightweight and easy to work with – Suitable for many design themes **The Cons of Woven Panel Skirting** – Won’t fully enclose under the deck – Not as durable or weather-resistant as wood – Can show signs of wear over time
7. Decorative Metal Panels
For an industrial modern look, decorate your deck skirt with metal panels. Options include corrugated tin, perforated screens, and decorative stamped metal sheets. Use galvanized steel for durability.
**The Pros of Metal Panel Skirting** – Sleek, contemporary aesthetic – Very durable and weather-resistant – Customizable looks with various metals – Provides increased privacy under deck **The Cons of Metal Panel Skirting** – Can transfer heat in hot climates – More expensive than many skirting options – Difficult to work with and cut
8. Stone or Brick Facade
Masonry materials like stone, brick, or concrete blocks lend a classic, upscale look for deck skirting. Match the style to your home’s exterior for a cohesive aesthetic. Allow for ventilation between panels.
**The Pros of Stone/Brick Skirting** – Timeless, elegant aesthetic – Extremely durable over decades – Integrates well with masonry homes – Provides increased privacy under deck **The Cons of Stone/Brick Skirting** – Heavy materials require extensive support – Expensive compared to other skirting options – Difficult for DIY installation
9. Stained Concrete Block
Concrete masonry units—cinder blocks—make a budget-friendly skirting option. Use tinted blocks or apply stains and sealers to add color. Add decorative fillers like pebbles or glass chunks for accents.
**The Pros of Stained Concrete Block Skirting** – Durable, weather-resistant, and economical – Can be used to match other concrete features – Allows for color customization with stains – Provides privacy under the deck **The Cons of Stained Concrete Block Skirting** – Industrial, utilitarian look isn’t very decorative – Heavy to work with and may require equipment – Difficult to create flowing curves or patterns
10. Pierre Cardin Rock Wall
For organic texture, consider a faux stone wall using tumbled rock panels from brands like Pierre Cardin. The interlocking panels create a realistic stacked stone wall that makes an elegant deck skirt.
**The Pros of Faux Stone Wall Skirting** – Provides a natural, earthy aesthetic – Realistic texture and appearance – Interlocks for easy installation – Durable and weather-resistant **The Cons of Faux Stone Wall Skirting** – Higher cost than standard skirting – Heavy panels require proper support – Grout lines may need periodic resealing
11. Timber and Boulder
Mixing stone and wood creates a harmonious yin-yang balance and attractive deck skirting option. Try natural river rock boulders paired with rough cedar timbers. Allow gaps between for ventilation.
**The Pros of Timber and Boulder Skirting** – Rustic, organic blend of materials – Contrast of rugged stone and warm wood – Allows for airflow gaps between – Suits a natural garden landscape **The Cons of Timber and Boulder Skirting** – More labor-intensive to install – Not as clean edged as panel skirting – Needs mindful drainage design
12. Living Greenery
For an organic look, use your deck skirting area as a vertical garden. Plant trailing greenery, vines or succulents in containers attached to the rim joists. Let them cascade down the open skirt area.
**The Pros of Living Greenery Skirting** – Beautiful, natural green backdrop – Helps filter air and soak up rainfall – Always changing with new growth – Provides habitat for birds and pollinators **The Cons of Living Greenery Skirting** – Requires more frequent maintenance – Plants may need supplemental watering – Can limit access under the deck
13. Decorative Planter Boxes
Line the perimeter of your deck with built-in planter boxes overflowing with flowers, herbs or trailing greenery. Use pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or composite materials that resist decay.
**The Pros of Decorative Planter Box Skirting** – Adds explosion of color and texture – Helps soften deck’s appearance – Allows for plant changes each season – Elevates and defines the deck’s edges **The Cons of Planter Box Skirting** – Need to be watered and maintained – Plants may struggle in too much shade – More expensive than standard skirting
14. Decorative Metal Grating
For an open, industrial look, use a metal grating product as a ventilated skirt around your deck. Grating allows air and light through while concealing clutter. Protect edges with trim.
**The Pros of Decorative Grating Skirting** – Provides an unobstructed view under deck – Allows maximum air ventilation – Durable and low-maintenance – Modern, architectural look **The Cons of Decorative Grating Skirting** – More expensive than solid panels – Won’t discourage burrowing animals – Less privacy and sound blocking
15. Water Feature
Incorporate a recirculating water element into your deck skirting for soothing sights and sounds. Use an angular flume, linear splashers, or sleek channel waterfall cascading under the deck.
**The Pros of Water Feature Skirting** – Delightful sights, sounds, and humidity – Masks unwanted noises like traffic – Adds dynamic focal point to the space – Provides interest day and night **The Cons of Water Feature Skirting** – More complex design and installation – Needs waterproofing and drainage – Higher maintenance requirements – Risk of leaks over time
Design Tips for Deck Skirting
- For a unified look, use skirting materials and colors that complement your decking and home siding.
- Allow for access doors or removable panels to reach storage items or pipes under the deck.
- Include ventilation gaps at the top or bottom of skirting panels for airflow and moisture control.
- Use diagonal bracing boards behind skirting panels to create a sturdy backing surface.
- Wrap skirting over the rim joists and fasten into the joint between joists for clean finished edges.
- On sloped sites, step skirting heights to follow ground contours.
- Incorporate lighting aimed onto or beneath skirting to accent the area at night.
- Follow local codes for proper deck skirting supports and approved materials.
Installing Deck Skirting – Step-by-Step
Installing skirting around your deck is an attainable DIY project for many homeowners. Here is an overview of the process:
Step 1) Measure and Calculate Needed Materials
Take measurements along the entire deck perimeter so you can estimate needed quantities of panels, boards, hardware etc. Factor in designs with angles, patterns or access doors.
Step 2) Install Blocking and Bracing
Nail blocking between joists around inside rim of the deck to create backing and nailing surface