Decks are like little outdoor stages. They hold our chairs, our grill, our laughter. But underneath? Let’s be honest, it can look messy—like a forgotten storage cave. That’s where deck skirting comes in. It hides the chaos and makes everything look polished. And the good news? You don’t need a big wallet to pull it off.
Cheap deck skirting doesn’t mean boring or sloppy. In fact, the simplest ideas often turn out the most charming. Vertical, horizontal, even a mix of both, the possibilities are endless. If you’ve got a little creativity and maybe a hammer that’s seen better days, you’re already halfway there. Let’s wander through 20+ easy DIY ideas that can change the whole look of your deck without you crying over the receipts.
1. Classic Lattice, But With A Twist
The old white plastic lattice—it’s the cliché of deck skirting. But paint it dark green or black and suddenly it looks brand new. Cut it to fit in neat panels and screw it into a simple wooden frame.
Here’s a trick: install the panels at an angle instead of straight up and down. It feels a bit playful, like a picnic blanket but more grown-up. Plus, angled lines make the space look bigger than it is. Cheap, fast, and way better than leaving that bare dirt showing.
2. Horizontal Slats From Scrap Wood
You know those leftover fence boards from a neighbor’s project? Don’t toss them. Sand them down and line them up horizontally around your deck. Even mismatched wood can look purposeful if you keep the spacing even.
The gaps between slats let air flow, which is great if you’ve got damp ground under there. Stain them all one color or let the different tones stay. It’s got that rustic “we meant to do this” vibe.
3. Pallet Wood Vertical Style
Pallets are everywhere. Behind grocery stores, leaning by dumpsters, sometimes even free online. Take them apart and suddenly you’ve got a pile of planks begging to be used. Line them vertically under the deck and you’ll get a look that’s both neat and earthy.
Vertical lines also make decks look taller. And if the planks aren’t perfect? That’s the charm. A coat of outdoor paint will unify the look, or leave them raw if you like the weathered gray.
4. Stone Veneer Illusion
Okay, technically not wood, but still cheap compared to real stone. Stone veneer panels can be glued onto plywood and placed around the deck skirt. It gives the illusion of a stone foundation without breaking your back or your budget.
This trick works wonders for homes that need a bit of visual weight. It grounds the deck, makes it feel solid. And if you mix it with wood trims on the corners, you’ll fool everyone into thinking you hired a mason.
5. Corrugated Metal With A Frame
That shiny rippled metal often used for sheds? It works magic under decks. Frame it with simple wooden borders and you’ve got an industrial-meets-country look.
The bonus? It’s practically weather-proof. Rain, snow, dogs kicking up dirt—none of it matters. A charcoal or black finish looks sharp, but even rusty red metal has its charm. It screams character while costing peanuts.
6. Vertical Garden Skirting
Why not let the skirt grow something? Attach small planter boxes or even hang pouches along a wooden frame under the deck. Fill them with herbs or trailing plants like ivy.
It hides the underside while giving you free basil for dinner. Plus, it makes your deck smell amazing in summer. People will think you hired a landscaper when really you just zip-tied some pots.
7. Bamboo Rolls On The Cheap
Bamboo fencing rolls, the kind you find at garden centers, are surprisingly versatile. Just unroll, staple, and trim to size. It instantly gives a tropical or spa-like feel.
It’s not the toughest material, but for a quick seasonal facelift, it’s unbeatable. If you want extra durability, frame it behind with simple slats so it doesn’t sag. And it’s light enough that one person can install it in an afternoon.
8. Brick Paver Base With Wood Top
If you’ve got a few extra pavers lying around, stack them as a short base wall. Then finish the upper part with horizontal or vertical wood panels. It creates a mixed-material look that feels expensive without costing much.
The bricks don’t even need mortar if you’re not fussy. Just stack them tight. That little detail at the bottom gives the skirt strength and a designer touch most DIYers overlook.
9. Old Shutters For Texture
Check thrift stores or salvage yards for old shutters. Line them side by side under the deck like puzzle pieces. Their slatted design already looks like fancy skirting.
Paint them all one color for a uniform finish, or leave them mismatched for a quirky cottage feel. Either way, they’re usually cheap, lightweight, and easy to screw into place. Plus, you’ll be recycling something destined for the dump.
10. Simple Plywood Panels With Trim
Sometimes plain plywood is enough. Cut panels to size, paint them in a bold color, and add trim strips to make it look intentional. Cheap doesn’t mean lazy—it’s all in the finishing touches.
