Alternatives to Lattice Under a Deck
Although lattice is inexpensive and easy to install, many homeowners find it unappealing. Luckily, when it comes to skirting your deck, you have several more attractive options to choose from.
Whether your goal is to blend your deck into the rest of your home or give it a unique look, your choice of skirting will help you accomplish your objective.
Solid Materials
Several solid materials are available to finish off your deck and keep out animals. One option is to order composite trim or skirt boards that match your decking. Using the same clapboard siding that is on your house to close off the underside of a deck is also an option. Install the boards horizontally between the ground and the underside of the deck or, to make a low deck appear more elevated, install the boards vertically. Another option is to use wood panels to hide the area underneath your deck. Although this option is more expensive, it provides a finished look. Paint the panels to coordinate with the trim on your house or stain to match the deck itself. If you’re searching for a more unique choice and have a deck that is close to the ground, consider using stone or brick as deck skirting. Choose brick that coordinates with the brick on your home, or stack pieces of flagstone between the ground and underside of the deck for a more rugged look.
Plants
If you aren’t concerned about local critters finding their way under your deck, consider using plants to conceal the space. Evergreen shrubs will hide the area year-round, and climbing vines will conceal posts. If there is enough headroom under your deck, transform the area into a shade garden, using shade-loving plants such as English ivy, lily of the valley, Japanese spurge, periwinkle, mapleleaf viburnum or gray dogwood.
Decorative Ground Cover
There is no reason why you must close off the area under your deck, so another option is forgoing skirting altogether. To give the area a finished look without a skirt, consider using bark or decorative rock under the deck area. Carry the bark or rock out past the deck a short distance to provide a border and a smoother transition to the rest of your yard.
Considerations
Before installing skirting under your deck, make sure that there is good drainage so standing water does not collect and attract mosquitoes. No matter which skirting you choose, install landscape fabric under your deck to prevent weed growth. Finally, if you use a solid skirting, be sure to allow adequate airflow under the deck, and include a door or removable panel so you have access if you need it in the future.
The Drip Cap
- Although lattice is inexpensive and easy to install, many homeowners find it unappealing.
- One option is to order composite trim or skirt boards that match your decking.
- If you’re searching for a more unique choice and have a deck that is close to the ground, consider using stone or brick as deck skirting.
- There is no reason why you must close off the area under your deck, so another option is forgoing skirting altogether.
References
- “1001 Ideas for Decks”; Joe Provey; 2007
- “Porches and Sunrooms: Planning and Remodeling Ideas”; Roger German; 2006
- “1001 Ideas for Outdoor Spaces"; Brett Martin; 2008
- Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences; Department of Horticulture Fact Sheet - Shade Tolerant Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers; N. Robert Nuss; July 2004
- “The Complete Guide to Building Decks”; Creative Publishing International; 2001
Resources
- “Deck Designs”; Steve Cory; 2005
Writer Bio
Jennifer Loomis is a certified English/language arts teacher and is a writer of teaching and literature materials. She also specializes in writing home and garden articles. Loomis holds a B.A. in philosophy from Mount Mary College, a secondary English teaching certification from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and a master's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
More Articles