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Hide the Ugly & Boost Curb Appeal—No Big Budget Needed

Let’s be real—an exposed deck foundation is the ultimate home eyesore. It’s like leaving a half-finished puzzle out on the coffee table: messy, collects every leaf and spider web in the neighborhood, and totally drags down how your whole house looks. The good news? You don’t need to empty your wallet to fix it. There are tons of cheap deck skirting ideas that work for any homeowner. This guide breaks down 17 affordable options to enclose that under-deck space—they’re practical, they look great, and most you can tackle in a weekend.

1. Classic Wood Lattice

Wood lattice is popular for a reason—it’s the OG budget skirting. I picked up panels at my local home improvement store for less than $20 each, and they’re so easy to work with. That crisscross pattern isn’t just cute, either—it lets air flow through, which keeps moisture and mold from building up under there. (Trust me, you don’t want that damp, musty smell.) You can leave it natural, stain it to match your deck, or paint it a fun color. Installation’s a breeze: build a simple frame between your deck posts, then screw the lattice on. Done.

2. Modern Horizontal Wood Slats

Want that “custom designer” look without the designer price tag? Horizontal wood slats are your answer. I’ve seen people use cheap pressure-treated pine for this, but if you’re feeling thrifty, reclaimed pallet wood works too (just sand it down first!). Space the boards an inch apart for that sleek, contemporary vibe, or lay ’em edge-to-edge if you want full privacy from the neighbor’s dog. The long, clean lines do this magic thing—they make your deck and yard look wider. Total win for small spaces.

3. Simple Vertical Wood Slats

Vertical slats are like the horizontal version’s cousin—simple, cheap, and effective. But here’s the trick: they make low decks look taller. My friend has a deck that’s barely a foot off the ground, and vertical slats turned it from “meh” to “wait, that looks nice!” They give off that classic board-and-batten feel, too. Installation’s straightforward: cut the boards to length, fasten ’em directly to the deck frame. Paint ’em charcoal or black, and they’ll contrast beautifully with your deck’s wood tone.

4. Reclaimed Pallet Wood

Free is my favorite price, right? Reclaimed pallet wood is often totally free—just ask local hardware stores, warehouses, or even restaurants. They usually have piles they’re dying to get rid of. But a quick heads-up: check for the “HT” stamp. That means heat-treated, not chemically treated. I made the mistake once of grabbing unmarked pallets and had to toss ’em when I realized they might have weird chemicals. Disassemble ’em, then arrange the boards however you want—horizontal, vertical, even a herringbone if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s rustic, unique, and costs next to nothing.

5. Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal is for the folks who love industrial or modern farmhouse vibes. And let me tell you—it’s tough. No rotting, no painting, no maintenance. Just set it and forget it. You can buy new panels cheap, but I’ve found used ones at salvage yards for even less—and that weathered look? Way cooler than brand new. Attach ’em horizontally or vertically to a simple wood frame. The wavy texture adds so much visual interest, especially next to wood or stone. My brother used this on his deck, and it’s held up through two harsh winters. Impressive.

6. Faux Stone Panels

We all drool over real stone skirting, but let’s be honest—hiring a mason is crazy expensive, and those stones are heavy. Faux stone panels? Game-changer. They’re made of polyurethane, so they’re light as a feather. Screw ’em or glue ’em up, and they look exactly like the real thing. My neighbor used these, and I didn’t even realize they were fake until she told me. Yeah, they’re a bit more than wood, but way cheaper than actual stone. If you want that “high-end” look on a budget, this is it.

7. Basic Vinyl Skirting

You’ve seen vinyl skirting on mobile homes, but don’t sleep on it for regular decks. It’s one of the cheapest materials out there, and it comes in tons of colors—even ones that mimic wood or stone. It’s weather-resistant, too—just spray it with a hose when it gets dirty. Installation’s simple with that track system—no fancy tools required. It’s not the most “trendy” option, but it’s practical. And sometimes practical wins, right? My aunt has this, and after 5 years, it still looks as good as new.

8. Hardy Board Panels

Hardy board (it’s just fiber cement siding, really) is for the long-haulers. If you want skirting that’ll outlast your deck, this is it. It resists rot, bugs, and even fire. Yeah, it needs to be painted, but once you do, that paint sticks for years. My parents used this on their deck, and after 10 years of rain, snow, and sun, it still looks brand new. Cut it into big panels for a smooth, modern look, or use lap siding planks for that classic house feel. It’s a bit more upfront, but it’s worth it for the zero-hassle upkeep.

9. Wire Mesh or Hardware Cloth

This one’s all about function. If you’re more worried about keeping critters out than hiding the under-deck space, wire mesh is perfect. Galvanized hardware cloth is cheap and easy to cut—just attach it to a simple wood frame under your deck. It lets maximum air flow through (good for moisture!), but fair warning: it doesn’t offer privacy. Here’s a hack, though—plant ivy or clematis at the base. In a year, you’ll have a lush green wall that hides the mesh completely. I did this after a family of raccoons moved under my deck… never had a problem again.

