How Much Does It Cost to Install Deck Skirting? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,600 - $4,500
The cost to install deck skirting ranges from $1,600 to $4,500 for most projects, with an average of $3,000. The final price depends on labor and material costs.
The cost to install deck skirting is $3,000 on average. However, you can install a deck skirt with wire mesh or upcycled materials for around $300 or spend $6,000 or more to install deck skirting made of stone around a large deck. Deck skirting may cost anywhere from $2 to $60 per linear foot, depending on the material.
- Average
- $3,000
- Low end
- $300
- high end
- $6,000
Deck Skirting Cost Breakdown
Deck skirting is a type of enclosure that goes around the bottom of the deck, disguising posts and beams and creating a usable outdoor storage space that’s safe from pests. The final cost of this home improvement project greatly depends on the size of your deck and what materials you choose for the skirting. Wire mesh, plywood, and recycled materials cost less per linear foot, while tropical hardwoods and stone tend to cost more.
Size
Deck skirting costs $2 to $60 per linear foot, but the cost varies just as much by material as it does by size. An average 240-square-foot deck will need about $90 to $2,640 worth of skirt decking materials (not including labor) to cover the three exposed sides of the deck.
| Deck Size | Cost* |
|---|---|
| 10’x10’ | $60–$1,800 |
| 12’x14’ | $76–$2,280 |
| 12’x16’ | $80–$2,400 |
| 12’x20’ | $88–$2,640 |
| 15’x20’ | $100–$3,000 |
| 19’x19’ | $114–$3,420 |
| 20’x20’ | $120–$3,600 |
| 24’x24’ | $144–$4,320 |
*Materials only
Material
Deck skirting costs vary by material. For a low-cost option to keep pests away from your deck, you could spend $2 per linear foot for wire mesh. Or, you could spend up to $60 per linear foot for rare hardwoods or stone decking.
Some popular deck skirting options include wood, which costs $12 to $50 per linear foot, or plastic, which ranges from $16 to $36 per linear foot, depending on quality and durability.
Labor
Hiring a professional is up to 75% of the overall cost to install deck skirting, while materials cost 25% to 50% of the total. If you’re hiring hourly contractors to install deck skirting, expect to spend about $50 to $100 per hour per worker. This process takes a few hours, but larger decks will require more time to get the job done. Hiring a pro for this task is definitely worth it to ensure your skirting is secure.
Permits
If you’re installing a new deck complete with deck skirting, you’ll likely need to secure a building permit before you can begin digging for the deck foundation. Building permits cost $225 to $500 for outdoor projects like installing a deck.
Deck Skirting Ongoing Expenses
When you install deck skirting, keep in mind that added materials equals more money you’ll need to spend on maintenance and repairs. From cleaning and sealing the deck skirting to making repairs, here are the ongoing expenses to budget for when you add deck skirting to your outdoor oasis.
Maintenance
Pressure washing a deck costs $100 to $250, depending on the size of the deck. You’ll want to be sure to wash all parts of the deck, including the skirting, to avoid discoloration or damage. To extend the life span of your deck, plan to pressure wash it once per year, in the spring or fall.
Deck sealing, which costs $550 to $1,330, helps protect your deck with a waterproof coating. This process can keep wood or other porous deck materials from absorbing too much water, which can cause rot and decay and also may attract pests. Plan to reseal your deck once every one to three years.
Repairs
Snowy winters, spring rainstorms, and summer cookouts full of friends and family can all do a number on your deck. A little wear and tear is to be expected, so be prepared to spend $860 to $3,420 on the cost to repair a deck. If your deck skirting becomes damaged by pests or inclement weather, you’ll need to replace it, which costs $2 to $60 per linear foot.
DIY Deck Skirt Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a deck skirt yourself could cost just a few hundred dollars and an afternoon if you choose to use lower-cost materials, like wire mesh. You could save about 50% to 75% of the cost to install deck skirting by DIYing.
But keep in mind that one of the major benefits of skirting includes keeping out pests, which won’t be possible if the skirting is installed improperly. Plus, if you don’t account for ventilation, you could cause expensive water damage or rot since bad installation can trap moisture under the deck without enough airflow to dry it out.
That’s why it’s best to leave deck skirting installation to a local deck builder who can install the skirting properly to keep out pests, allow for ventilation, and get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Cost of Common Deck Skirting Add-Ons
Installing a deck skirt can improve the look and functionality of your deck, but it’s not the only enhancement you should consider when making deck upgrades. Whether you’re adding railings, screening in your deck, applying a waterproof seal, or changing the look with new paint or stain, here are the average costs of projects to take on when installing deck skirting:
Deck roofing cost: $14,000–$31,000
Deck railing cost: $10–$30 per linear foot
Screened-in porch cost: $2,000–$4,000
Deck refinishing cost: $900–$2,720
Deck sealing and waterproofing cost: $550–$1,330
5 Ways You Can Save Money on Deck Skirting
Deck skirting is an investment that can improve the look of your deck, but it can add more to the cost of building a deck. Still, if you want to enjoy the benefits of deck skirting without going over your deck budget, consider these tips for reducing the cost to install deck skirting.
Upcycle: You can cut down the cost of deck skirting materials by recycling older materials, like brick or wood, so long as they are in good condition.
Incorporate plants: If you want to save on deck skirting, consider using shrubs and other large plants around some or all of the deck as an alternative or companion to deck skirting. Just be mindful of roots that could grow into the deck foundation.
Look for off-season deals: Many people think summer is the best time to install a deck, but you may find better savings on deck skirting materials in the colder months.
Get multiple quotes: With any project, get quotes from at least three pros to find an offer that best suits your needs and budget while providing the most value.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it isn’t necessary to skirt a deck, but investing in the cost to install deck skirting can bring more value to your home. Not only does deck skirting make the deck look more complete, but it can also turn otherwise unused space beneath the deck into useful storage space.
There are many materials you can consider putting under a deck, such as sand or gravel, or you can keep soil below the deck. But gravel is one of the best materials to put under a deck since it provides good drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests.
Deck skirting shouldn’t touch the ground, especially if you have a wood deck, which is vulnerable to moisture. Ideally, you should leave at least 3/4 of an inch of space between the deck skirting and the ground for more ventilation. Pros also recommend that you incorporate about 1 square foot of space for ventilation for the underside of the deck to every 150 square feet of decking. Proper ventilation prevents mold growth and rot that can damage your deck.