Deck skirting hides the underside of your deck, which is rarely pretty. It also keeps moisture out and prevents stray animals from taking shelter. But it can also be purely decorative, which is why it’s an absolute must if you want the exterior of your house to look finished and intentional. Lattice is by far the most popular option, but if you don’t like it or it doesn’t suit your style, there are other options out there. Did you know that you can even use wire mesh? Here are a couple of deck skirting ideas other than lattice that are just as effective and good looking.
1. Corrugated Metal Panels
Don’t make the mistake of overlooking corrugated metal panels when it comes to choosing deck skirting that isn’t lattice. If you really dislike lattice, this may be the option for you because it’s the furthest you’ll get from the look. Instead of vintage and charming, you’ll get modern and industrial. Galvanized sheets are lightweight and it’s very easy to mount them to simple wooden frames. They also resist pests and moisture, but you still need to leave small gaps along the bottom edge for airflow. Paint the sheets in shades of matte black, soft neutrals, forest greens, or whatever matches the overall look of your home.
2. Painted Plywood Sheets
Super low cost and smooth coverage. What more could you ask for from a deck skirting that isn’t lattice or anything like lattice? Get yourself some exterior grade plywood cut into panels and attach them to a frame beneath your deck. It’s important that the plywood is suited for outdoor use, but you should also extend the lifespan even more with multiple coats of weather resistant paint. It also allows you to match your new deck skirting to everything else you’ve got going on in your yard. Add some vertical battens between the sheets to create a tailored, intentional look that has some texture. You can also add hinges to some sections to give you easy access to the underside if you’re using it for storage.
3. Vinyl Panels
Vinyl is and always has been a stalwart outdoor material. It cleans easily with a hose, shrugs off moisture and insects, and keeps its shape through temperature changes. And all you have to do is install a couple of large panels under your deck that instantly cover the clutter and ugly. Use framing strips and snap the panels in because that makes it much easier to remove them after a while. Choose solid panels that you can paint to blend in with your home or go for a bit of visual interest with panels that have decorative cutouts. Think stunning florals as a backdrop to your actual stunning florals…
4. Wire Mesh With Plants
Before you skip over this deck skirting idea, it’s not like lattice. Yes, you’ve got the little holes in wire mesh, but the idea is to cover them up with beautiful greenery. Attach some galvanized mesh panels to frames and cover the underside of your deck. Then, plant some climbing plants like jasmine, clematis, or sweet potato vine at the base. These are fast growers that weave upward to soften the look, so you won’t be stuck with the wire mesh look for long. It’s up to you to decide which benefit you like most between the air that passes through and the pollinators that’ll bring life to your deck once they notice the plants.
5. Fabric Panels
Fabric panels may not be the most conventional choice, but that won’t matter once your deck has got that cabana style resort feeling. It’s like being on vacation on an island in your very own yard. Fabric panels are relaxed and flexible, relatively affordable, and they do a good job at hiding clutter and unfinished deck undersides. Stretch outdoor canvas, shade cloth, or marine fabric between posts using grommets and hooks. You can remove them when it’s time for cleaning or roll them up occasionally for additional airflow, but the fabric typically allows light and air to pass through.
6. Decorative Concrete Blocks
Decorative concrete blocks are so much better than regular ones because not only do they have the cute shapes and patterns, but they also allow air and light to pass through. They’re also budget-friendly and incredibly good at resisting adverse weather conditions. Stack the blocks on top and next to each other to cover the entire underside of your deck and remember to make sure that the base is level. You can paint them white or charcoal to modernize the look, but the interesting shapes that the blocks make when light passes through will do all of the aesthetic work.
7. Brick Skirting
Brick pairs so beautifully with classic homes, and especially with stone walkways. It’s a bonus if your house or your deck is already built with it because matchy-matchy never goes out of style. But your home doesn’t need to fit any criteria for you to go with this type of non-lattice skirting. Use thin brick veneer or reclaimed bricks to save some money and stack them on a compacted base with small vents or gaps to maintain airflow. If you want texture and character you can mix different reclaimed bricks in your design, or stick to uniform pieces for a clean, minimalistic look.
8. Pallet Wood Panels
Pallet wood can be turned into nearly anything if you’ve got some time and the right materials. They can also be sourced for free or at a ridiculously low price, which is always a bonus. Find some pallets, dismantle them into planks, and then sand them down to remove imperfections and splinters. Arrange them to frame your deck, tightly for full coverage or spaced for ventilation. If you add some hinged sections you can easily access the underside, which makes it ideal for storage purposes. You’re going to want to seal the wood planks properly with exterior stain or paint to extend life and to match your home’s look.
