How Much Does It Cost to Install Deck Skirting? [2025 Data]

Deck Skirting Cost Breakdown

Deck skirting is a type of enclosure that goes around the bottom of the deck, disguising posts and beams and creating a usable outdoor storage space that’s safe from pests. The final cost of this home improvement project greatly depends on the size of your deck and what materials you choose for the skirting. Wire mesh, plywood, and recycled materials cost less per linear foot, while tropical hardwoods and stone tend to cost more.

Size

Deck skirting costs $2 to $60 per linear foot, but the cost varies just as much by material as it does by size. An average 240-square-foot deck will need about $90 to $2,640 worth of skirt decking materials (not including labor) to cover the three exposed sides of the deck.

*Materials only

Material

Deck skirting costs vary by material. For a low-cost option to keep pests away from your deck, you could spend $2 per linear foot for wire mesh. Or, you could spend up to $60 per linear foot for rare hardwoods or stone decking. 

Some popular deck skirting options include wood, which costs $12 to $50 per linear foot, or plastic, which ranges from $16 to $36 per linear foot, depending on quality and durability.

Labor

Hiring a professional is up to 75% of the overall cost to install deck skirting, while materials cost 25% to 50% of the total. If you’re hiring hourly contractors to install deck skirting, expect to spend about $50 to $100 per hour per worker. This process takes a few hours, but larger decks will require more time to get the job done. Hiring a pro for this task is definitely worth it to ensure your skirting is secure. 

Permits

If you’re installing a new deck complete with deck skirting, you’ll likely need to secure a building permit before you can begin digging for the deck foundation. Building permits cost $225 to $500 for outdoor projects like installing a deck.

Deck Skirting Ongoing Expenses

When you install deck skirting, keep in mind that added materials equals more money you’ll need to spend on maintenance and repairs. From cleaning and sealing the deck skirting to making repairs, here are the ongoing expenses to budget for when you add deck skirting to your outdoor oasis.

Maintenance

Pressure washing a deck costs $100 to $250, depending on the size of the deck. You’ll want to be sure to wash all parts of the deck, including the skirting, to avoid discoloration or damage. To extend the life span of your deck, plan to pressure wash it once per year, in the spring or fall.

Deck sealing, which costs $550 to $1,330, helps protect your deck with a waterproof coating. This process can keep wood or other porous deck materials from absorbing too much water, which can cause rot and decay and also may attract pests. Plan to reseal your deck once every one to three years.

Repairs

Snowy winters, spring rainstorms, and summer cookouts full of friends and family can all do a number on your deck. A little wear and tear is to be expected, so be prepared to spend $860 to $3,420 on the cost to repair a deck. If your deck skirting becomes damaged by pests or inclement weather, you’ll need to replace it, which costs $2 to $60 per linear foot.

DIY Deck Skirt Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a deck skirt yourself could cost just a few hundred dollars and an afternoon if you choose to use lower-cost materials, like wire mesh. You could save about 50% to 75% of the cost to install deck skirting by DIYing.

But keep in mind that one of the major benefits of skirting includes keeping out pests, which won’t be possible if the skirting is installed improperly. Plus, if you don’t account for ventilation, you could cause expensive water damage or rot since bad installation can trap moisture under the deck without enough airflow to dry it out.

That’s why it’s best to leave deck skirting installation to a local deck builder who can install the skirting properly to keep out pests, allow for ventilation, and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Cost of Common Deck Skirting Add-Ons

Installing a deck skirt can improve the look and functionality of your deck, but it’s not the only enhancement you should consider when making deck upgrades. Whether you’re adding railings, screening in your deck, applying a waterproof seal, or changing the look with new paint or stain, here are the average costs of projects to take on when installing deck skirting:

• Deck roofing cost: $14,000–$31,000

• Deck railing cost: $10–$30 per linear foot

• Screened-in porch cost: $2,000–$4,000

• Deck refinishing cost: $900–$2,720

• Deck sealing and waterproofing cost: $550–$1,330

4 Ways You Can Save Money on Deck Skirting

Deck skirting is an investment that can improve the look of your deck, but it can add more to the cost of building a deck. Still, if you want to enjoy the benefits of deck skirting without going over your deck budget, consider these tips for reducing the cost to install deck skirting.

• Upcycle: You can cut down the cost of deck skirting materials by recycling older materials, like brick or wood, so long as they are in good condition.

• Incorporate plants: If you want to save on deck skirting, consider using shrubs and other large plants around some or all of the deck as an alternative or companion to deck skirting. Just be mindful of roots that could grow into the deck foundation.

• Look for off-season deals: Many people think summer is the best time to install a deck, but you may find better savings on deck skirting materials in the colder months.

• Get multiple quotes: With any project, get quotes from at least three pros to find an offer that best suits your needs and budget while providing the most value.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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