10. Bamboo Reed Fencing

Bamboo reed fencing is like bringing a little tropical vacation to your backyard. It comes in big rolls (super affordable!) and installs in minutes—just unroll it and attach it to your deck posts or a frame. A single roll covered my small deck’s perimeter, no problem. It provides good coverage, but be realistic: if you live somewhere with brutal winters (think below-freezing for months), it might not hold up as long as wood or vinyl. But for mild climates? Chef’s kiss.

It adds that natural, relaxed vibe every backyard needs.

11. Plywood with Batten Strips

This is the ultimate weekend project. Grab a sheet of exterior-grade plywood (cheap!), cut it to fit your deck’s perimeter, and boom—you’ve covered the space. But plain plywood looks a little boring, right? Add thin wood strips (called battens) vertically every 16 or 24 inches. Suddenly, it’s a classic board-and-batten skirt that looks way more expensive than it is. Paint the whole thing one color—soft gray or cream works great—and it’ll look cohesive and finished. I did this with my brother last summer; we started after breakfast and were done by dinner.

12. A Living Wall with Planters

Why build a skirt when you can grow one? This is my personal favorite for plant lovers. Build simple shelves or boxes between your deck posts, or hang window boxes from the deck’s rim joist. Fill ’em with trailing plants—petunias, creeping Jenny, or even sweet potato vine work great. They’ll spill over and hide the under-deck space, plus add pops of color to your yard. Pro tip: Use self-watering planters if you’re forgetful (guilty!). My sister did this, and her deck is now the prettiest one on the block.

13. Gravel and Stone Border

If your deck is super low—like, almost touching the ground—you don’t even need a traditional skirt. Just create a clean border. Dig a shallow trench around the deck’s perimeter, lay down landscape fabric (to stop weeds), and fill it with decorative gravel or river stones. It looks neat, improves drainage (no more puddles under the deck!), and keeps weeds from popping up. My cousin did this, and it’s so simple but makes the whole area feel finished. No power tools, no measuring—just dig and dump.

14. Outdoor Fabric Screens

Renters, this one’s for you. Outdoor fabric is cheap, creative, and totally removable. Buy weather-resistant canvas or shade cloth by the yard—they come in every color and pattern imaginable. Staple it tightly to a wood frame, or use grommets and hooks so you can take it down when you move. I used this when I rented an apartment with a deck; I picked a fun striped fabric, and it made the space feel like mine. It’s also great for temporary fixes—like if you’re hosting a party and want to spruce things up fast.

15. Decorative Metal Panels

Plain wire mesh is boring—decorative metal panels are where it’s at. These are the same ones used for radiator covers or wall inserts, and they come with pre-cut patterns: geometric shapes, floral designs, even abstract stuff. They’re more stylish than mesh but offer the same great ventilation. Frame ’em with wood, paint everything the same color (black or white works for most styles), and it looks polished. My sister used these, and everyone who sees her deck asks where she found them. Little do they know, they’re from the hardware store!

16. Cedar Shingles

Cedar shingles give off that cozy rustic or coastal vibe—and they’re cheap if you know where to look. Lumber yards often have leftover bundles for half price (just ask!). Installation is similar to roofing: attach a sheet of plywood to the deck frame first, then nail the shingles in overlapping rows. They’ll weather naturally to a silvery gray over time, which looks even better than brand new. My aunt has these on her beach house deck, and it fits the vibe perfectly. Plus, cedar smells amazing—win-win.

17. Composite Deck Fascia Boards

If you have a composite deck, do yourself a favor and use matching fascia boards for skirting. These thin boards are designed to cover the deck’s rim joists, but they work great for a full skirt. They’re not the absolute cheapest option, but they guarantee a perfect color match—no clashing with your deck. And they’re zero-maintenance: no painting, no staining, just install and enjoy. My neighbor has a composite deck, and this skirting makes it look like it came straight from the builder’s plan. Worth the extra few bucks for the seamless look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the absolute cheapest way to skirt a deck?

Reclaimed pallet wood is usually free (if you can find it!), so that’s the cheapest. If you can’t track down pallets, wood lattice or bamboo reed fencing are the next most affordable store-bought options—you can get everything you need for under $50 for a small deck.

Do I need to add ventilation to my deck skirting?

Yes! So important. Without airflow, moisture gets trapped under your deck, leading to mold, mildew, and rot. Pick a style with gaps (like lattice or spaced slats), or drill small vents in solid panels. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with that damp, musty smell—or replacing rotted deck supports later.

How can I keep animals from getting under my deck with skirting?

Bury the bottom of your skirting a few inches into the ground—critters can’t dig through that easily. For extra protection, dig a shallow trench, attach a strip of galvanized hardware cloth to the bottom of the skirt, and bury it in an L-shape facing outward. That stops them from digging under the edge. I did this after raccoons moved in, and it worked like a charm.

Conclusion

Covering the space under your deck doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Seriously—there’s something here for every style (classic, modern, rustic) and every budget. I’ve tried a few of these myself (lattice, pallet wood, and the living wall—still obsessed with the plants), and they all work way better than I expected.

Pick the idea that speaks to you, grab a friend (or a beer, or both) to help with the project, and soon that messy under-deck space will be a thing of the past. You’ll be shocked at how much it boosts your home’s curb appeal—all without breaking the bank.

Which one are you leaning toward? I’m low-key craving that bamboo fencing for my own deck now. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

17 Cheap Deck Skirting Ideas That Look Great