These cheap deck skirting ideas will allow you to install under-deck skirting on a budget. Whether you’re hiding unsightly supports or keeping critters out, skirting can serve serious function and look good doing it. I’ve rounded up a bunch of DIY-friendly options you can tackle without pro help (or a pro-level budget).

Below, you’ll find the details for each material, along with the current price, where to buy it, and installation tips. If you’re hunting for a smart, affordable skirting idea, there’s something here for you.
This selection is shaping up to be an amazing guide for real-life DIYers.

14 CHEAP and CHEAPEST IDEAS

Material: Vinyl Lattice Panels

This photo showcases a classic and budget-friendly vinyl lattice deck skirting idea that’s as practical as it is clean-looking. The white lattice panels serve double duty: they elevate the overall look of the deck while providing necessary under-deck concealment. The white vinyl lattice blends beautifully with the mobile home’s siding, offering a crisp contrast to the natural wood deck. The pattern is the traditional diagonal crosshatch, and it’s framed cleanly between wood rails for added polish and support.

💰 Current Price:
Vinyl Lattice Panels: ~$30–$45 per 4×8 ft sheet depending on color and thickness.
Lattice Divider/Trim Molding (optional): ~$10–$14 per 8 ft strip.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot – Look for the Veranda brand (available in white, black, and tan).
Lowe’s – Freedom brand or Style Selections (often found in stock).
Menards – Midwest Manufacturing brand lattice.
Amazon – Great for accessories like lattice caps and screws.

🛠️ DIY Installation Tips:
Frame it first: Build a simple wooden frame to prevent warping and sagging. Use pressure-treated 1x2s or 2x2s.
Use deck screws with washers or specialized lattice fasteners to avoid cracking.
For added polish, add lattice trim around the perimeter. It hides the cut edges and gives it that finished pro look.

Material: Wood Lattice Panels

This deck features a painted wood lattice skirting that gives off serious cohesive charm. The taupe tone perfectly matches the railing, creating a seamless and well-planned look. The diamond-pattern lattice panels are installed flush against the framing, and the crisp alignment shows attention to detail. Wood lattice is one of the most traditional and affordable materials for skirting, and when painted like this, it can easily look custom and upscale.

💰 Current Price:
Wood Lattice Panels: ~$21–$32 per 4×8 ft sheet.
Pressure-Treated Wood Option: ~$29–$40 per sheet.
Paint or Stain (optional): ~$30–$50 per gallon (covers ~300 sq ft).

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot – Treated wood lattice by Outdoor Essentials.
Lowe’s – YellaWood or Style Selections brand.
Menards – Various treated and untreated panels.
Ace Hardware – Often has shorter-length panels great for smaller decks.

🛠️ DIY Installation Tips:
Seal or paint both sides before installation to prevent warping or rotting.
Use exterior-grade fasteners or screws to secure panels without splitting.
Frame it like you would vinyl panels for extra support.
Wood lattice is easy to cut, use a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade for clean edges.

Material: Pressure-Treated Wood Planks (Horizontal Slat Style)

This modern take on deck skirting swaps out lattice for horizontal slats made from pressure-treated wood. The planks are evenly spaced, creating a sleek, linear look that feels both stylish and sturdy. This DIY-friendly method adds a designer vibe to your deck without designer prices, and it’s easy to adjust spacing to suit your taste. The natural wood finish coordinates beautifully with surrounding greenery, adding warmth and texture.

💰 Current Price:
Pressure-Treated Wood Planks: ~$2.85–$4.25 per linear foot (1×4 or 1×6 boards).
Exterior Wood Screws: ~$9–$15 per 1-lb box.
Optional Stain or Paint: ~$25–$50 per gallon.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot – Premium pressure-treated boards by ProWood or WeatherShield.
Lowe’s – Green-treated lumber from YellaWood or Severe Weather.
Menards – Budget-friendly lumber in various thicknesses.

🛠️ DIY Installation Tips:
Use spacers (paint stir sticks or tile spacers work great) to ensure even gaps.
Always pre-drill to avoid splitting the wood.
If staining or painting, do it before installing to reach all sides.
Secure with galvanized or coated exterior screws to resist corrosion.
Add a bottom support ledger or horizontal blocking to prevent sagging over time.

