Skirting A Deck
A beautifully built deck can be enhanced by a single feature that will add appeal and function by enclosing the underside of a deck with decking material or custom screening. This particular detail is called skirting. While many homeowners prefer having skirting around their deck, others like to leave it open. This will all depend on your personal preference and your own project. When considering adding skirting to your newly-built structure, there are several points to consider.
Height of the Deck
The skirting will be a very visible part of your deck, so the higher your deck, the more visible the skirting material will be to yourself and to your neighbors. On the other hand, if you intend to landscape around your deck, the landscaping itself might serve as a privacy screen for the underside of the deck. Again, this will depend on the elevation of your deck.
Purpose of Deck Skirting
Skirting will enclose the underside of the deck which will hide the not-so-pretty structural members. In addition for aesthetic appeal, it will allow you to keep miscellaneous outdoor objects under the deck and out of sight. This includes ladders, outdoor furniture, tools, flower pots, etc… objects that can withstand some exposure to the elements.
Material and Style Options
Lattice
Lattice is perhaps the most popular option for easy deck skirting. It can be set into a wood frame and depending on the material, painted or stained to match the rest of the deck. If you have a composite deck, you can usually match the color of it with a corresponding lattice design. Composite lattice offers durability, while wood lattice will need to be stained or painted to keep it both durable and attractive. You can choose to do a square-style or a diagonal lattice. It comes down to your personal preference.
Vertical Boards
If you prefer a more modern and clean look, vertical deck boards can be used as skirting. They can be painted or stained, and since the wood is already treated, they should hold up well in weather conditions.
Horizontal Boards
A different direction to install boards is horizontal. There’s really no difference between horizontal deck boards or vertical ones, it’s simply a matter of what look you like better.
Brick or faux stone
For decks that are less than 2 feet in height, brick or faux stone can be used to add beauty and completely seal off the area under the deck. It gives a completed look and can complement the exterior style of your home.
Conclusion
There are so many options to finishing off the look of your deck. For some, solid skirting would be the more visually appealing and most functional option. For others, a custom lattice choice will complete the look. Plants and shrubs can often accomplish the job while omitting a skirting completely. Ultimately, it’s really up to you and what works best in your backyard.
Skirting A Deck
Height of the Deck
Purpose of Deck Skirting
Vertical Boards
Horizontal Boards
Brick or Faux stone