Deck skirting can be an attractive feature that can be added to any low-level deck. You can use boards to construct a wall around the bottom of your deck. Another option is to use wood or vinyl lattice material. Make sure you leave gaps for ventilation to prevent mold from growing under the deck. You should install a door for access under the deck. This area can be used for storage. You shouldn't anchor the skirt to the ground because frost heave will eventually damage the skirt. Constructing a deck skirt will require a lot of additional material depending on the height of the deck. Typically, the lattice is sold in 4' x 8' sheets. There is also considerable added labor involved.
Most contractors use some type of fascia to finish the edge of the deck and hide the underneath support joists. Many brands of decking actually offer fascia that will match the deck boards. However, if you are looking for a nice contrast in your deck design, you may want to opt for a fascia of cellular PVC. Low-maintenance cellular PVC is available on board and sheets and comes in smooth or textured finishes. Cellular PVC products come in white but can be painted if desired.
What to Know Before Installing Composite Deck Skirting
Before you install composite deck skirting, you will want to make sure that your deck's substructure is in good condition and that your deck joists are blocked and spaced appropriately.
Check Your Deck
If you follow these steps, you can ensure that your deck is prepared for the installation of the skirting.
Check the wood for any soft spots, broken pieces, splits, fissures, or other damage that could have been caused by moisture or the environment.
Utilizing a taut string line, search for joists that are high, low, or uneven. In order to get a level and planned surface, the joists must be level.
Wherever the structure of the house meets the house itself, install a water management device such as a drip cap or flashing to direct moisture away from the house and prevent damage.
Composite Deck Skirting: Inspiration & Ideas
Choosing contrasting Fascia:
Although fascia is not technically a part of deck skirting, it is nonetheless an essential component that should be taken into consideration when planning the overall layout of your deck. At the perimeter of the deck, the fascia and skirting will come together to create a seamless, integrated appearance.
Choose a pattern that looks like a picture frame if you want to get into the latest trend in deck design. Choose fascia deck boards in a color that is distinct from the color of your skirting and the surface of your deck to highlight the sleek lines of your composite deck and to add the dimension that your backyard landscape needs to look its best.
Polish Your Look With PVC
PVC wraps can also be used in place of skirting to achieve a clean look that is in keeping with the rest of the trim on your house. Similarly to composite deck skirting, cellular PVC provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance and a high level of resistance to fading, staining, mold, and moisture.
Installation Tips:
When you are placing the deck skirting around your deck, make sure that you leave enough of a ventilation gap at the base of the deck to allow for airflow.
To conceal the grooved decking edge, align the top of the fascia board with the top of the decking and then screw the fascia board into place.
In order to prevent the material from breaking, countersunk pilot holes measuring 4 millimeters should be pre-drilled into the fascia board.
When joining the ends of fascia boards, make sure to leave a space of at least 0.2% of the board length between them to allow for growth.
How To Maintain Under Deck Skirting
To ensure that your deck lasts for as many years as possible, it is essential that you perform routine maintenance on the deck skirting. The level of care required is typically different for each type of material, but in general, the needs are as follows:
Cleaning
Deck skirting must be cleaned on a routine basis, although the frequency of this task differs depending on the material. Decks made of wood and latticework made of wood require the most maintenance and care.
Weatherproofing
To protect the wood from warping and deterioration caused by the elements, you will also need to apply a waterproofing agent and continue to do so on a regular basis. Brick, stone, and composite materials are typically more durable and require less maintenance than other types of building materials. These ought to be washed with some soap and warm water every once in a while at regular intervals.
Simply giving your metal deck skirting a light cleaning once in a while can keep it free from rust and ensure that it is protected from the elements.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a requirement if you have a wooden deck in your backyard. If there is not enough ventilation, the top surface of the deck will dry out and shrink, while the underside will remain wet. The deck will begin to sag and deteriorate if it is allowed to be damp for an extended period of time. Repairing water damage to a deck is an expensive endeavor.
Several distinct types of skirting call for a variety of ventilation approaches. A decent rule of thumb is to provide at least one inch of space between each slat when using boards that are made of wood or composite material. Materials such as lattice and mesh have a naturally high level of ventilation. However, materials such as imitation stone and brick that completely cover the underside of the deck call for the installation of a vent system in order to maintain a constant flow of air in both directions.
Is Deck Skirting Necessary?
Deck skirting is not necessary, although it can be quite useful in some situations. There are a lot of individuals who don't feel comfortable leaving the space under their deck unobstructed so that animals can nest there. Your deck will have a more finished appearance with deck skirting since it will enclose the unused space underneath the deck.