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.