Adding deck skirting can really change how your outdoor living space feels. It is that edge around your elevated deck that just makes everything look complete. Many decks, you know, just miss this final touch, and so, they can end up looking a bit like an afterthought or perhaps unfinished.
Think about your deck. It is a place for gatherings, quiet mornings, or just enjoying the fresh air. But what about the space underneath? That empty area can, you know, sometimes look a little messy or even become a home for unwanted guests. This is where deck skirting comes into play, providing a neat boundary and solving some common homeowner headaches.
So, we are going to explore why deck skirting is such a smart choice, the different ways you can do it, and how it helps with things like keeping critters out or managing moisture. It is a pretty important part of making your deck truly shine, and it actually adds a lot of value.
Table of Contents
- What is Deck Skirting and Why Do You Need It?
- Keeping Unwanted Guests Out
- Tackling Moisture and Mold Concerns
- Popular Deck Skirting Materials and Designs
- Installation Tips and Considerations
- Cost Considerations for Deck Skirting
- Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Skirting
- Making Your Deck Skirting Choice
What is Deck Skirting and Why Do You Need It?
Deck skirting is basically the material that covers the open space underneath your raised deck. It is the edge around the elevated deck railing that, you know, makes it look truly 'finished'. Most decks, quite often, miss this finishing touch, and as a result, they can end up looking like an afterthought or perhaps incomplete.
The design of your deck, you know, is really important for the looks and functionality of your home. Deck skirting options let you hide that empty space under your deck. It not only completes the look of your deck by giving it a clean, finished appearance, but it also adds a lot of personality to your outdoor living space. With the right design and skirting materials, you can create a stunning look that really stands out.
Beyond Beauty: Practical Benefits
Beyond just looking good, deck skirting offers some very practical advantages. It can, for instance, help keep unwanted critters from making a home under your deck. It also plays a role in managing moisture and preventing harmful growth, which is a pretty big deal for the health of your deck and your home.
Keeping Unwanted Guests Out
One of the most common reasons homeowners decide on deck skirting is to stop pests. The folks, you know, had a problem with raccoons and skunks getting up under their old deck or even into the basement. This is a pretty common issue, as that open space is just begging for little creatures to move in.
To deal with this, a trench was dug at the bottom of the skirting, and then wire mesh was stapled on the backside. This creates a barrier that is very difficult for animals to dig under or chew through. It is, you know, a simple yet effective way to secure the area and keep those furry visitors out of your yard and home.
Having a good barrier helps a lot with preventing these animals from causing damage or creating a mess. It is a practical solution that offers real peace of mind, especially if you have had issues with pests before. This kind of protection, you know, makes a big difference.
Tackling Moisture and Mold Concerns
Another big reason for deck skirting is to address environmental issues under the deck. The issue, you know, isn't so much about the wood itself as it is about the growth of harmful molds that can grow under the deck. This damp, dark space can also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which nobody wants.
Properly designed skirting can help with air circulation, which reduces moisture buildup. While it encloses the space, some designs still allow for enough airflow to keep things dry. This is pretty important for the longevity of your deck and for keeping your outdoor space comfortable and healthy, you know, for everyone.
By controlling moisture, you are also stopping the perfect environment for mosquitoes to lay eggs. This means fewer annoying bites and a more pleasant time outdoors. It is, you know, a smart way to deal with a common problem that many homeowners face.
Popular Deck Skirting Materials and Designs
There are so many ways to approach deck skirting, depending on your style and needs. A customer, you know, right now insists that she must have under-the-deck skirting, but she hates cross lattice. This shows that personal preference plays a huge role in material and design choices.
Classic Lattice Options
Lattice is a very common choice, and it can be quite affordable. I plan on installing lattice under a deck for a project. I understand how to do the job, however, I have a slope that the deck spans. This is a common challenge, but there are ways to make lattice work, even on uneven ground. You might not want to do step-down lattice, instead, you might like to follow the slope for a more continuous look.
Lattice panels come in various materials, like wood or vinyl, and different patterns. While some customers, you know, might not prefer the traditional cross lattice, there are other designs that offer a similar open feel but with a different look. It is a good option for allowing some airflow while still providing coverage.
Solid Board Skirting for a Sleek Look
For a more solid, modern appearance, many people choose vertical or horizontal boards. If it is wood, you know, we build it out some kind of 5/4 decking or even 1x8 riser. I also like horizontal or vertical 1x4 or 1x6 boards. These provide a clean, finished appearance that can really make a deck look custom-built.
When installing Trex decking boards vertically as skirting, for say a deck 3' off the grade, you need to consider the gapping between the boards. This is important for both aesthetics and proper ventilation, you know, to prevent moisture issues. We so far installed pressure-treated 2x4s and painted them, which is another solid, durable option for framing or the skirting itself.
Innovative Materials and Approaches
Beyond traditional wood or composite boards, you can get creative. Some inexpensive deck skirting ideas include using recycled materials or even specific types of wire panels for pest control. Once you have got the wire panels, you know, cut them into the sized strips you need for your deck skirting (for instance, 2' tall by 6' long). They often come in a 4'x6' panel, so you get two 6' strips from each, which is pretty efficient.
