Deck boards and railings often stand out, but the space underneath your deck deserves just as much attention. Without the right finish, it can become cluttered or attract pests. Installing the best deck skirtings helps close off that area, improve curb appeal, and add useful storage.
At Hinkle Outdoor Living, we help homeowners choose skirting options that are built to last, easy to maintain, and visually appealing. The right skirting completes the look of your deck while protecting and organizing the space below.
Why Having the Best Deck Skirting Matters
Deck skirting is more than a finishing touch. It plays a key role in protecting the area under your deck and improving the look of your outdoor living space.
Keeps Pests and Rodents Out
A solid skirting system acts as a barrier. Homeowners often come to us after discovering that the open space under their deck has become a shelter for unwanted critters. We’ve seen it all, from raccoons to snakes. Closing off that gap can help prevent these problems from starting.
Offers Extra Storage
When built the right way, deck skirting allows you to use the space beneath your deck for storage. Whether it’s lawn tools, outdoor cushions, or kids’ toys, a closed-off and dry area under your deck gives you extra square footage that’s both hidden and protected.
Enhances Appearance
A finished skirting system creates a clean, uniform look that makes your deck feel like a permanent part of your home, not just a structure that was added on. With the best deck skirtings, everything looks tidy from top to bottom.
The Material We Recommend: Composite Cladding
We’ve installed many types of skirting over the years, but today our go-to material is composite cladding.
Long-Lasting and Low Maintenance
Composite cladding is one of the most durable skirting materials we’ve worked with. It doesn’t rot or warp the way wood can. It’s also moisture-resistant, which is essential for an area that’s close to the ground and often shaded. Once installed, it needs little to no upkeep.
Installed Like Shiplap
We usually install composite cladding in a shiplap-style layout, which means the boards overlap one another. This approach improves moisture control and provides a tight seal that looks neat and finished. It gives the area a polished feel, almost like siding.
Better Than Lattice
Lattice was popular years ago, and we used it ourselves when we first started building decks. But over time, the industry has shifted toward more solid, enclosed options like cladding. Unlike lattice, which has holes and can attract debris or animals, composite cladding gives a cleaner and more secure finish.
Key Features of the Best Deck Skirtings
When you’re looking for the best deck skirtings for your home, keep these points in mind:
Ventilation Gap for Expansion
Although composite materials are strong, they still expand and contract slightly with heat and cold. That’s why we always leave a small gap during installation to account for movement, especially on decks with strong sun exposure. This small detail helps maintain the integrity of the skirting over time.
Works Well for Low Decks
Decks that are only a couple of feet off the ground benefit the most from full skirting. These lower decks are more exposed to pests and moisture, and they often offer the most practical under-deck storage space. In these cases, a closed-off solution using composite cladding is the best way to protect the space and maximize its use.
Why Homeowners Trust Hinkle
We’ve been helping homeowners make the most of their outdoor spaces for years. From the materials we choose to the way we install them, our goal is always the same: to deliver a result that’s functional, attractive, and built to last. When we install skirting, we treat it like part of the overall deck system, not an afterthought.
We’ve seen firsthand how the best deck skirtings can elevate a project. It’s one of those finishing touches that makes everything feel complete.
Key Takeaways
- Composite cladding is our top choice for deck skirting due to its durability, clean appearance, and ability to seal off the underside of a deck.
- Proper installation includes overlapping boards and small gaps for expansion to prevent warping over time.
- Deck skirting can keep pests out, provide hidden storage, and enhance your home’s exterior.
- Lattice may still be available, but composite cladding offers better protection and a more modern look.
- Hinkle Outdoor Living installs skirting solutions tailored to your deck’s height, exposure, and purpose.
Ready to upgrade your deck with high-quality skirting? Contact us at Hinkle Outdoor Living today to schedule a consultation and find the best solution for your space. Whether your deck is newly built or needs a functional upgrade, we’re here to help you finish the job the right way.