Material: Pressure-Treated Wood Boards (Vertical Board-and-Batten Style)

This image features 2×6 pressure-treated wood boards installed vertically and elevated slightly above ground.

This deck skirting takes a classic board-and-batten approach, using vertical pressure-treated wood boards arranged in tight spacing, with a clean, continuous top trim. The boards don’t touch the ground, as an intentional design choice that boosts durability by avoiding direct soil contact. This creates a crisp, tailored look while allowing for some airflow beneath the deck. It’s a smart way to give your deck a more finished, built-in appearance without breaking the bank.

💰 Current Price:
1×6 or 1×8 Pressure-Treated Boards: ~$2.85–$4.50 per linear foot.
Top Trim Board: ~$4–$6 per 8-ft board.
Fasteners: ~$10–$15 per 1-lb box (galvanized or coated).

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot – ProWood, WeatherShield treated lumber.
Lowe’s – Severe Weather brand.
Local lumberyards – often carry affordable rough-sawn options.

🛠️ DIY Installation Tips:
Leave a 1–2 inch gap between the bottom of the boards and the ground to prevent rot.
Pre-drill and use galvanized screws for longer life.
A horizontal support ledger behind the boards helps secure and align them.
For visual interest, alternate board widths or add batten strips for a shadowline effect.
Paint or stain if desired, but let the wood dry for a few weeks first if it’s freshly treated.

I wouldn’t do what’s shown above – placing boards directly in the soil – as wood will eventually rot. Then again, you might get away for a few years with using pressure-treated wood rated for in-ground use.
Instead, I would do what’s described in the next Material.

Material: Pressure-Treated Wood Boards, Vertically Installed with Charred Ends

This DIY deck skirting showcases pressure-treated wood boards installed vertically, spaced with clean symmetry for a fence-like feel. The standout feature here? The charred lower ends of each board, as an intentional method to reduce ground rot where the boards touch the soil. Not only does this add a distinct visual edge, but it also makes the skirting feel like a stylish, earth-friendly solution. It’s a budget-friendly approach that also dips its toes into traditional Japanese wood preservation (Shou Sugi Ban style).

💰 Current Price:
1×2 or 1×3 Pressure-Treated Boards: ~$1.25–$2.35 per linear foot
Torch kit for charring: ~$25–$45 one-time cost
Optional black wood stain: ~$12–$20 per quart

🛒 Where to Buy:
Lowe’s – Severe Weather or Green-Treated dimensional lumber
Home Depot – ProWood or WeatherShield
Ace Hardware or local lumberyards – often carry thin furring strips or fence-grade boards

🛠️ DIY Installation Tips:
Burn the bottom ends with a propane torch for 1–2 minutes per board to create a char layer. Use a wire brush to remove excess soot, then seal with wood preservative if desired.
Space boards evenly with 1–2 inch gaps for air circulation.
Use galvanized screws to prevent rust and discoloration.
You can dig shallow trenches so the charred ends set into soil slightly, giving it a more natural grounding effect.

Material: Corrugated Galvanized Steel Sheets

These skirting designs feature corrugated galvanized steel panels installed vertically (or horizontally) under a raised deck, providing full coverage and a strong visual base. The shiny, rippled surface contrasts beautifully with the organic mulch and landscaping around it. It’s framed tightly to the deck, keeping critters out while giving the home a clean and slightly industrial edge. A smart choice for hillside or sloped backyards where longevity and slope-resistance matter.

This cheap idea is a practical classic that’s weatherproof, durable, and surprisingly stylish when framed right.

Corrugated metal is not only budget-friendly, it’s a great pick for low-maintenance homeowners looking for a sharp, durable solution. It’s especially handy in areas with heavy rainfall, wildlife traffic, or when you just want your under-deck space to stay bone dry.

💰 Current Price:
Corrugated Galvanized Steel Panels: ~$1.75–$3.50 per sq. ft.
Typical 2’x8′ panel costs around $22–$28.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot – carries Amerimax and Gibraltar panels.
Lowe’s – look for Union Corrugating or Fabral brands.
Tractor Supply Co. – great for rural builds, usually well-stocked.
Local lumber or roofing suppliers for bulk or discount panels.

