Deck skirting serves an important function by concealing the structural posts and unsightly areas underneath your deck. But it can also be an opportunity to add visual interest through creative design. Instead of defaulting to typical skirting materials like lattice or composite panels, think outside the box for an unexpected look.
From upcycled objects and bold colors to interesting textures and alternative materials, there are endless possibilities. With a bit of imagination, your deck skirting can become a focal point rather than just functional framing. Read on for clever solutions to take your deck from boring to beautiful.
Think Outside the Box with These Skirting Materials
The skirting around your deck doesn’t have to be plain wood or basic lattice. Consider using unexpected recycled items, fabrics, plants, or metal for custom skirting that makes a statement.
Repurposed Objects
For eco-friendly skirting with lots of character, look to salvaged and upcycled materials. Old wooden pallets can be repurposed into a beachy slatted skirt with rustic appeal. Try arranging the wood diagonally or horizontally for visual interest. Salvaged barn wood also adds charming weathered texture for a reclaimed vibe. And don’t forget the hardware – door knobs, hinges, and handles make great accents.
Give recycled windows or doors new life as part of your deck skirting. Window grids add architectural detail while salvaged doors can be cut down as cottage-style inserts. For a playful pop of color, reuse old bicycle wheels, propped vertically and spaced along the skirting perimeter. Upcycling unusual objects results in a one-of-a-kind DIY skirting project with lots of personality.
Fabrics
Sturdy outdoor fabric is also a clever skirting alternative to wood panels. Canvas, burlap, or upholstery fabric can be stapled or clipped onto deck framing to create a soft, textured skirt. Choose heavyweight fabrics in darker hues to conceal dirt and wear. Waterproofing spray adds extra weather protection. For breezy decks, allow airflow through the weave or add mesh inserts.
Fabrics aren’t just utilitarian – they can also create ambiance when lit from behind or above. Attach light strings along the top or bottom edge of sheer curtain panels for a dreamy glow. Flowy translucent fabrics in light colors look especially whimsical at night.
Plants & Greenery
Living green skirting is a natural choice for an organic style. Vining plants like ivy, clematis, or jasmine can climb right up deck posts and beams. Use trellises or meshes to guide growth and coverage. Shrubs and bushes like boxwood, azaleas, and hydrangeas can fill in the base. Evergreen options work year-round in colder climates.
Take care to select plants suitable for your environment’s light and drainage. While vines add vertical appeal, keep spreading plants trimmed to maintain clear access and airflow under the deck. Green skirting requires more ongoing maintenance than permanent materials, but the lush results are worth it.
Corrugated & Decorative Metal
For an industrial modern look, install corrugated metal skirting around your deck’s perimeter. Galvanized steel and aluminum are durable, non-rusting options. The layered sheets create an intriguing ridged texture. Use overlapped pieces for a patchwork effect or run lengths horizontally. Consider mixing in rusted Corten steel panels for visual interest.
Custom cut metal sheets to size and shape as needed. Secure with framing and metal clips for clean lines. Make a bold statement by stenciling on your own graphics or piercing artistic patterns into the panels. The unfinished metal skin leaves room for your creative touch.
Concrete & Stucco
Concrete’s raw, solid presence makes it an impactful skirting choice. Cast textured concrete panels for an earthy, organic look. Stack rough flagstone squares resembling natural stone walls. Or pour sleek modern forms for smooth, flowing lines. Concrete’s neutral canvas invites colorful stains and bold paint effects.
Faux stucco siding captures Spanish or Mediterranean style, especially in warmer climates. The textured plaster finish comes pre-formed for simple installation. Paint white for a crisp look or tint stucco warm terracotta tones. Concrete and stucco skirting make quite a statement.
Make a Statement With Unexpected Colors
Most deck skirting comes in neutral wood tones or standard brick red. Break out of the ordinary with eye-catching colors to enliven your outdoor space. Vivid skirting instantly catches attention and lets your personality shine through.
For a playful palette, coat wood panels in lively hues like cherry red, sunflower yellow, or cobalt blue. Paint concrete sections in bold black for modern contrast. Bright white washed brick has a cheerful cottage feel. Don’t be afraid to get creative with color combinations too. Accent your deck floor stain with a complementary or contrasting skirt in a fun color.
Add Interesting Textures & Patterns
Skirting materials themselves add intrigue through their inherent texture and form. But you can take it a step further by intentionally layering and arranging textures in creative ways.
Use a mix of materials like stone, brick, tile, shingles, and wood panels. Combining smooth and rough textures keeps things visually compelling. Lay brick in zigzag or herringbone patterns for added flair. Introduce whimsical mosaic tiles or metallic accents. The more variety, the better for dynamic skirting.
Use Lighting for Dramatic Effects
Incorporate lighting to highlight your unique skirting and create ambiance underneath the deck after dark. Uplighting bathes surfaces in a flattering glow while downlights add practical illumination.
Spotlights, floodlights, or path lighting tap the dramatic potential. Warm white string lights sparkle against dark fabrics or foliage. Position uplights behind greenery or sheer skirting to silhouette shapes and textures. The creative possibilities are endless for deck skirting lighting ideas.
Consider Skirting Alternatives for Stairs or Low Decks
On low decks or staircase applications, vertical skirting can be impractical or feel overly imposing. Get creative with decorating the posts, railings, and risers instead.
Accent stair railings with woven rope or cabling interspersed between balusters. Attach fabric panels or metal mesh across staircase risers for a soft touch. Play up interesting newel posts with colorful paint, patterns, or funky finials. Skip traditional skirting altogether and let the stairs become a decorative focal point.
Gallery of Unexpected Skirting Ideas
We’ve covered a range of unexpected DIY skirting ideas from materials to lighting and more. Now let’s see some of these creative concepts in action with a photo gallery of unique deck skirting projects.
Repurposed wooden pallets arranged in varied directions make eco-friendly rustic skirting. Mismatched windows bring a playful cottage character to this deck’s skirt. A living wall of ivy vine foliage extends green skirting vertically. Corrugated and perforated steel panels create modern industrial edge. Colored glass inserts brighten up a fabric skirt with backlighting for a magical glow.
Concrete block stacked randomly resembles natural stone wall skirting. Warm exterior sconces shine light on the deck through intricate metal screens. Whimsical scanned ceramic tile mosaic provides a cheery pop of pattern and color. Textured stucco skirting and terracotta paint evoke Spanish style on this warm deck.
This selection of photos proves that deck skirting can be so much more than an afterthought. Take these ideas as inspiration to get creative with unexpected materials, textures, colors, and lighting for your own custom skirting project. Express your personal style and enhance the beauty of your outdoor living space.
Just because deck skirting serves a practical function doesn’t mean it has to be boring. As we’ve seen, there are endless possibilities for infusing creativity through your choice of materials, textures, colors, patterns, lighting and more.
Dare to think differently and your skirting can become an opportunity to add artistry and interest to your deck design. It can even become the spotlight rather than just the supporting framework. Don’t limit yourself to the expected – be bold, imaginative and make a unique statement.
With some planning and DIY dedication, you can craft custom skirting that reflects your personal vision. Transform the underdeck area from a mundane eyesore into an intriguing design feature. Get inspired by the creative deck skirting ideas in this article – then put your own spin for a custom look that wows.
From salvaged wood planks to lush living walls, let your imagination run free. When it comes to innovative skirting materials and details, the possibilities are endless. So embrace your inner innovator and refresh your deck with unexpected skirting style that becomes the focal point, not just an afterthought.
