Do You Have to Skirt a Deck?

There is no doubt that decks provide a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but you are often left wondering what to do with the open space underneath the deck. Skirting is a great way to provide a bit of character to that part of the deck and make it look great at the same time. The question becomes whether you actually have to skirt your deck in the first place.

While it is not necessary to skirt a deck, it can be quite advantageous for many reasons. Most people do not like just having an open area at the bottom of their deck where critters and other unsightly beings can hibernate. Skirting is also a way to complete the look and feel of your deck so you can enjoy it more. 

You can hire a professional to skirt your deck, or you can do it yourself. While it might be a bit material and labour-intensive, the end result will be fantastic. Before you decide to jump into this project, continue reading to learn how you can potentially benefit from skirting your deck and discover if you should do it or not.

The Purpose of Deck Skirting

The main purpose of deck skirting is to enclose the bottom side of the deck and hide the structural components that many people consider to be an eyesore. Many people also decide to skirt their deck from an aesthetic perspective, as it adds to the area’s beauty and can be further personalized. 

There are many additional purposes to skirting that will likely sell you on the process. For one, it provides a great way to store items in your backyard to keep them out of sight. The area under your deck provides an ideal storage area, but you do not want everyone seeing what you have under there. Skirting is a great way to do precisely that.

This is Why You May Want to Skirt Your Deck

You will want to skirt your deck if you are not happy with the appearance underneath it. In addition, skirting a deck is necessary if you wish to store items under there that you do not want to be seen or are afraid children might gain access to. Finally, you may also want to skirt your deck to keep pests away. 

If you have ever wondered how to make practical use of the area under your deck, skirting provides you with a way to do that. When you add skirting, your outdoor space will immediately feel quite a few benefits. This ranges from keeping the area under your deck clean and clutter-free to providing a more refined appearance to your deck.

Keep Trash and Debris Away

The area underneath your deck is often difficult to get to. The joist’s clearance can be quite low, meaning that you are unable to stand up and walk underneath. This means that any trash or debris that blows underneath the deck areaOpens in a new tab. will be difficult, if not impossible, to clean up.

When you put up a skirt around your deck, it will effectively act as a barrier against that same dirt and debris. This means that you will have a much easier time cleaning up the area as a result and will not have to worry about any trash making its way underneath your deck.

Keep Children Out of Harm’s Way

The area under your deck can be quite appealing to the little ones in your family. Just think of all of the fun and games that could be had under there. However, you need to remove this temptation from their life. That area should be off-limits to children. There is simply too much that can go wrong. It is a safety hazard, but the proper skirting should keep them out. 

Make the Bottom of Your Deck Look Great

You also might want to consider adding a skirt to your deckOpens in a new tab. if you are currently unhappy with its look. For example, you can have the most spectacular deck only to have quite the eyesore created by a poorly finished deck. A skirt provides you with the completed look that you desire.

The sky is the limit when it comes to how your skirt is designed. There are various types of woods and other materials that you can use. You can create your own design and make it any colour that you want. Once installed, a skirt is relatively easy to maintain as well.

Keep Pesty Critters at Bay

The area underneath your deck can become a breeding ground for all kinds of critters you would rather not have around. A skirt will help keep many of those away. This will provide you with a great deal of protection as well. You will even be alerted to the presence of pests that do make it through the skirting because of the tunnels that result.

Reasons Why You Might Not Want to Skirt Your Deck

You might not want to skirt your deck because you plan on doing some elaborate landscaping around the area itself. A skirt might detract from what you are trying to accomplish there. In addition, the landscaping would then provide the screening effect you would ordinarily get from the skirt. 

Some people also find that they like the rustic look of the area underneath their deck. If it fits in with the area’s design and you like it, then that is what matters most. Skirting is not for everyone, so you will have to weigh your taste against the benefits you would gain if you skirt your deck.

Wrap-Up On Reasons For Deck Skirting

Now that you know more about the pros and cons of skirting your deck, you can make an informed decision of whether or not this is right for you. Assuming you do decide to add a skirt, you will find that there are many benefits to doing so. Choose the design that you like and then have at it. You will love the end result.

Ryan Nickel

A Red Seal carpenter, passionate about building decks to be enjoyed.

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