Adding deck skirting is an easy way to upgrade your outdoor space, hide under-deck storage, and improve your home’s curb appeal. In this guide, we will share 20 budget-friendly deck skirting ideas that help you achieve a clean, polished look without spending a fortune. Whether you have a small deck or a large elevated porch, these ideas provide affordable options to enhance your backyard using simple materials and easy DIY methods.
1. Lattice Panels with a Painted Finish
We recommend using basic wooden or vinyl lattice panels because they are widely available, very affordable, and easy to cut to size. The open-grid design provides ventilation under the deck while covering the space attractively. Painting the lattice in a color that matches your deck or house creates a cohesive look without the expense of custom carpentry. This simple project improves your deck’s appearance while protecting the underside from animals and debris, making it an effective budget-friendly option.
2. Horizontal Pallet Board Skirting
We suggest recycling wooden pallets to create horizontal board skirting because it offers a rustic, natural look for free or very low cost. The boards can be sanded and stained for a clean finish, then attached horizontally along the deck perimeter. This method uses upcycled materials, reduces waste, and provides solid coverage, especially useful for concealing clutter under the deck affordably. 
3. Corrugated Metal Panels
Corrugated metal panels are an excellent choice for deck skirting because they offer durability at a reasonable price. We recommend this option because it creates a modern farmhouse style while resisting moisture and pests. Metal panels are easy to install vertically or horizontally with basic screws, providing long-lasting coverage that holds up well against weather compared to untreated wood options.
4. Bamboo Reed Fencing Rolls
We recommend bamboo reed fencing rolls for cheap deck skirting because they are lightweight, affordable, and create a relaxed tropical aesthetic. These fencing rolls are sold in home improvement stores and can be cut to size easily. Bamboo naturally resists rot and pests, making it a practical low-cost solution that is also eco-friendly. This style suits homeowners who want a more natural look around their deck.
5. Pressure-Treated Vertical Slats
Using pressure-treated wood cut into vertical slats is one of the cheapest ways to build long-lasting deck skirting. We recommend this method because it allows full airflow under the deck while blocking visibility from the outside. Pressure-treated boards are moisture resistant, affordable, and readily available, making them ideal for DIYers who want a clean, uniform finish without professional installation costs.
6. Faux Stone Panels
We suggest using faux stone panels for deck skirting when you want an upscale look without the high price of masonry. Made from lightweight polyurethane or plastic, these panels mimic natural stone textures while being easier and cheaper to install. This option enhances curb appeal significantly without requiring professional help, making it a smart way to upgrade your outdoor space on a budget.
7. Galvanized Wire Panels with Wooden Frames
Combining galvanized wire panels with simple wooden frames creates a functional and affordable deck skirting option. We recommend this design because it offers good ventilation and allows light to pass through while keeping animals out. This combination works well in rural or rustic settings and requires minimal materials, making it a cost-effective and durable solution for everyday homeowners.
8. Composite Deck Skirting Offcuts
We suggest checking with local contractors or deck suppliers for leftover composite deck board cut-offs. These offcuts can be repurposed into low-maintenance deck skirting, providing a polished look for a fraction of the price. Composite materials resist moisture, insects, and fading, so this approach combines durability with savings, especially if you can source leftover materials for free or cheap.
9. Painted Concrete Blocks
Using painted concrete blocks is one of the cheapest and most durable ways to skirt a low deck. We recommend stacking or partially burying the blocks around the perimeter, then painting them in neutral or matching colors. This method helps prevent weeds, deters animals, and provides a solid barrier with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for those seeking affordable long-term results.
10. PVC Trim Boards
PVC trim boards offer a neat, polished look for deck skirting at a reasonable price point. We suggest this material because it is water-resistant, insect-proof, and requires no painting or staining. PVC boards are easy to cut and install with basic tools, providing a clean finish that lasts for years, making it a worthwhile budget-friendly investment for DIYers.
11. Recycled Shutters
We recommend using old or salvaged window shutters for a creative, inexpensive deck skirting idea. Shutters can be mounted vertically or horizontally around the deck perimeter to create a vintage, cottage-style appearance. This method promotes recycling and adds character to outdoor spaces while reducing material costs, especially if sourced from local salvage yards or resale shops.
12. Vinyl Lattice with Faux Trim
Vinyl lattice combined with inexpensive faux trim provides a clean, durable skirting solution on a tight budget. We recommend vinyl because it resists rot, does not need repainting, and installs easily with basic hardware. Adding trim around the edges improves the appearance without significant expense, making it a simple DIY project that looks professional.
13. Rope and Post Skirting
For homeowners who prefer a coastal look, we suggest rope and post skirting as a creative and affordable solution. Wooden posts can be set around the deck, and thick outdoor rope strung horizontally between them to provide a decorative barrier. This option keeps the area semi-open, improves safety, and provides visual interest at a very low cost using common materials.
14. Trellis Panels with Climbing Plants
We recommend trellis panels combined with climbing plants to create natural green skirting. Trellis panels are inexpensive and easy to install around the deck base. Adding fast-growing vines like ivy or clematis covers the structure with greenery over time, offering shade, privacy, and under-deck concealment without heavy construction or high material costs.
15. Salvaged Fence Panels
Using salvaged or leftover fence panels is an effective way to create deck skirting for cheap. We suggest this approach because it repurposes materials that would otherwise go to waste, keeping costs low. Fence panels provide solid coverage, prevent animals from entering underneath the deck, and can be painted or stained to match your deck color scheme.
16. Wooden Crate Panels
Wooden crates can be dismantled and repurposed into deck skirting panels, offering a rustic and affordable option. We recommend using crate slats because they are strong, easy to cut, and often free from local markets or warehouses. This project provides good ventilation under the deck and a handcrafted aesthetic, ideal for budget-conscious DIYers.
17. Reclaimed Barn Wood Skirting
Reclaimed barn wood provides a weathered, rustic look for deck skirting at minimal cost, especially if sourced locally. We suggest this material because it has natural charm and durability while offering eco-friendly benefits by reusing old wood. This style enhances farmhouse and country homes without the premium prices of new wood.
18. Painted Plywood Panels
Plywood sheets are one of the cheapest deck skirting options when painted and sealed properly. We recommend using exterior-grade plywood because it is easy to cut, affordable, and provides full coverage under the deck. With a few coats of outdoor paint or wood stain, plywood creates a simple, neat appearance that withstands weather and hides unsightly areas effectively.
19. Fabric Privacy Screens
For a quick and temporary solution, we recommend fabric or tarp privacy screens attached around the deck base. Outdoor fabrics are affordable, come in various colors, and provide instant concealment without carpentry work. This method is ideal for renters or seasonal updates, offering flexibility while maintaining a tidy, cohesive deck appearance.
20. Cinder Blocks and Wooden Slats
Combining cinder blocks with horizontal wooden slats provides a sturdy, budget-friendly deck skirting option. We suggest this approach because cinder blocks are inexpensive and easy to stack, while wooden slats add a decorative element. This mix of materials creates a strong barrier against animals and weather while keeping the project within a modest budget.
