Deck Skirting Ideas: Lattice Alternatives & Modern Deck Design
June 3, 2025
Deck skirting serves both practical and aesthetic purposes—it conceals the underdeck space, adds curb appeal, and provides additional storage opportunities. While traditional lattice remains a common choice, many homeowners are now looking for alternatives that align with modern deck designs. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of lattice alternatives that offer greater durability, style, and functionality to elevate your outdoor space.
Why Homeowners Use Lattice for Deck Skirting
Lattice has long been a popular choice for deck skirting due to its affordability and ease of installation. Its diamond or square patterns offer ventilation while keeping unwanted animals out. Homeowners appreciate how lattice can hide the bottom of the deck while still allowing air to circulate freely, preventing moisture buildup. Vinyl lattice panels, in particular, are low maintenance and available in various colors including classic white and modern black vinyl.
The Limitations of Lattice Skirting
Despite its popularity, lattice skirting isn’t without drawbacks. It can warp, crack, or fade over time, especially if made from wood and exposed to the elements. The design may also clash with contemporary home aesthetics, leading many to search for a more cohesive, modern look. Additionally, lattice can make it harder to secure the space underneath your deck for storage or shed installation. These limitations have inspired a growing trend of homeowners seeking alternative skirting options that offer improved performance and design.
Modern Deck Skirting Ideas That Don’t Use Lattice
Modern deck designs often call for sleek, durable materials that move beyond the traditional lattice look. Whether you're going for a minimalist, rustic, or contemporary feel, there are many skirting options that blend function and form. Choosing a lattice alternative allows homeowners to create a more integrated outdoor aesthetic that better matches their home's exterior and personal style preferences.
Horizontal Slats: Clean Lines for a Contemporary Look
Horizontal slats made from wood, PVC, or composite materials offer a stylish and structured look that complements modern architecture. These slats can be stained, painted, or left natural depending on the design vision. Besides their visual appeal, horizontal slats ensure excellent ventilation beneath the deck while allowing easy access to the underdeck area. They are also ideal for creating a uniform backdrop for outdoor furniture and landscaping.
Composite Deck Skirting for Low-Maintenance Style
Composite deck skirting is a fantastic option for those seeking long-lasting beauty with minimal upkeep. Made from recycled wood fibers and plastics, composite materials resist warping, fading, and insect damage. These skirting panels come in a variety of colors and textures to match or complement composite decking systems such as Trex. With clean lines and consistent color tones, composite skirting provides a polished, professional look around your entire deck.
Corrugated Metal Skirting: Industrial and Durable
Corrugated metal is a robust and weather-resistant material that offers a distinctive industrial flair. It pairs well with both rustic and modern designs, adding a unique visual element to your deck’s base. When installed vertically or horizontally, corrugated panels provide strong protection for the underdeck space. They also reflect light, creating a bright and clean look that can make your deck stand out in your backyard landscape.
Faux Stone and Brick Panels for a Classic Look
Faux stone and brick skirting panels bring a traditional, high-end aesthetic without the hefty price tag or weight of real masonry. These lightweight panels are easy to install and highly durable, offering the elegance of stone or brickwork with significantly less maintenance. Faux panels are a great choice for homeowners who want to add charm and character while still concealing the space under their deck effectively.
Vertical Wood Boards: Timeless and Versatile
Vertical wood boards provide a classic skirting option that complements nearly any home style. They can be installed flush or with slight gaps to allow for ventilation. When made from pressure-treated wood, these boards resist rot and insect damage. Staining or painting vertical boards allows for seamless coordination with your deck, siding, or outdoor furniture, making them a customizable and practical choice.
PVC and Vinyl Deck Skirting: Affordable and Long-Lasting
PVC and vinyl skirting are excellent choices for homeowners seeking low-maintenance, cost-effective solutions. These materials are resistant to moisture, pests, and UV damage, making them ideal for long-term use. Black vinyl options offer a bold, modern appearance, while white and beige tones blend seamlessly with most exterior color schemes. Pre-manufactured vinyl lattice panels can also be replaced with flat or slatted alternatives for a more contemporary look.
