Why add skirting to a deck?
To hide posts, footings and stored items, give the deck a finished appearance, and discourage animals from nesting underneath.
Does deck skirting need ventilation?
Yes. Solid, airtight skirting traps humidity under the deck and shortens the life of the framing. Lattice, spaced boards or vents keep air moving.
Ventilation is especially important on low decks and in wet climates. Leave gaps at the bottom so water drains and soil isn't in contact with skirting boards.
What deck skirting styles are available?
| Style | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lattice | Classic, well ventilated; vinyl lattice resists rot |
| Horizontal spaced boards | Modern look; match decking or fascia |
| Vertical boards | Traditional; leave gaps for airflow |
| Composite/PVC panels | Low maintenance; check ventilation |
Should deck skirting have access panels?
Yes. A removable panel or door lets you inspect framing, reach utilities and use the space for storage. Hardware cloth behind skirting, buried slightly, helps keep animals out.
Which skirting material lasts longest?
Vinyl lattice, composite and PVC panels resist rot best; pressure-treated wood is economical but should be kept off the soil and finished to match the deck.
Skirting boards near the ground stay damp. Leaving a gap at the bottom, using ground-contact lumber for wood framing, and choosing synthetic panels where splash is heavy all extend life.
Can the space behind skirting be used for storage?
Yes — a gravel or paver base, an access door and enough height make under-deck storage practical for tools and furniture. Keep stored items off the framing and leave airflow so the deck can dry.
How do you make skirting match the deck?
Horizontal skirting in the same board as the fascia gives a built-in look. For traditional homes, framed lattice panels with a trim cap echo porch details. Match colors to the railing or house trim for a cohesive finish.
Will skirting stop animals living under the deck?
Skirting alone can be breached. Hardware cloth behind the skirting, extended down into the soil and out in an L-shape, is far more effective. Check that no animals are inside before closing it in.
Are there rules for deck skirting?
Skirting usually doesn't need a permit, but ventilation requirements for enclosed spaces, access to utilities and HOA style rules may apply. Don't block crawl-space vents or dryer exhausts.
Do low decks need skirting?
Low decks often have little space below and are hard to ventilate; skirting must be open enough to let air in. Some low decks skip skirting entirely and use a gravel border to keep weeds down and water draining.
How does deck skirting differ across the states we serve?
Skirting ventilation matters most in wet climates. The figure varies most between Washington (95) and Minnesota (60).
| State | Wet days / yr (median) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 80 | Frequent rain: flashing, drainage and airflow protect deck skirting |
| Illinois | 74 | Drier spells: sun and checking are as important as moisture for deck skirting |
| Kansas | 60 | Drier spells: sun and checking are as important as moisture for deck skirting |
| Maryland | 81 | Frequent rain: flashing, drainage and airflow protect deck skirting |
| Massachusetts | 82 | Frequent rain: flashing, drainage and airflow protect deck skirting |
| Minnesota | 60 | Drier spells: sun and checking are as important as moisture for deck skirting |
| North Carolina | 75 | Drier spells: sun and checking are as important as moisture for deck skirting |
| Pennsylvania | 79 | Drier spells: sun and checking are as important as moisture for deck skirting |
| Tennessee | 84 | Frequent rain: flashing, drainage and airflow protect deck skirting |
| Virginia | 77 | Drier spells: sun and checking are as important as moisture for deck skirting |
| Washington | 95 | Frequent rain: flashing, drainage and airflow protect deck skirting |
Figures are medians across our covered communities in each state, from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals and the Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey. Each state and community page explains local conditions in more detail.