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Use pressure-treated framing or metal furring strips to attach panels from the back.
Leave a small ventilation gap at the top (or in between) (½” to 1″) to prevent moisture buildup.
Use self-tapping metal screws with rubber washers to prevent water intrusion.
Panels can be cut with tin snips or a circular saw with a metal blade, wear gloves and goggles!

Material: 🐔 Chicken Wire (Poultry Netting)

Perfect idea! This one leans all the way into budget-friendly practicality, and it’s a go-to for gardeners and animal-lovers alike.

In this DIY skirting setup, chicken wire is stapled along the bottom edge of the deck, creating a lightweight barrier that keeps critters out while letting airflow through. It’s basic, but effective, and surrounded by lush planters and raised beds, it actually blends right in. This is the kind of skirting you throw up in an afternoon with a staple gun and call it a win. It’s especially useful if you’re just trying to close off the underside of the deck without spending more on materials than the deck itself.

💰 Current Price:
Chicken wire (1-inch mesh): ~$1.00–$1.50 per linear foot
50-ft roll (36″ height): approx. $48–$60

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot – Everbilt and YARDGARD rolls in multiple heights
Lowe’s – Blue Hawk and Garden Craft brands
Tractor Supply Co. – often cheaper per foot for large rural-style rolls
Ace Hardware – handy if you want smaller rolls or accessories

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Use a staple gun or U-nails to fasten the wire to wood framing.
If critters are a concern, dig a trench and bury the bottom edge 3–6 inches deep to prevent digging.

Be sure to cut carefully and wear gloves – edges are sharp!
You can spray paint the wire black or green to blend better with plants or landscaping.
Add a wood trim or lattice strip across the top edge if you want a neater, more finished look.
Chicken wire is about as cheap and utilitarian as it gets, but don’t underestimate it. It works well for rural homes, decks surrounded by garden beds, or anywhere you want fast, airy coverage without closing things in.

Ready for the next material? This article is shaping up to be an awesome cheap DIY skirting showcase!

Material: Metal Mesh Fencing (Square Cell Grid, Galvanized)

Great choice: this material is super functional and sleek-looking, especially for modern or utilitarian homes.
This is one of the best modern, affordable deck skirting materials that’s low-maintenance and high-performance. It’ll stand up to weather, pets, and that one neighbor’s leaf blower.

This under-deck skirting uses galvanized metal mesh fencing with a clean, square grid pattern. Installed flush against the deck frame, it creates a modern, minimal look that allows airflow while keeping critters out. It blends effortlessly into the garden backdrop, especially when framed with neutral deck boards and surrounded by greenery. The evenly spaced metal grid adds a subtle architectural appeal that feels both intentional and protective.

💰 Current Price:
Galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire fencing:
~$1.50–$2.25 per square foot.
~$40–$70 per 25-ft roll (36″ height).

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot – YARDGARD and Everbilt fencing rolls.
Lowe’s – Garden Craft galvanized mesh rolls.
Tractor Supply Co. – great for bulk pricing.
Amazon – various gauge/roll size options are available for custom installs.

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Use wire cutters to trim to size, and screws with washers or staple gun to attach securely.
For a finished look, frame the top and bottom edges with wood trim or furring strips.
Bury the bottom edge a few inches or anchor it to a landscape border to discourage digging.
For high-end appeal, spray paint the mesh black or charcoal gray to visually disappear against shadows.
Make sure to leave access panels or hinged doors if you need to crawl under the deck.

Material: Chain Link Fencing (Repurposed or New Rolls)

This DIY deck skirting idea makes creative use of chain link fencing, installed diagonally to add visual interest beneath the deck. It’s a clever way to reuse leftover fencing material from a previous project, like a yard or dog run. Framed against the neat deck line and surrounded by mulch and stepping stones, the lattice-style diamond pattern adds a rustic-meets-industrial vibe while providing plenty of airflow.

💰 Current Price:
New chain link fencing:
~$1.25–$2.00 per linear foot (4 ft height).
~$50–$80 for a 50 ft roll (4 ft height).
Used or leftover fencing:
Often free or very cheap through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local salvage yards.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot / Lowe’s – Chain link fence fabric in various roll sizes.
Tractor Supply Co. – Budget-friendly rolls and accessories.
Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist – Great source for partial rolls and scraps.