There has been a recent trend by, you know, a lot of people to use different materials to add personality. Deck skirting can be an excellent way to add some personality to your outdoor living space. It is a chance to really make your deck unique, you know, and reflect your personal style.
Installation Tips and Considerations
Putting in deck skirting involves a few key steps and some things to think about, especially depending on your specific situation. Proper planning helps a lot to make sure the job goes smoothly and the skirting looks great, you know, in the end.
Dealing with Slopes
If you have a slope that the deck spans, as mentioned earlier, you might not want to do step-down lattice. Instead, you would like to follow the natural slope. This can be achieved by cutting your skirting materials at an angle to match the ground, creating a very continuous and flowing look. It requires a bit more precision, but the result is usually worth it, you know, for the visual appeal.
For solid board skirting on a slope, you might need to cut each board individually to ensure it fits snugly against the ground. This creates a very custom and tailored appearance. It is, you know, a detail that really makes a difference in the overall finish.
Working Around House Foundations
Sometimes, the house itself presents a challenge. I am currently building a deck for one of my clients, and the problem I am having is the house has a brick facade. When I bid the job, you know, I had planned to remove 4 rows of brick and then attach the skirting there. This kind of situation requires careful planning and perhaps some specialized tools or skills.
It is important to consider how the skirting will attach to both the deck frame and the house, if necessary. Making sure everything is secure and weather-tight is key. This might mean using special fasteners or sealants, you know, to ensure a lasting connection.
Gapping for Vertical Boards
When installing Trex decking boards vertically as skirting, for say a deck 3' off the grade, what gapping do you put between the boards? This is a common question. Proper gapping is important for drainage and air circulation. Too little gap, and you could trap moisture; too much, and it might not look as finished or keep out small pests.
Typically, a small consistent gap, maybe an eighth of an inch or so, is good. This allows for slight expansion and contraction of the material due to temperature changes, and it helps with ventilation. It is, you know, a detail that can easily be overlooked but is quite important for the long-term health of your deck.
Cost Considerations for Deck Skirting
The price for lattice skirt addition under a raised deck, you know, can vary quite a bit. What to charge a customer for lattice panels per square inch is something many people wonder about. Costs depend on the material you choose, the complexity of the installation, and the size of your deck.
Lattice is often one of the more budget-friendly options, but even within lattice, there are different grades and materials that affect the price. Solid board skirting, especially with composite materials like Trex, might cost more per linear foot but offers different benefits and a different look. It is important to get a few quotes and compare materials to find something that fits your budget and your vision, you know, for the deck.
Remember that investing in good skirting can also save you money in the long run by preventing pest damage or moisture issues. So, while there is an upfront cost, it is, you know, often a worthwhile investment for the protection and enhanced appearance of your deck. You can learn more about outdoor home improvements on our site, which might help with budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Skirting
What is the best material for deck skirting?
The "best" material really depends on what you are looking for, you know, in terms of style, durability, and budget. Lattice is a common and often affordable choice, available in wood or vinyl. Solid boards like pressure-treated wood, composite decking (like Trex), or even 1x4 or 1x6 lumber offer a more finished, contemporary look. For pest control, wire mesh is a very effective addition. Each material has its own benefits, so it is, you know, about finding what works for your specific needs.
How do you keep animals from getting under a deck with skirting?
To keep animals like raccoons and skunks from getting under your deck, a common and very effective method is to dig a trench at the bottom of the skirting. Then, you know, you staple wire mesh onto the backside of your chosen skirting material, extending it down into the trench. This buried wire mesh creates a barrier that animals find very difficult to dig under, providing a pretty strong deterrent. It is a practical step, you know, for real peace of mind.
Does deck skirting help with moisture under the deck?
Yes, deck skirting can certainly help manage moisture under your deck, which is a big deal. While it encloses the space, proper design, you know, includes considering ventilation. For instance, leaving small gaps between vertical boards or choosing lattice can allow for enough airflow to reduce moisture buildup. This helps prevent the growth of harmful molds and also discourages mosquitoes from breeding in damp, stagnant areas, making your outdoor space much more pleasant, you know, in general.
Making Your Deck Skirting Choice
Having a functional, attractive deck is the dream for many homeowners, and deck skirting is a key part of that. Luckily, with the right deck skirting ideas, you can elevate your curb appeal and solve some common problems. It is about choosing a design and materials that fit your home's style and your practical needs, you know, for protection and appearance.
Whether you are looking to keep critters out, manage moisture, or just give your deck a polished, finished look, there is a deck skirting solution for you. Take some time to explore the different options, consider your budget, and think about what will truly make your outdoor space feel complete. This small addition, you know, can make a huge difference.
For more ideas and inspiration on transforming your outdoor areas, you can check out some of the best inexpensive deck skirting ideas. Also, feel free to link to this page here for additional resources on home improvements.
