How to Add Skirting to a Deck

Skirting and face boards are what will really finish up your deck. You will have a few more steps after this but putting the final touches on the actual deck will be a good feeling. If your deck is a foot or a few feet off the ground, you may want to conceal the understructure. You don't want to go through all the work you have already done to leave it like it is. If you do nothing the posts and beams and even metal hangers will be showing. You don't want that after all the hard work you have put into this project. There are literally thousands of different ways to do this type of thing on a deck so I will give you info on one of the easiest and most efficient ways.

My favorite way to do skirting uses some sort of lattice panel. Usually the lattice is set in either 2x4 or 2x6 frames which then lines the outside of the deck. You can fasten the panels to the deck using L-brackets attached to either the end or the header joist. You should always keep the bottom of the frames at least 2 inches above the ground; this will keep it away from getting moisture damage. You may also want to plan ahead for access to get under you deck; you can do this by applying hinges instead of L-brackets on one of the panels.

The first thing you want to do when attaching a skirt is to measure the height of the open space below the deck. Take the measurement at various spots along the edges of the deck because the ground will not be level all around the deck. The uneven ground usually won't cause too much of a problem, just make sure you don't build your panel larger than the widest measurement. Once the measurements are taken you need to cut and assemble the 2x4 frames that are the length of your deck and 2 inches narrower then the smallest gap under your deck. You will need to miter the corners at 45 degree angles and fasten the pieces of 2x4 with hot-dipped galvanized 10d 3 inch nails.

Once you have your frames built you want to cut your lattice panels so each side overlaps the frame by at least 1 inch. Fasten the lattice panels to the frame with a staple gun and ¾ inch staples or 1 inch finishing nails. To attach the frame to the deck you need to drill pilot holes for L-brackets in the top of each panel, and then screw the brackets in place. From underneath the deck, drill and screw the brackets to the back of the header and end joists. As I mentioned earlier, if you want to be able to gain access to under the deck you can apply hinges instead of L-brackets for easy access. This should be an easy way to finish up your deck and provide a good look at the same time. There are many different ways to put up skirting but this is the most common and it is fairly easy.