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Stretch the fencing tightly between pressure-treated stakes or wood framing.
For added visual polish, spray paint the fencing a matte black or green to blend it into the garden backdrop.
Use U-nails, zip ties, or metal fasteners to attach securely to a wood frame.
Trim the bottom edge if needed using bolt cutters, then bury slightly in mulch or soil to stabilize and block critters.
Pro tip: Want it to look less “fency”? Layer plants or low shrubs in front for a softening effect.

Chain link might not win design awards on its own but when used creatively like this, it becomes a budget-friendly, breezy, and low-maintenance skirting option that gets the job done with charm.

Material: Green Plastic Fencing Mesh (also known as Garden Green Netting)

This deck skirting idea uses a green plastic mesh fence, attached directly to the perimeter of the deck to close off the space underneath. Lightweight yet surprisingly durable, this mesh adds a clean and natural look, especially when paired with greenery and mulch. It’s a great deterrent for small animals like rats, raccoons, or groundhogs while still allowing ventilation beneath the deck.

💰 Current Price:
$20–$35 per roll.
(Typically 3–4 ft high and 25–50 ft long).
Cost per square foot: ~$0.30 to $0.60.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot / Lowe’s – Under garden fencing or animal barrier sections.
Amazon – Wide selection in green, black, or gray.
Tractor Supply Co. – Outdoor utility fencing rolls.
Walmart / Rural King – Budget alternatives for small projects.

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Use zip ties, garden staples, or U-nails to fasten the mesh to deck posts or a pressure-treated wood frame.
For a cleaner look, install with a horizontal frame at the top and bottom (wood battens or PVC trim strips).
Trim to fit with heavy-duty scissors or garden shears.
Slightly bury the bottom edge in mulch or dirt to prevent flapping and create a tighter seal. I would use some DIY metal anchors or plastic stakes to keep it down.
If appearance matters, choose green or black mesh, they blend better into the landscape than bright colors.

📝 Final Thought:
This option might not scream “design centerpiece,” but it’s wildly effective, ultra-budget-friendly, and practically invisible once surrounded by plants. If your goal is to keep critters out without breaking the bank, plastic fencing mesh is a no-brainer.

Material: Heavy-Duty Black Plastic Mesh Fencing (Square Grid Pattern)

Using this heavy-duty plastic mesh fencing as skirting is ideal for mobile homes or raised decks.

This image shows a raised mobile home skirted with heavy-duty black plastic mesh fencing, featuring a square grid pattern. Installed vertically and tightly secured, it provides strong coverage and a modern, functional appearance. This setup is ideal for airflow while keeping out animals and debris. Bonus: It’s tougher than garden mesh but still far easier to work with than metal.

💰 Current Price:
$45–$75 per roll.
(Typically 3–4 ft tall × 25–50 ft long).
Cost per square foot: ~$0.60 to $1.00.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot / Lowe’s – Often listed as “rigid plastic barrier fencing”.
Amazon – Look for brands like Tenax or Yardgard.
Tractor Supply Co. – Great for longer rolls or bulk use.
Menards / Rural King – Local options at competitive prices.

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Best attached to wood framing or T-posts using zip ties, U-nails, or screws with large washers.
It’s rigid enough to hold a clean, horizontal line without sagging if supported every 2–3 feet.
You can overlap and trim panels with a utility knife or heavy-duty snips.
Add a bottom anchor board or bury the edge slightly in gravel to keep it from lifting in wind.
Paint or stain the framing black to match the mesh and give it a seamless look.

📝 Final Thought:
This material sits in the sweet spot between affordability and strength. It’s clean, durable, modern, and functional, exactly what you want for a sleek and low-maintenance cheap skirting solution, especially around mobile homes or larger decks.

Material: Faux Stone Veneer Panels

This image features a deck with beautiful stacked stone-look skirting, but surprise – it’s not real stone. The material is faux stone veneer panels, offering the appearance of hand-laid masonry without the labor or weight. Installed flush against the deck’s base, the design delivers a polished, high-end look ideal for enhancing curb appeal.

💰 Current Price:
$9–$15 per square foot.
Typical panels: 24″ x 48″ or 6 sq ft each.
🔧 Budget tip: You can sometimes find overstock or discontinued colors at deep discounts.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot / Lowe’s – Top brands: GenStone, AirStone, NextStone.
Menards – In-store stock varies.
Wayfair / BuildDirect – For online-only color/style options.
Stone Veneer Direct – For bulk savings.

