When it comes to designing a deck, a lot of people don’t think about what they want to do underneath. But enclosing that space can make a big difference. Whether you’re trying to keep animals out, add storage, or just make things look more finished, there are smart and aesthetically pleasing ways to do it.
We’ve built hundreds of custom decks in Wisconsin and we’d love to show you some of our clients’ favorite options for under deck closure. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can decide what makes sense for your home.
Reasons to Enclose the Space Under Your Deck
There’s more to a deck than what you see on top. If the bottom’s visible, wide open, or collecting junk, it’s worth thinking through what a clean enclosure could do for your yard (and your sanity)…
- It looks more finished. No one wants to stare at mud, weeds, or the pile of whatever has blown under there.
- It keeps animals (and trash) out. Enclosures won’t stop every critter, but it helps keep out raccoons, stray cats, your own curious pets, and wind-blown litter that makes its way into your yard.
- It adds function. Higher decks can create useful storage space or even the chance to add a patio or screen porch below.
Not every deck needs to be enclosed. In fact, many of our clients opt to leave it open. Adding skirting typically makes the most sense for homeowners with a lower to the ground deck to put in the extra effort to enclose because 1) it’s less material (aka more affordable) and 2) it’s hard to crawl underneath to retrieve trash or animals that make their way into the space.
Deck Skirting Options We Actually Use
That said, there are two main ways we enclose decks. These are by no means the only options out there, but they typically hit the sweet spot of value per dollar and what actually looks nice!
PVC Lattice Skirting
Lattice is the most common option, but we do it a little differently… We use low-maintenance PVC, not wood. It holds up better to moisture and doesn’t need to be repainted every couple of years. If we’re building clients a maintenance-free deck, it makes no sense to cut corners on the lattice! White is the go-to, traditional favorite, but black works great for a more modern look or to tie in with black railings.
Pros: Affordable, low maintenance, flexible look that works with most homes.
Cons: More traditional style, still has small openings critters can sneak through, and if your deck posts are unwrapped (aka wood), you might see them pop through the lattice.
Deck Board Skirting to Match
If you want a cleaner, higher-end finish, we can skirt your deck (either vertically or horizontally) using the same composite or PVC boards used on the deck surface. This creates a seamless look and is a great option for decks at a variety of heights. Because the materials are so sturdy and hide hardware more easily, this type of enclosure is better for things like hidden access doors for storage (which we’ll chat more about in a second).
Pros: Sharp finish that feels super custom (because it is) and better enclosure for storage.
Cons: More expensive and doesn’t provide as much ventilation (important for keeping moisture levels low).
Storage and Dry Space Options
If your deck has a good bit of space underneath it, you have a couple more options to add function (and flair)!
Hidden Access for Storage
We can frame in an access door that blends in with the rest of the deck skirting so you can stash yard tools, seasonal gear, or whatever else you don’t want to keep in the garage. This works best when the ground below is level and drains well. Just don’t expect to keep anything perfectly dry—this isn’t a shed. There will be rain that comes down from the gaps in the boards above, unless…
Deck Drainage System
Trex RainEscape is a drainage system that is installed between your deck joists before the decking is installed. It catches rainwater and reroutes it into a gutter, keeping the area underneath your deck completely dry. This isn’t necessarily an enclosure like skirting, but if used, it allows for more function under your deck (like the patio and screen porch shown below).
Deck Enclosure FAQs
You could—but we don’t recommend it. Wood lattice is high maintenance, prone to rot, and doesn’t hold up well in the Midwest climate. Plus, if you’ve got a maintenance-free deck, it makes no sense to tack on something you’ll have to paint or stain every year. We stick with PVC because it’s durable, low-maintenance, and actually fits the rest of the deck.
Mostly. It keeps out raccoons, skunks, and larger critters. But determined small animals (like chipmunks) can still sneak through. Keeping the area darker and enclosed can also help limit weed growth underneath.
Let’s Bring Your Deck Skirting Ideas to Life
There’s no one right way to enclose the space under your deck, but there are definitely some wrong ones. Our team likes to keep it simple, clean, and durable… just like the decks we build.
If you’re ready to make the underside of your deck work harder (and look better), we can help you figure out the best way to do it for your space & lifestyle. Reach out for a free estimate in Madison or Appleton, WI!