Trex Skirting Options for Composite Decks
If your deck is built with Trex or similar composite materials, using the same brand for skirting ensures consistency in style and quality. Trex offers pre-designed skirting solutions that match their decking lines in color and texture. This creates a seamless, integrated appearance and simplifies the installation process. Trex skirting also provides excellent durability and weather resistance, aligning perfectly with the low-maintenance ethos of composite decking.
Decorative Panels: Artistic and Eye-Catching
For a bold design statement, decorative panels made from metal, resin, or PVC are an ideal choice. These panels often feature geometric, floral, or custom-cut designs that allow airflow while enhancing the visual appeal of your outdoor space. They work well as an accent or full perimeter solution and can be painted to match your deck’s aesthetic. Decorative panels can also be backlit or paired with lighting for nighttime visual impact.
Greenery and Living Walls Under Your Deck
Integrating greenery into your deck skirting can create a refreshing and natural look. Use planter boxes, trellises, or climbing plants to transform the space under your deck into a lush vertical garden. This living wall approach not only enhances curb appeal but also helps with temperature regulation and visual integration with the surrounding landscape. It's a sustainable and visually striking alternative to traditional skirting methods.
Using Underdeck Space for Storage or Sheds
Skirting isn’t just for looks—it can help turn the underdeck area into functional storage or even a small shed. With solid panels or lockable access doors, you can secure this space for storing tools, outdoor furniture, gardening supplies, or seasonal items. This transforms the deck’s underside into a weather-protected utility area while maintaining a clean exterior appearance through matching or complementary skirting designs.
Lighting Ideas with Skirting for Finished Look
Incorporating lighting with your deck skirting adds both functionality and ambiance. String lights or recessed LED fixtures can be installed behind horizontal slats or within decorative panels to cast a soft glow in the evening. This not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of your deck but also improves safety and usability after dark. For a dramatic touch, consider solar-powered uplighting paired with faux stone or metal skirting.
Upgrade Your Deck Skirting Beyond Traditional Lattice
Deck skirting has evolved beyond the limitations of traditional lattice. With so many contemporary materials and designs now available—such as composite, metal, decorative panels, and living walls—homeowners have endless possibilities to enhance the beauty and function of their outdoor spaces. Whether your goal is modern minimalism or rustic charm, choosing the right skirting can dramatically elevate your deck’s aesthetic, usability, and curb appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best low-maintenance deck skirting?
Composite and vinyl skirting options are considered the best for low maintenance. They are resistant to moisture, pests, and UV damage, and they require no painting or staining.
How do I hide the space under my elevated deck?
You can hide the space under your elevated deck with skirting made from horizontal slats, decorative panels, composite materials, or faux stone. These options conceal the area while enhancing visual appeal and maintaining airflow.
Can I use composite materials for deck skirting?
Yes, composite materials are ideal for deck skirting. They are durable, weather-resistant, and come in various colors and textures that match composite decking systems.
What are modern alternatives to lattice?
Modern alternatives to lattice include horizontal and vertical slats, corrugated metal, faux stone panels, decorative screens, and live greenery walls.
What are some modern lattice panel alternatives for deck skirting?
Several modern alternatives to traditional lattice panels include horizontal boards, vertical slats, metal panels, and composite materials.
Horizontal boards create a sleek, contemporary look while vertical slats offer a more dramatic visual. Galvanized metal panels with custom cutouts provide industrial charm, and composite materials offer the look of natural wood with little maintenance.
Other options include stone or brick veneer, decorative metal screens with custom patterns, and woven wood panels that create a rustic feel while still allowing enough airflow beneath your deck.
How can I incorporate storage space under my deck when choosing skirting?
