Contemporary Deck Skirting Notions

Outdoor deck spaces have become increasingly popular additions to homes over the past few decades. Decks provide extra room for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. However, the space underneath decks often goes unused and unnoticed. Deck skirting is an innovative solution that transforms this forgotten area into attractive, functional space.

Modern deck skirting ideas incorporate fresh, contemporary materials and sleek designs to create an appealing facade below deck boards. Unlike traditional skirting made of simple lattice or mesh screens, modern skirting offers both form and function.

Benefits of Modern Deck Skirting

Installing modern deck skirting provides many advantages over leaving the deck underside open to the elements:

• Protects foundational support beams and joists from moisture, mud, and lawn debris that can cause rot and decay.
• Creates an effective barrier to keep animals like skunks, rodents, and stray cats from making homes in deck substructures.
• Prevents growth of weeds and vegetation that could compromise structural integrity over time.
• Adds valuable storage space for outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and recreational equipment when designed with enclosed cabinetry.
• Provides a surface for mounting lighting, speakers, and other enhancements to expand deck functionality.
• Transforms open cavity into an attractive architectural feature that complements the deck and home exterior design.

Key Aspects of Modern Deck Skirting

Contemporary deck skirting incorporates modern materials, clean lines, pops of color, and seamless integration into overall deck and landscape design. Key features include:

Innovative Building Materials

Modern skirting utilizes innovative, sleek materials that introduce unique visual interest below the deck. Popular options include:

• Metal panels: Aluminum, steel, and copper panels in solid colors or with subtle patterns add modern appeal. Metal stands up well to outdoor elements.
• Concrete: Poured concrete, concrete pavers, or precast concrete panels offer texture and mass to balance lightweight deck boards above. Concrete is very durable.
• Glass: Tempered glass infuses deck undersides with transparency and reflects light beautifully. Frosted, etched, or colored glass panels provide modern flair.
• PVC: Rigid polyvinyl chloride panels withstand weather and have molded patterns. PVC is available in woodgrain finishes, abstract prints, and solid colors for design flexibility.

Streamlined Silhouette

Straight, clean lines and simple geometric forms are hallmarks of modern design that transfer beautifully to deck skirting applications. Avoiding ornate details in favor of smooth, plain surfaces cleared of visual clutter embodies the contemporary aesthetic.

In addition to using solid panels of sleek materials, creative variations on style include:

• Mixing metal, glass, concrete, and PVC panels in coordinated colors
• Using hidden fasteners and trim pieces for seamlessly integrated surface design
• Incorporating creative angles, curves, overlaps, and asymmetry for interest
• Designing custom patterns and texture using the same base material

Unexpected Color

Color sets modern deck skirting apart from traditional lattice skirting or exposed foundations. Eye-catching hues and unique color combinations enliven neutrally toned decks with excitement. Vibrant colors also integrate installations into surrounding garden beds and landscaping.

Some contemporary color schemes for deck undersides include:

• Black metal panels providing classic contrast against weathered gray deck boards
• White frosted glass emitting a gentle glow below redwood decking
• Multicolored PVC panels replicating bold abstract artwork
• Ombre tones fading from intense blue to pale green on concrete skirting

Functional Features

Beyond aesthetic appeal, excellent modern deck skirting also incorporates functionality. Design aspects that add utilitarian purpose include:

• Integrated cabinets: Custom built-in storage keeps items secure yet conveniently accessible.
• Shelving: Open shelving crafted from decking lumber or contemporary materials holds potted plants.
• Lighting: Ambient ground lights, step lighting, and perimeter beams expand nighttime deck usage.
• Electrical outlets: Discreetly wired outlets power patio speakers, bug zappers, holiday lights and more.
• Water spigots: Accessible water connections assist with gardening needs and summer fun.

Design Considerations

Achieving a cohesive, polished look with modern deck skirting requires careful planning and design detailing. Key factors to address include:

Structural Elements

Prior to installing deck skirting, inspect foundational posts, beams, and joists to ensure structural integrity. Replace rotten wood, grade and fill soil, and remedy drainage issues beforehand. Determine required access points to utilities, electrical, and plumbing systems too.

Measurement Accuracy

Precisely measure deck underside square footage and clearance heights before selecting materials. Include corner angles and existing slopes in calculations. These measurements prevent costly ordering errors and fitting issues during installation.

Material Durability

Factor weather, moisture, debris and traffic impacts into skirting material decisions. For instance, metal stands up to heavy snow loads better than glass. Certain synthetic decking offers greater fade, stain and scratch resistance than wood. Seek durable, low-maintenance options suited to local conditions.

Decking Coordination

Colors, designs and textures of deck boards and skirting should complement one another. Pair muted skirting materials with busier deck patterns or use consistent colors on both to create cohesive style. Even unfinished lumber decking can coordinate with industrial metal paneling.

Landscape Integration

Modern skirting functions like an architectural wall feature defining the deck's boundaries. Incorporate surrounding plants, trees and terrain into choices. For example, emulate forest views with wood-look skirting or mimic colorful garden beds with vibrant colored glass underneath.

Installing Modern Deck Skirting

Homeowners have two options when tackling modern deck skirting projects - DIY or hiring a professional contractor. Which direction you choose depends on skill level, budget and project scope. Both routes have pros and cons.

Professional Installation

Seeking professional consultation or full install services ensures proper planning, prep work, safe execution and eye for fine details. The benefits of hiring a deck pro include:

• Knowledge of building codes and best practices
• Ability to thoroughly assess structural needs
• Access to quality materials at bulk contractor rates
• Efficiency with accurate measurements, cuts and alignment
• Tool and workforce capacity for big jobs
• Fine carpentry skills for custom builds

Just be prepared to pay steeper prices for such expertise. Reputable contractors rightfully charge higher hourly fees or project quotes.