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Most panels are lightweight polyurethane or composite and can be cut with a standard circular saw.
Panels typically interlock at the edges, creating seamless joints.
Install on pressure-treated plywood backing using screws and adhesive rated for outdoor use.
Use color-matched caulk or touch-up paint to hide fasteners and seams.
Make sure there’s airflow behind the panels or beneath the deck to prevent trapped moisture.

📝 Final Thought:
If you’re after the “wow” factor without hiring a mason, faux stone veneer panels are a fantastic solution. They’re not the cheapest material on this list, but compared to actual stonework, they’re a bargain that delivers big style.

Material: Perforated Steel Panels with Natural Patina (Rust Finish)

This design proves that industrial materials can totally shine in backyard settings, with a bold modern edge.

This DIY deck skirting idea uses perforated steel panels with a beautiful, naturally rusted patina. The metal sheets are curved seamlessly around the base of the angular deck, creating a sleek, custom look that doubles as both ventilation and visual interest. It’s got modern cabin vibes meets outdoor art installation, on a budget, no less. The rusted look blends into mulch and soil like it belongs in nature.

💰 Current Price:
Pre-rusted Corten-style Perforated Steel Panels: ~$8–$15 per sq. ft.
Raw Perforated Sheet Steel (DIY Rusting Possible): ~$5–$10 per sq. ft.
Optional Clear Matte Sealer for Indoor/Non-patina bleed zones: ~$12–$18 per spray can.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Online Metals (onlinemetals.com) – wide variety of sheet types.
Home Depot / Lowe’s – smaller sheets or expanded metal panels.
MetalsDepot.com – custom size ordering, includes Corten options.
Local metal supply yards often sell offcuts for cheaper.

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Choose pre-patina panels or let them rust naturally in the yard for 1–2 weeks (spraying with vinegar speeds up the process).
Attach with rust-resistant screws or bolts to deck framing using washers to reduce pull-through.
Panels can be bent or curved (like in the image) using wood forms or pressure over time. Consult with a metalworker if needed.
Don’t seal if you want the rust to continue maturing; seal if you’re placing near light-colored surfaces.

Wow! This article is turning out to be packed with character and killer curb appeal ideas.

Material: Diamond Plate Aluminum Sheet Metal

Yes, people do this.
This deck uses diamond plate aluminum sheets, a material you’d more commonly see in industrial settings or toolboxes, as an unexpectedly modern and rugged skirting solution. Installed horizontally in long strips, it gives off a high-shine metallic finish with a hint of utility-chic style. The pattern adds strength, and it’s built to last.

💰 Current Price:
$12–$18 per square foot.
Available in 12”x48” or 24”x48” sheets (also sold by the roll in thinner gauges).
💡 Budget hack: Thinner (.025″ gauge) sheets cost less and still provide decent rigidity when framed well.

🛒 Where to Buy:
Home Depot / Lowe’s – Usually stocked in the building materials aisle (metals section).
Tractor Supply Co. – Carries sheets and rolls for utility and livestock use.
Online metals retailers – Onlinemetals.com, MetalsDepot, McMaster-Carr.
Harbor Freight (for smaller pre-cut sheets).

🔧 DIY Installation Tips:
Cut using tin snips or metal shears for smaller jobs; for clean edges, use a circular saw with a metal-cutting blade.
Always wear gloves – those edges can bite!
Attach to a wooden frame using self-tapping metal screws or rivets.
For added style, paint the sheet black or bronze, or leave raw for a reflective modern look.
Consider adding rubber edging to protect hands and prevent cuts if the bottom edge is exposed.

📝 Final Thought:
If you’re going for something durable, industrial, and just a little badass, diamond plate aluminum skirting might be the sleeper hit of this list. It’s weatherproof, pest-proof, and pretty much anyhting-proof (well, almost). Definitely not your grandpa’s lattice.

Inspirational Images

Deck skirting doesn’t have to be a boring afterthought or a costly one. Whether you’re working with chicken wire and mesh or going for a modern steel look, there’s a way to get the job done with style on a shoestring. Happy building!