When designing your deck skirting with additional storage space in mind, consider using hinged panels or removable sections that provide easy access to the area underneath.
Installing a shed underneath your deck can maximize this space for storing outdoor furniture, gardening tools, or recreational equipment.
For a more integrated approach, built-in cabinets or drawers can be incorporated into the skirting design.
Make sure your skirting will need to include proper ventilation and moisture protection to keep stored items dry and in good condition.
How can I dress up vinyl lattice to make it more attractive?
To enhance the appearance of vinyl lattice around your deck, consider painting it in a complementary or contrasting color to your home's exterior—black vinyl lattice often creates a sophisticated look against lighter structures.
You can frame the lattice with trim boards for a more finished appearance or install the lattice in decorative patterns beyond the standard diamond pattern. Another approach is to partially obscure the lattice with strategic landscaping or climbing plants.
For nighttime appeal, integrate string lights behind or around the lattice work to create a magical glow. You can also change the lattice orientation from diagonal to square or combine it with solid panels for a customized design that's more visually appealing.
What are some creative ways to integrate a pergola with deck skirting?
A pergola can beautifully complement your deck skirting by creating a cohesive outdoor design. Consider extending elements from your skirting design into the pergola structure—if you're using horizontal boards for skirting, incorporate the same pattern or material into the pergola sides.
You can also create a visual connection by matching colors or finishes between the two structures. For a particularly striking effect, use the pergola posts to frame or anchor corner sections of your skirting.
Add climbing plants that cascade from the pergola down to the skirting to create a natural connection, or install string lights that highlight both structures for evening ambiance. This integration helps unify your outdoor space and give your deck a more intentional, designed appearance.
What are low-maintenance alternatives to wood lattice under a deck?
Several low-maintenance alternatives to wood lattice include vinyl or PVC panels, which resist rot, insects, and never need painting—they simply require occasional cleaning. Composite materials offer another excellent alternative to wood with the look of natural wood but greater durability.
Aluminum or galvanized metal panels are virtually maintenance-free and can be perforated to provide necessary ventilation. Fiber cement boards offer exceptional durability against all weather conditions.
For those seeking something different, consider HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic panels, which are environmentally friendly (often made from recycled materials) and extremely long-lasting. These materials allow you to create attractive skirting that will look great for years with minimal upkeep.
How can I incorporate lighting into my deck skirting design?
Integrating lighting into your deck skirting can enhance both functionality and atmosphere. Recessed LED strip lights installed along the top edge of the skirting create a beautiful glow that highlights the deck's perimeter.
For more defined illumination, consider mounting small deck lights or path lights just in front of the skirting. If your skirting has openings or patterns, backlighting can create dramatic effects as light shines through these spaces.
String lights woven through lattice panels or draped along skirting provide a festive feel. Solar-powered options are particularly convenient as they require no wiring and automatically illuminate your deck space in the evening.
For a sophisticated touch, consider programmable RGB lights that can change colors to suit different occasions.
What are some budget-friendly deck skirting ideas instead of using expensive materials?
For budget-conscious homeowners, several affordable deck skirting options exist. Repurposed pallet wood can create a rustic feel when installed horizontally or vertically. Basic pressure-treated lumber can be arranged in simple patterns and stained or painted to match your existing deck.
Bamboo fencing rolls offer an inexpensive exotic look and are easy to install. Outdoor fabric panels provide a soft, casual appearance perfect for seasonal use. Corrugated plastic panels are lightweight, inexpensive, and come in various colors. For those with artistic skills, painting a mural on plywood panels can provide a unique personal touch.
Even standard vinyl lattice can be elevated with paint and decorative trim without breaking the budget. These alternatives offer character to your deck space without the high cost of premium materials.
How can I improve airflow under my deck with skirting?
To improve airflow, choose skirting designs that incorporate gaps or perforations, such as slatted wood, decorative panels with cutouts, or spaced composite boards.