Deck skirting is an important aspect of constructing and maintaining a safe and functional deck. It is a protective barrier between the deck’s surface and its underside, which helps to protect against moisture, pests, and debris.
Furthermore, it can further improve the aesthetic appeal of the deck by providing an attractive visual element to the overall design. Deck skirting is typically made of vinyl, composite, or pressure-treated lumber, and the particular material selected will depend on the specific deck’s environment.
Generally, the skirting should reach at least 6-8 inches above the ground and be securely attached to the joists. In addition, it should be cut to allow for adequate air circulation underneath the deck.
By investing in quality deck skirting, you can help to ensure that your deck will last for many years while also providing an attractive and functional feature to your outdoor living space.
What to use for skirting on deck?
When selecting a material to use for skirting on a deck, the best option would be to use a high-grade vinyl or plastic. Vinyl or plastic skirting is attractive and durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance.
It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures and can resist fading, cracking, and peeling—unlike traditional wood skirting, vinyl or plastic skirting will never need to be painted or stained. Additionally, installing and cleaning a vinyl/plastic skirting is simple, as all it requires is a soapy sponge or pressure washer to clean it.
Vinyl/plastic skirting also comes in a variety of colors and styles, making it a great way to customize and enhance the look of a deck.
What goes around the bottom of a deck?
When building a deck, there are several components that go around the bottom of the deck such as skirting, lattice, railing systems, and other functional items. Skirting provides under-deck storage and helps keep animals and pests away from the deck.
Lattice provides privacy and is often used in areas that have zoning requirements to hide the under-deck area. Railing systems provide safety on a deck and can often be designed with the style of your deck to make a cohesive design.
Other functional items such as LED lights and electrical outlets can also be added and incorporated around the bottom of the deck. Installing these components and making sure they are secure and compliant with local regulations will help ensure your deck is safe and aesthetically pleasing.
How do you finish the side of a deck?
When finishing the side of a deck, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and secure build. First, make sure that the boards are securely attached to the joists and checked for warping.
Next, install deck protection, such as flashing or skirting, to protect the deck from moisture damage. Finally, add a finishing layer of paint or a sealer to help protect the decking from UV rays, fading and staining.
If painting, use a long-lasting, exterior-grade paint or stain to protect the deck. For added protection, apply a sealer especially formulated for outdoor decks or apply a waterproofing sealer. This will provide an extra layer of protection between the wood and the weather and will ensure your deck looks great for years to come.
Additionally, inspect the deck annually for any damage that may have occurred over the year, and make any necessary repairs to keep your deck looking great.
What do you put on deck edges?
When it comes to deck edges, there are a few different options to choose from, depending on your needs and budget. Generally, most deck edges are framed using pressure treated wood, which is long-lasting, cost-effective, and relatively easy to install.
For added protection and safety, boards can be placed around the edges of the deck and screwed or nailed into place. This is especially important for decks that are higher than a few feet off the ground, as they can be hazardous to walk on without proper framing.
Railings, of course, are also necessary for decks with higher elevations, as they provide additional safety, stability, and support. Depending on your design preferences and budget, you can choose from a variety of railing materials and styles, including metal, wood, and composite.
In addition to framing and railing, some decks may also benefit from skirting or fencing around their edges. This can help keep out pests and maintain the overall aesthetic of the deck. Again, there are a variety of materials available, from pressure-treated wood to vinyl or metal.
Ultimately, every deck is slightly different and will require different components to ensure durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Nonetheless, many people opt for framing, railings, and sometimes skirting or fencing to protect and enhance their deck edges.
What adds more value to a home a deck or patio?
Decks and patios both add value to a home, but the value will depend on which one is more appropriate for the property. If the home is on the ground, then a deck may be more desirable since it will provide a great entertaining space and make the home look more substantial.
On the other hand, if the home is on a hill or there is limited yard area, then a patio may be better as it is typically more cost-effective and does not require as much maintenance.
In terms of resale value, decks generally give more than patios, as many buyers are looking for outdoor entertaining space that is out of the elements. If a deck can be constructed in the home that takes advantage of a view or overlooks a water feature, then potential buyers will be more interested in the property and willing to pay a higher price.
Ultimately, it comes down to what would be the best solution for the property, and each situation is different.
What are the sides of a deck called?
The sides of a deck are referred to as the railings or balusters. Railings can come in a variety of designs and materials including wood, wrought iron, vinyl, aluminum and stainless steel. Depending on the style of the deck, the railings can consist of several horizontal bars, tops and bottoms with spindles, pickets or balusters in between.
The railing should be strong and sturdy to provide the necessary support, while also creating an aesthetically pleasing look that compliments the style and look of the deck. In addition to providing structural support, railings can also add an element of safety to the deck by ensuring that guests and family members are not able to accidentally fall off of the deck.
What is a skirt board on a deck?
A skirt board is a board that is placed between the deck and the ground to create a clean, finished look for the deck and to keep animals and debris out from underneath the deck. It is typically made from a weather-resistant material such as pressure-treated wood, composite decking, or vinyl, and it is often cut to match the profile or shape of the deck.
Its purpose is also to create an aesthetically pleasing look, as well as a functional barrier, to add structural stability and integrity to the deck. The skirt board can also be used as a useful tool for attaching decorative post caps, handrails, and balusters.
