DIY

How to Install Horizontal Deck Skirting

If you have a deck or porch that is off the ground, you probably know that the area below is usually not that attractive. This is why people often use some method to hide it.

There are different ways you can do this. Some people use lattice or vertical boards, but we wanted something different. We also wanted it to have the same look as our porch railing.

We decided to create deck skirting made of horizontal decking boards with spaces in between.

For this project, I used pressure-treated 2x4s and 6″ decking boards.

Here you can see a before picture of our lower porch.

In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how I installed our horizontal deck skirting to match our porch railing. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Measure and Cut 2x4s

Each of the brick piers under our bottom deck has different heights because the ground slopes from left to right. So I measured each one from the bottom of the existing skirt board to the ground. This gave me the length I needed for each 2×4.

I used these measurements to mark and cut all of my 2x4s with a miter saw.

Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes

Next I determined the setback of the skirt from the front face of the piers. I held the 2×4 in place and drilled a hole in the middle of the 2×4 all the way through so it made a mark on the brick.

Then I used a hammer drill to drill a hole into the brick on that mark. I drilled the hole about 1/2″ deep.

Holding the 2×4 in place again, I screwed a Tapcon screw through the hole in the 2×4 and into the hole in the brick.

I placed a level on the side of the 2×4 to make sure it was plum.

Near the bottom of the 2×4, I drilled a second hole until I hit the brick. Then I switched to the hammer drill to continue drilling the hole into the brick.

Then I screwed a Tapcon into that hole.

Step 3: Measure and Cut Decking Boards

Once I had all of the 2x4s in place, I measured the distance between each pier. I used these measurements to mark and cut the decking boards.

Step 4: Fasten the Decking Boards

Working in one section at a time, I started installing the decking boards. I decided that the thickness of the board would be a good amount of space to leave between each one. So I cut a couple of small pieces to use as spacers.

For the first board, I placed the spacer between the existing top skirt board and the board I was installing. I used a finished nailer to tack the board onto the 2×4. Then I tacked on the other end.

Working my way down, I repeated this until I got to the ground.

Then I moved to the next section.

After I nailed on all of the boards, I went back and used decking screws to properly secure the boards to the 2x4s. I put two screws in each end.

The Finished Product

Here’s a look at the finished deck skirting. I have to say, Brooke and I both are very happy with how everything turned out! Finishing this project also allowed us to continue our landscaping around the back of the house.

A more recent shot after installing the pool.
Share
Previous Post Next Post

You may also like

10 Comments

  • Reply Karen

    This is beautiful – we’ve been discussing a similar project after we just had our deck screened. We want to use the underneath to store some items – curious, did you make any kind of door to have access to the underneath? If so, I would love to see how you made the door!
    Thanks so much,
    Karen

    May 8, 2020 at 1:10 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Thanks! Glad you like it. We didn’t do a door, but thought that we might go back and add one later. When we do, we’ll be sure and share how we did it.

      May 8, 2020 at 9:52 pm
  • Reply Jan

    Absolutely love this! you said you used pressure treated wood, so did you paint or stain it? If so, what color did you go with? Also, it appears it was painted or stained prior to instillation??? Thank You for posting this, great idea!

    May 8, 2020 at 9:23 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      Thanks! We did paint it before putting it up. It’s treated lumber so we had to let it dry before painting. The color is Sherwin Williams Iron Ore.

      May 8, 2020 at 9:53 pm
  • Reply Merrill

    Are the horizontal boards you used 2×6’s?

    July 13, 2020 at 11:00 pm
  • Reply Angela

    This is absolutely gorgeous! Great job. I was wondering why you chose paint over stain? I have to make this decision on our horizontal planking, and I keep going back and forth. I stained my railing black last year, and I have noticed it can come off pretty easy just spraying it with a water hose! So I’m really curious about the specific type of paint you used. Would you mind to share that info? I know you said it was Sherwin Williams iron ore, but I can’t find any other info. Sorry if I missed it. Thanks for sharing all that you do! It is so very inspiring.

    August 23, 2020 at 11:55 pm
    • Reply Mary Amend

      I have been told by people working at SW store that painting last a lot longer than stain. They can help you with best type of paint for your decking needs.

      March 23, 2021 at 3:11 am
  • Reply James Williams

    What Color is the House painted?

    May 6, 2021 at 2:39 am
    • Reply V

      I just painted my house benjamin Moore – white dove.
      This looks more like BM Swiss coffee- I think that’s the name.
      White Dove- is absolutely beautiful- it’s so perfect, for my neighborhood- anyways 😉
      I also used BM Revere Pewter on the shutters and porch skirting-
      Beach glass front door- quiet moments porch ceiling.. And- about to stain the fencing walnut- and installed bronze finish security screen doors 😉
      These people have a beautiful home..
      I’m pretty sure that’s Swiss coffee.

      July 5, 2022 at 12:25 pm
  • Reply Isactof

    Willingly I accept. The question is interesting, I too will take part in discussion. I know, that together we can come to a right answer.
    dfgdlfg2131.32
    https://howyoutoknowacxv.online/map.php

    February 26, 2022 at 8:40 am
  • Leave a Reply