How Much Does It Cost to Install Deck Skirting? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to install deck skirting is $3,000. Most homeowners spend $1,600 to $4,500 per linear foot, depending on the material, deck size, and local labor rates. You can go as low as $300 with wire mesh or upcycled materials, or spend $6,000 or more for stone skirting around a large deck.

Deck Skirting Costs: What Factors Affect the Price?

Deck skirting is an enclosure installed around the bottom of a deck that conceals posts and beams while creating pest-protected storage space underneath. Your total cost depends primarily on deck size and material choice. 

Size

Deck skirting costs $2 to $60 per linear foot, with material type influencing price just as much as deck size. For an average 240-square-foot deck, materials alone run about $90 to $2,640 to cover the three exposed sides. The table below shows how deck skirting material costs scale across common deck sizes:

Material

The material you choose for deck skirting is the biggest factor in your per-foot cost, ranging from $2 per linear foot for wire mesh up to $60 per linear foot for rare hardwoods or stone. Wood is one of the most popular options, costing $12 to $50 per linear foot, while plastic ranges from $16 to $36 per linear foot depending on quality and durability. Stone and tropical hardwoods offer a premium look but come at a significantly higher price point.

Labor

Labor accounts for up to 75% of the total cost to install deck skirting, while materials make up 25% to 50%. Hourly contractors charge about $50 to $100 per hour per worker, and the job takes a few hours for a standard deck—though larger decks require more time. Hiring a deck building pro ensures your skirting is installed securely with proper ventilation and pest protection built in.

Permits

If you're installing a new deck with skirting, you'll need a building permit before breaking ground on the foundation. Building permits cost $225 to $500 for outdoor projects like deck installation. Factor this expense into your overall budget before work begins.

Deck Skirting Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

Installing deck skirting adds ongoing maintenance and repair costs to your long-term budget. Cleaning, sealing, and repairing skirting are all expenses to plan for after installation. Understanding these recurring costs upfront helps you make a more informed decision about your material choice and overall investment.

Maintenance

Keeping your deck skirting in good shape starts with regular cleaning: pressure washing a deck costs $100 to $250 depending on size, and you should wash all parts of the deck, including the skirting, once per year in spring or fall. Deck sealing costs $550 to $1,330 and applies a waterproof coating that prevents wood and other porous materials from absorbing moisture that leads to rot and pest activity. Plan to reseal every one to three years to keep your skirting protected.

Repairs

Seasonal weather and regular use will wear on your deck over time, so budget $860 to $3,420 for the cost to repair a deck when damage occurs. If skirting is damaged by pests or harsh weather, replacement runs $2 to $60 per linear foot depending on the material. Addressing skirting damage promptly prevents moisture and pests from reaching the deck structure beneath.

Why You Should Hire a Deck Pro

There's a high risk for improper DIY deck skirting installation. That means your deck will become a superhighway for pests and risk rot issues caused by poor ventilation. By hiring a local deck builder to handle skirting, you'll get the peace of mind of knowing that your deck has the airflow needed to stay free of moisture issues.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a deck skirting pro

Here's why hiring a pro for this project is the right choice:

• Deck pros understand how to design ventilation for decks of different sizes and styles to ensure that water damage and rot don't prematurely destroy your infrastructure.

• A deck builder can help you design a space-efficient storage area under your deck that utilizes the space.

• Deck builders know how to design skirting to block rodents and insects from nesting and sheltering under your deck.

• Pros can create a cohesive skirting design that matches the rest of your deck without standing out.

Deck Skirting Additional Costs: What to Consider

Deck skirting is one of several upgrades worth considering when improving your deck's appearance and functionality. Railings, screened enclosures, waterproof sealing, and refinishing are all common additions that homeowners pair with skirting projects. Here are the average costs of related projects to factor into your overall deck budget:

• 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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