Moreover, it can act as a baseboard when the deck is built very close to the ground, helping protect the outer edges of the house and the deck.
How do you cut a skirt board for stairs?
Cutting a skirt board for stairs requires a few different tools and steps, depending on the type of skirt board you are installing. Generally, you will need a miter saw, a jigsaw, rulers/measuring tape, a pencil, and caulk.
Start by measuring the stairs for the areas for the skirt board to be installed, and mark the cut lines with a pencil. Then, cut the boards with the miter saw using your marked measurements. Once the pieces are cut, use the jigsaw to make the curved, angled cuts that will fit snugly against the stairs.
You may also need to cut the ends of the boards where they meet the walls of the staircase if they are not already cut at an angle. Finally, use some caulk to fill in any gaps at the seams and ensure a precise fit.
How do you install horizontal deck skirting?
Installing horizontal deck skirting is a simple process that doesn’t require any special skills or tools. First, you’ll need to measure your deck and cut the skirting panels to fit the length and width of your deck.
Most panels come in 8-foot lengths, so you may need to make extra cuts if your deck has a unique shape. You’ll also need to decide how high you want the skirting panels to go – typically 12 to 24 inches high is a good coverage, or the height of the highest deck board.
Once all the panels are cut to size, the next step is attaching them to the deck frame. If your deck skirting material is vinyl, you’ll use appropriate stainless steel screws. For wooden skirting, treated deck screws are best.
Starting at one corner of the deck, you’ll want to align the first panel before securing it with screws. Depending on the angle at which you are positioning your skirting, you may need to predrill the holes first.
Work your way around the entire deck, attaching the panels and making sure to leave gaps between each panel for expansion due to temperature changes. If you opt for a decorative touch, you can also install lattice or pergola work as a top cap to add a bit of style.
Once all the panels are in place, you are finished with the installation.
Should you skirt a deck?
Whether or not you should skirt a deck depends on your individual preferences. Skirting a deck involves building a wooden or vinyl wall around the deck’s base to hide the space under the deck. Some people choose to skirt their deck to cover structural support posts, joists and other components, while others may do it to hide items such as outdoor furniture, firewood and lawn equipment.
Skirting can give your deck a finished look that may be aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the materials you use for your skirting, it may also provide an extra layer of protection from the elements and pests.
However, skirting can also limit air circulation under the deck, which can serve as an important part of a deck’s ventilation system. If this is an issue, you can opt for lattice skirting or other materials that allow for more air flow.
Ultimately, whether or not you should skirt your deck is up to you and your taste. If a skirted look fits with your desired aesthetic, and you are mindful of air flow and the maintenance needed to keep the skirting clean and functioning properly, it can be a nice finishing touch to your deck.
Is deck skirting necessary?
Whether or not you need deck skirting really depends on the specific situation. If you have a raised deck, deck skirting can provide additional stability and support to the overall structure, as well as helping to hide unsightly posts, beams, and other deck components.
In addition to stabilizing the deck, skirting can also be a great way to add some visual interest to its design.
On the other hand, you may not need skirting if your deck isn’t raised and is securely anchored to the ground, as long as it has adequate support. You may also choose not to install skirting if you are happy with the look of your deck as is, or if you don’t want to incur the expense or effort of installing skirting.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if deck skirting is necessary or not in your situation.
What can I put under my deck instead of lattice?
Under your deck, you could use a variety of different materials to provide a cover instead of lattice.
One option is to use corrugated plastic panels, which come in a variety of colors and will last for a long time. This is also a more cost-effective solution than lattice, as the materials are more affordable.
Corrugated plastic panels will not rot, and are easy to install.
Another option is to use a screened fabric, which is available in several different colors and fabrics and gives a decorative look to your deck cover. These materials are often treated to resist mold and mildew, and can be fairly cheap.
You could also use wood panels or planks to create a more natural or rustic looking deck cover. You can use a variety of wood finishes to customize the look, or even paint the wood to match the surrounding area.
The wood will also resist rot, but will require more maintenance, including sealing and staining over time.
Finally, you could hang curtains or drapes to provide privacy and style to your deck. This is an attractive and versatile option that can be used to block out sun or wind, and also provide some shade on hot days.
How do I stop standing water under my deck?
If you have standing water underneath your deck, the first step is to identify the source of the water. It might be coming from rain runoff, improper grading, malfunctioning irrigation, defects in roof downspouts, or a pooling water issue with the deck itself.
Once the source has been identified, you can move ahead with the necessary repairs:
1. Rain Runoff: Make sure your yard is properly graded to divert rainwater away from the deck.
2. Irrigation: Have your sprinklers checked for leaks and then repaired or replaced, if necessary.
3. Roof Downspouts: If water is coming from the roof, check that the downspouts are properly draining away from the deck. Move them or add an extension, if necessary.
4. Pooling Water: If the deck is sloping in towards the house, have it redone to properly divert water away from the foundation.
Lastly, you can install an under-deck drainage system to keep the area dry and free of standing water. This solution is often done in conjunction with a pressure-treated lumber gutter system to keep rainwater away from the house.
A professional carpenter or contractor will be able to help you with this solution.