Plywood is sturdy, so it’ll last years if you seal it well. Add vents or little cutouts for airflow, and suddenly the simplest material on the block looks polished.
11. Rope and Wire Weave
Grab some cheap rope or galvanized wire and crisscross it across a simple wooden frame. Think of it like weaving a giant basket under your deck.
The gaps give airflow, but the woven pattern looks handmade and cozy. For a nautical feel, go with thick rope; for a more modern twist, thin wire works better. It’s quick, lightweight, and kind of fun to make.
12. Vinyl Siding Leftovers
Sometimes people have scraps of vinyl siding sitting in their garage after a remodel. Use them horizontally or vertically to skirt your deck. They snap together easily, and you can fake the look of a mini house foundation.
Paint them or leave them in their factory color. They’re low-maintenance and weather-resistant, which means one less headache for you later.
13. Sliding Skirt Panels
Instead of fixing the skirt permanently, build panels on simple tracks so they slide open and closed. That way, you can still store tools or firewood under the deck without crawling on your belly.
It sounds fancy, but it’s really just a couple of rails screwed to a frame. Cheap plywood or OSB works for the panels themselves. Bonus: guests won’t even realize it’s storage.
14. Tree Branch Screens
If you’ve got access to a yard or woods, gather straight branches or thin logs. Cut them to the same length and stand them side by side like a natural picket wall.
Seal them with outdoor stain so they don’t rot too fast. The organic shapes make the skirt feel like it grew there. It’s rustic, almost like something from a fairy-tale cottage.
15. Fabric Curtain Skirting
Outdoor fabric or heavy-duty canvas can be stapled to the deck frame like a curtain. Add Velcro strips or hooks so you can wash or replace it easily.
It’s one of the cheapest ideas out there, and you can change colors whenever you feel like a makeover. Just make sure it’s an outdoor-rated fabric so it doesn’t fade in two weeks.
16. Recycled Tin Tiles
Old ceiling tiles, especially the pressed tin kind, make surprisingly beautiful deck skirts. Screw them into a wood backing, and suddenly you’ve got shiny patterns peeking out from under your deck.
You don’t need many—sometimes salvage shops sell them for a dollar apiece. Paint them in bold colors or let them patina naturally for a vintage charm.
17. Gabion Rock Filler
This one looks super high-end but can be budget-friendly. Build wire cages (gabions) and fill them with rocks, broken bricks, or even concrete chunks. Place them along the deck perimeter.
It’s rugged and modern at the same time. Plus, if you’ve got a pile of rubble sitting around, you’re basically turning trash into architecture.
18. Trellis Panels With Climbers
Trellis panels are lighter and more open than lattice. Attach them vertically and plant climbing vines like clematis or jasmine at the base. Within a season or two, your deck skirt turns into a living wall.
It’s cheap, green, and smells amazing when the flowers bloom. And since trellis comes pre-made in panels, the install is as easy as hanging a picture frame.
19. Decorative Concrete Blocks
Those patterned breeze blocks from the 60s? They’re making a comeback. Stack them under the deck and you’ve got airflow, shade, and retro vibes all in one.
They’re heavy but inexpensive, and the cut-out shapes add texture. If you’re after mid-century cool on a budget, this one nails it.
20. Reclaimed Door Panels
Salvage old interior doors, cut them down to size, and use them as skirting panels. Raised panels or even flat hollow-core doors can look surprisingly smart once painted.
Add some outdoor trim around the edges to hide seams. Suddenly, what was once landfill fodder becomes a unique design piece.
Final Thoughts
Deck skirting doesn’t have to be a headache or a wallet-buster. These ideas mix cheap materials with clever placement, giving you results that look like custom work.
The key? Don’t overthink it. Whether it’s pallets, bamboo, or even old shutters, it’s about hiding the mess while adding personality. A weekend project, a bit of sweat, and maybe a few splinters later, and your deck goes from “unfinished” to “wow.”
And honestly, that’s the magic. It’s less about perfection, more about making it yours. Every nail slightly crooked, every board with its own story—that’s the charm. Your deck skirt doesn’t just hide the underbelly. It shows off your creativity, your grit, your touch.
Now go grab that hammer. The underside of your deck is waiting to shine.
Emma is a passionate home decor enthusiast and the voice behind Home Evoke. With a keen eye for design and a love for transforming spaces, she shares her expertise and creative ideas to help others create beautiful, functional homes. Through her blog, Emma inspires readers with practical tips, trend insights, and DIY projects that make home styling effortless and enjoyable.