Every detail matters when creating a stunning and durable deck, and the skirting is no exception! Deck skirting provides necessary protection in addition to completing the appearance of your deck by giving it a smooth, finished look. Skirting makes your deck look finished and keeps pests away.
There are many reasonably priced and simple-to-install skirting options available for those who want to improve the appearance and longevity of their decks. To help you design a deck that is both aesthetically pleasing and weatherproof, Windeck can offer the best deck ideas.
What is the Purpose of Deck Skirting?
Deck skirting has a variety of uses. These are its primary purposes:
Good Looks: By concealing the structural components beneath, deck skirting gives a deck a polished, seamless appearance that improves the outdoor area. Simply put it completes the outside elevation of your deck.
Pest Prevention: Skirting helps prevent rodents, insects, and other critters from establishing a home beneath your deck by enclosing the space underneath it. If you have outdoor lighting in your deck, its important to close in the bottom side of your deck, to keep the critters from making your cables a lunch time snack.
Improved Airflow: By encouraging airflow, some skirting designs—such as properly spaced PVC deck boards or pressure treated wood, this can improve the lifespan of your deck, by allowing adequate airflow.
Types of Deck Skirting
Recessed Deck Skirting
Recessed deck skirting refers to the technique of setting the skirting walls inward from the outer rim board. This design provides a more traditional appearance or creates a layered effect for your skirting wall. If your deck is more than 4 feet off the ground, recessed skirting can help reduce the “boxy” look that would result from simply extending the deck boards vertically from top to bottom.
Vertically installed Skirting
PVC decking, available in both 6” and 12” widths, is an excellent choice for maintaining a low-maintenance theme. It can be installed vertically, extending from the top of the fascia board down to the bottom plate. For decks that are closer to the ground, PVC offers a sleek, modern option for skirting that enhances the overall appearance.
Horizontally installed Deck skirting
Likewise, PVC decking, available in both 6” and 12” widths, installed horizontally can change the overall look you are going for. Just like finishing off a nice home, some homeowners like there siding vertical, but many prefer there siding to be horizontal. Consider, height of deck, corners and insets when deciding on going horizontal over vertical.
Wainscoting Skirting
Deck skirting finished like wainscoting provides an elegant, refined look, with layered panels or horizontal slats that mimic interior design aesthetics. This style adds visual interest, and layers compare to just a standard skirting wall. Generally, this type of finishing come with a cost upgrade.
Maintenance Tips for Deck Skirting
Maintaining the condition of your deck skirting ensures that it will continue to enhance your outdoor area with style and protection. You can keep your skirting looking brand new for many years to come with a few easy maintenance tips.
Regular Cleaning: To get rid of dirt, debris, and mildew, wash skirting every few months with water and a mild soap solution. Frequently, a light hose spray will work.
Inspect for Damage: Particularly for wood skirting, look for indications of rot, warping, or pest damage. To prevent more problems, replace or repair damaged areas as soon as possible.
Check for Pest Entry Points: Verify that there are no openings or crevices beneath the deck that could allow pests to enter. To keep pests out, secure any gaps or loose panels.
Avoid Excessive Moisture: If the skirting is made of metal or wood, avoid putting sprinklers too close to it and reroute water runoff to avoid rot or corrosion.
Complete Your Deck’s Look with Windeck
From keeping pests out to improving the overall appearance of your outdoor space, each of these deck skirting ideas adds beauty and benefits to your porch or deck design. There is a skirting option to fit every taste and requirement, whether you are drawn to the classic charm of wood lattice, or the contemporary edge of metal.
For the ideal deck designs for your area, get in touch with Windeck for individualized guidance and to examine materials up close!