17 Cheap Deck Skirting Ideas That Look Great

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Hide the ugly and boost your curb appeal without a big budget.

An exposed deck foundation can look unfinished. It collects leaves, attracts pests, and can hurt your home's overall look. The good news is you don't need a huge budget to fix it. There are many deck skirting ideas cheap enough for any homeowner. This guide gives you 17 affordable options to enclose the space under your deck. These ideas are practical and look great.

1. Classic Wood Lattice

Wood lattice is a popular choice for a reason. It's inexpensive and easy to find at any home improvement store. The crisscross pattern provides ventilation, which helps prevent mold and moisture buildup under your deck. You can leave it natural, stain it, or paint it to match your home's exterior. To install, build a simple frame between the deck posts and attach the lattice panels with screws.

2. Modern Horizontal Wood Slats

For a clean, modern look, install horizontal wood slats. This design offers a custom feel for a low price. You can use affordable pressure-treated pine or reclaimed pallet wood. Space the boards an inch apart for a contemporary look or place them edge-to-edge for full privacy. The long, clean lines make your deck and yard appear wider.

3. Simple Vertical Wood Slats

Like horizontal slats, vertical boards are a simple and effective low-cost deck skirting solution. This orientation can make a low deck appear taller. It creates a classic board-and-batten feel. The installation is straightforward: cut boards to length and fasten them directly to the deck's frame. Paint them a dark color like charcoal or black for a nice contrast.

4. Reclaimed Pallet Wood

If you want a truly cheap option, use reclaimed pallet wood. You can often find pallets for free from local businesses. Disassemble the pallets and use the boards to create a rustic, unique skirt. You can arrange them horizontally, vertically, or in a pattern. Ensure the wood is heat-treated (marked with 'HT') and not chemically treated.

5. Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal offers an industrial or modern farmhouse look. It is durable, long-lasting, and requires no maintenance. You can buy new panels or find used ones for a more weathered appearance. Attach the metal sheets horizontally or vertically to a wood frame. The wavy texture adds visual interest and contrasts well with wood and stone.

6. Faux Stone Panels

For the look of stone without the cost or weight, use faux stone panels. These polyurethane panels are lightweight and easy to install with screws and adhesive. They mimic the texture and color of real stone, giving your deck a solid, high-end appearance. While more expensive than wood, they are far cheaper than hiring a mason.

7. Basic Vinyl Skirting

Vinyl skirting, often used for mobile homes, is another cheap deck skirting idea. It's available in various colors and textures, including styles that mimic wood or stone. Vinyl is weather-resistant, easy to clean, and simple to install using a track system. Most importantly, it's one of the most budget-friendly materials available.

8. Hardy Board Panels

Fiber cement siding, often called Hardy board, is a very durable option. It resists rot, insects, and fire. You can buy large panels and cut them to size for a smooth, clean skirt. Or, use lap siding planks for a more traditional look. It must be painted but holds paint well for years.

9. Wire Mesh or Hardware Cloth

For a solution that keeps animals out while providing maximum airflow, use wire mesh. Galvanized hardware cloth is cheap and easy to cut. Attach it to a simple wood frame under the deck. While it doesn't offer visual privacy, you can encourage climbing plants like ivy or clematis to grow up the mesh, creating a living green wall over time.

10. Bamboo Reed Fencing

Bamboo fencing comes in large rolls and is very affordable. It creates a natural, tropical feel. Simply unroll the fencing and attach it to the deck posts or a supporting frame. It provides good coverage but may not be as durable as wood or vinyl in harsh climates. A single roll can often cover the entire perimeter of a small deck.

11. Plywood with Batten Strips

A sheet of exterior-grade plywood is a fast way to cover a large area. To make it look better, add thin wood strips, or battens, vertically every 16 or 24 inches. This creates a classic board-and-batten style for a fraction of the cost. Paint the entire skirt one color to create a cohesive, finished look. This is a great weekend project.

12. A Living Wall with Planters

Instead of a solid wall, use plants. Build simple shelves or boxes between the deck posts and fill them with planters. Or, hang window boxes directly from the deck's rim joist. Choose trailing plants like petunias or creeping Jenny that will spill over and hide the space below. This adds color and life to your yard while solving the skirting problem.

13. Gravel and Stone Border

For very low decks, a physical skirt might not be needed. Instead, create a clean border. Dig a shallow trench around the deck's perimeter, lay down landscape fabric, and fill it with decorative gravel or river stones. This creates a neat edge, prevents weeds, and improves drainage. It’s a simple, low-cost landscaping solution.

14. Outdoor Fabric Screens

Outdoor fabric is a creative and cheap deck skirting idea. You can buy weather-resistant canvas or shade cloth by the yard. Staple it tightly to a wood frame or use grommets and hooks for a removable screen. This is a great option for renters or for a temporary fix. It comes in many colors and patterns.

15. Decorative Metal Panels

Look for decorative metal sheets, often used as radiator covers or inserts. These panels come with pre-cut patterns, from geometric shapes to floral designs. They are more stylish than plain wire mesh but offer similar ventilation. Frame them with wood and paint everything a uniform color for a polished look.

16. Cedar Shingles

For a rustic or coastal look, use cedar shingles. You can often find leftover bundles for cheap at lumber yards. Attach a sheet of plywood to the deck frame first, then nail the shingles to the plywood in overlapping rows, just like on a roof. The shingles will weather naturally to a silvery gray.

17. Composite Deck Fascia Boards

If you have a composite deck, use matching fascia boards for skirting. These thin boards are designed to cover the rim joists and can be used for a full skirt. While not the absolute cheapest option, it guarantees a perfect color match and a seamless look. It’s also a zero-maintenance solution that will last for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the absolute cheapest way to skirt a deck?

Reclaimed pallet wood is often the cheapest option since you can frequently find pallets for free. A simple wood lattice or bamboo reed fencing are the next most affordable materials you can buy new.

Do I need to add ventilation to my deck skirting?

Yes, ventilation is important. A lack of airflow can trap moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and rot. Choose a skirting style with gaps, like lattice or spaced boards, or install vents in solid skirting panels.

How can I keep animals from getting under my deck with skirting?

To prevent animals, bury the bottom of your skirting a few inches into the ground. For extra protection, dig a shallow trench, and attach a strip of galvanized hardware cloth to the bottom of your skirt, burying it in an L-shape facing outward.

Conclusion

Covering the area under your deck doesn't have to be expensive. As you can see, there are many cheap deck skirting ideas that improve your home's appearance and functionality. From classic lattice to modern metal, the right solution for your budget and style is on this list. Pick an idea, plan your project, and get ready to enjoy your finished deck.

Which of these ideas is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!