Curb appeal is extremely important to the value of your home. Whether you have a back deck or a tall front porch, keeping the skirting up to date and in style will considerably add to your curb appeal. When you pull into your driveway, it’s often one of the first things you see.
Updating your deck skirting is a fantastic DIY project worth the money. With a little bit of elbow grease, planning, and the cost of materials, you can create a beautiful front or back deck from the ground up.
Whether you’re looking for some contrast, trying to add a pop of color, or incorporating a durable material, there’s an option for you. It’s important to remember that beyond the aesthetic aspect, it’s also a functional addition because it can keep out critters or animals looking for a new home.
Here are some great ideas that work with any outdoor porch!
1. Wrap It With Stone
Creating a deck skirt with stone is a classic and beautiful option. You can use stacked stone, large or uneven-shaped stone, or any type you’d like! Although this is one of the more expensive options, it looks fantastic, especially when paired with a natural wood deck or porch.
If you like the look of a stone wrap but want to save some money, you can even find a faux stone that’s much easier to work with. This helps you achieve your desired look for a fraction of the price, and it’s much easier to install!
2. Use Painted Bead Board
If you like the look of clean vertical lines, bead board could be the perfect solution for this project! Try to find a durable bead board for outdoor use, and install it around the outer edges to give this area a crisp look.
If you paint it white, you’ll have a beautiful and clean addition to this area. The material is easy to find and work with, and you can stain it or paint it to either blend in with your existing materials or create a beautiful contrast.
3. Wrap It With Wood
If you have a modern farmhouse-style home, consider using some of the elements from your interior design in your exterior design. Creating a deck skirt that looks like shiplap or a wood wrap will tie your indoor and outdoor areas together and look fantastic.
If you can find natural wood, you can stain it with water-resistant material to help this beautiful addition last for years to come. Finish it off with a dark stain or paint it white to create a bright contrast to your space.
4. Use Composite Board
Composite board decks are becoming more and more popular. Although they’re more expensive than traditional wood, they last much longer, making them a great and durable option.
Continue the sophisticated look and durable material down to the skirt! Using the same material will help the space feel cohesive and add value to your home. It’s also a great way to keep out unwanted critters because the material is less likely to split or open up over time.
5. Create a Contrast
Curb appeal is all about catching someone’s attention. If you create a contrast in the front or back of your house, it could attract more people and enhance the look of your home. You can get creative here and create a contrast by using a specific color, texture, or material.
Painting the skirting with a contrasting color can catch your attention and make this a stand-out feature. You can even use a different texture to create a beautiful contrast and mix natural materials in this outdoor space!
6. Consider Lattice Skirting
Lattice board is a common addition to this area that looks great with various design styles. It comes in multiple sizes, materials, and colors, making this a fantastic option. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose some with small or larger openings.
You can always choose a neutral wood lattice and paint it any color you’d like. This gives you many options and allows you to blend it with your existing porch or create a contrast to help it stand out. It’s simple to install and lasts for years!
7. Incorporate Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is a great way to save money and achieve your desired look. You can use leftovers from another project, take apart old furniture, or use the stack of wood that’s been in the barn for years!
The great part of reclaimed wood is having pieces that match but don’t look identical. It gives the space some charm and character you won’t get with brand-new lumber. You can still stain it or paint it any color you’d like, making this an excellent option for your style and wallet!
8. Utilize Natural Greenery
If you have the chance to grow greenery around the bottom of your deck, this could be a fantastic option. This looks great with lower porches and can add sophistication to your space. It’s a great addition in the front or back of the home and gives you the chance to shape the greenery however you’d like.
The shrubs won’t keep out unwanted critters but will look great with any style or color porch. Once the shrubs grow to the desired height, you’ll likely have to clip them regularly to avoid an overgrown look. This is great if you want a natural look and gorgeous curb appeal!
9. Use Brick for a Classic Look
A classic brick look is always a good addition to traditional homes with short porches. While it’s more expensive than other options, it will last many years and hold up to any weather conditions.
You’ll keep out unwanted animals and add charm to your outdoor space. You can keep the brick its natural color or even paint it white to add contrast or blend with a light-colored home. The durability and added character make this option well worth the extra money.
10. Create a Door To Access Storage
If your porch is tall enough and you use the space underneath for storage, consider adding a fun door! If you need a doorway anyway, you can take the opportunity to create a fun moment with a pop of color and different textures or even keep it hidden.
Using a different pattern or texture on the door is a great way to easily locate the access point and create a fun focal point. You can create an entryway with brick, lattice, composite board, or stone skirting. It’s functional and allows you to add something unique to your outdoor space.
