Deck Skirting Ideas: Get the Most Use Out of Your Deck

Table of Contents

Creating a beautiful deck for your home includes picking the right skirting for the system. Different types of skirting are available and can help you get the most use from the empty space underneath your deck.
Royal Deck Skirting

Benefits Of Using Skirting On Your Deck System

All decks will have an empty space underneath them. This space can range from two to four feet in height. Your deck may also have varying heights of crawl space if you choose a multilayered deck system.

Putting up skirting around the base of your deck will provide you with the following benefits:

1. Prevent Unwanted Guests From “Moving in” Under Your Deck.

Wildlife will always look for shelter. Underneath your deck, when left open, creates a perfect place for these animals to find shelter. Closing off this area will prevent animals from moving in.

2. Safety

Closing off the area below your deck is a great way to prevent your kids from getting hurt. Face it, kids see an empty space to play, and they are going to go in there and explore and play. When this area is closed off, the risk and the temptation are eliminated.

3. Create a Storage Space

You can create an outdoor storage space underneath your deck system by adding a small door to the deck skirting. This usually only works on deck systems that are set at four feet off the ground. While you can make storage space out of shorter crawl spaces, this makes it very difficult to get in and out of the storage area.

4. Gives Your Deck a Complete Appearance

When you have a skirt on your deck system, the appearance is complete. Open areas make the eyes look into the opening instead of at the deck system. When this area is covered, the entire deck is more aesthetically pleasing.

Many Styles Of Deck Skirting Are Available

There are four main types of skirting that are used for deck skirting:

Lattice
Vertical Board
Horizontal Board
Stone / Brick

You can also use a combination of these products to get the exact look you want for your deck area.

Contact Royal Deck About All Your Deck Building Needs

Royal Deck is the leading provider of composite deck systems in the Chicagoland area and across the Atlanta metro area in Georgia. We specialize in designing and building decks that meet the wants and needs of our customers.

If you are ready to build a deck on your home or you would like to upgrade your current deck system, give Royal Deck a call. We would be pleased to provide you with a detailed quote for our services.

Our reps will come to your home to take measurements, discuss materials and design, and discuss what you want from your deck area. We will then create a quote, including a potential start date, and begin your deck project upon approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deck skirting affect the airflow underneath my deck?

It can, and this is an important factor to consider when choosing your skirting style. Fully enclosed skirting without gaps or vents can trap moisture underneath the deck, which may lead to rot or damage to the substructure over time. Options like lattice or spaced horizontal boards allow air to circulate while still keeping the area closed off from pests and debris.

How do I choose a skirting style that matches my deck?

The best approach is to match the skirting material to the material already used on your deck surface. If your deck uses composite boards, a composite skirting option will give the most cohesive appearance. Stone or brick skirting works well with decks attached to masonry homes, while wood lattice or vertical board skirting is a natural fit for traditional wood deck systems.

How much does it cost to add skirting to an existing deck?

The cost of deck skirting depends on the material chosen and the size of the deck. Basic options like lattice can start as low as a few hundred dollars, while stone or premium composite skirting on a larger deck can run into the thousands. At Royal Deck, we include skirting options as part of our full deck design process so there are no surprises in your final quote.

Does deck skirting require much maintenance?

The amount of upkeep depends on the material. Wood skirting will need to be cleaned, sealed, or painted on a regular basis to protect against moisture and sun damage. Composite skirting, on the other hand, requires very little maintenance and holds up well against the weather conditions common in Illinois and Georgia areas. Our team at Royal Deck can help.