25 Under Deck Lattice Ideas and Alternatives to Using Lattice

Having an elevated deck comes with increased storage and open space under your deck. With that space exposed, it’s important to install a deck skirt, which skirts around the area to stabilize and finish off your deck. While this is one of the last parts of the deck to consider, it still offers plenty of opportunity for designing and styling. 

The most common cover-up is to skirt your deck with lattice, the traditional grid or diamond pattern that is associated with under-deck skirting. It’s as classic as it is conventional, as there are multiple materials you can install. Or, consider an alternative to lattice, such as metal, cedar, or other faux materials. Either way, skirting your under-deck area can be the last finishing touch in your backyard space. Below, we offer 25 Under Deck Lattice Ideas and alternatives to lattice. 

Storage Room Using Lattice Panels 

Your under-deck space dictates what you can do down below. This can mean using it as an enclosed entertainment area or as additional storage space for outdoor equipment and materials. Either way, you can easily close this area off with lattice to add a decorative flair while maintaining any safekeeping. 

Since the under-deck space is prone to trapping moisture more than other spaces, look for a material and design that offers plenty of air ventilation. Having enough circulation will prevent water retention and damage to your items underneath. 

Custom Door Lattice Skirting 

With lattice, not only can you install pre-made patterns under your deck, but you can add a door to the space as well. Especially if you are using the closed-off area for storage, adding a custom door to your lattice skirting makes it accessible and adds a layer of protection from unwanted intruders or critters. 

Idea 1: Plastic Lattice Skirting

The classic under-deck skirting is lattice skirting, a skirting option that is an easy choice when you are looking for functionality and form. Since this style is the standard for under-deck skirting, it comes in a variety of materials that you can choose from. Opt to go with: 

• Wood 
• Plastic 
• Aluminum 
• Vinyl

These materials have their different perks, depending on your needs. For example, if you are looking for a sturdy base, then wood will give you a lasting hold. However, we recommend going with plastic as it’s durable, the most affordable choice, and can be shaped in a variety of patterns to make the design exactly what you want.

Idea 2: Wooden Skirting

Wood is touted for its versatility and its ability to last. Use wood if you are looking for a lasting option with low maintenance. Wood comes in different textures and stains to add either a luxurious or rustic feel to your deck. This style also offers plenty of air ventilation and is a great option when using your under deck as a storage space.

Idea 3A: White Vinyl Lattice Skirting

A white vinyl lattice would be an excellent skirting option if you have any white details in your exterior decorations, like window panes or deck railing. It would match any existing white details and tie in with the rest of your home’s exterior. Skirting your under deck with white vinyl is a clean, crisp look to match everything, inside and out.

Idea 3B: Black Vinyl Skirting 

Switch up the color of vinyl skirting from white to black vinyl, creating a different style under your deck. Black naturally decreases attention and provides depth into the space as well, making this style excellent for adding dimension to your outdoor space. 

Idea 4: Install Lattice around your steps 

If adding lattice around your entire under deck seems daunting or too much, try to segment the lattice by installing it around portions of your deck. Then, add it around your stairs for a finished look and experiment before taking the plunge. 

Idea 5: Go Simple in Design

If the classic pattern of lattice is different from your style, go simple with simple skirting. Instead of the grid pattern, a simple style of skirting is vertical or horizontal, and slats are installed one right next to the other. It creates clean lines around your deck and can be accomplished using any material of choice. 

6: Go intricate with a decorative design 

Are you looking for something a little more artistic? Lattice comes in different patterns, like diagonal, floral, or rectangular, so that you can use a more decorative design around your under deck. These are great for houses that want something different to tie into the uniqueness of the home. 

Idea 7: Add a cutout design

Choose to insert a cutout design into your skirting. It adds continuity, and a nice visual flair, to your backyard. Cutouts help tie in shapes that are consistent across your backyard. Either way, you choose, a cutout can be a custom element that won’t be replicated easily. 

Idea 8: Use Lattice in the front of the home

Show your lattice off, and enclose the space by skirting around your front porch. This provides a finished look on the front side of your home while also adding protection from children wandering underneath. 

Idea 9: Line your under deck with Metal 

Metal offers more stability than your traditional wood or plastic lattice skirting. In addition, metal is known to withstand and support large structures as it is structurally sound. If you have a larger deck, choose to install metal posts for plenty of ventilation and duration. 

Idea 10: Add Lattice under your steps

Just like adding a lattice pattern around your stairs, you can choose to segment the lattice and install it in sections, like underneath the stairwell. This unique touch is an additional design element that can carry lattice from the above to the below deck space. 

Idea 11: Lattice your ramp or steps 

Staying on the same train of thought, you can add lattice to any space that is elevated or needs to be finished off. Choose to install it around your ramp in the same material as the under-deck skirting. It maintains consistency and continuity all around your backyard.

Idea 12: Combine two different styles of lattice 

Love the look of both traditional lattice and simple slats? Combine the two, or any other material, to create your unique deck design. Using a combination of materials and patterns creates dimension and brings to life your own custom design. 

Idea 13: Pour concrete around your underdeck 

Concrete is one of the most durable and stable materials to use when skirting your underdeck. However, this material offers no ventilation, so it should be used when storage space is out of the equation, and the outside deck is looking for longevity rather than practicality. 

Idea 14: Choose a bold or different color 

Have your skirting stand out from the rest of your home by painting it in a different color. You can utilize this as an accent color for your outdoor space, offering a curb appeal that is minimal in cost and effective in drawing the eye. 

Idea 15: Choose a modern design 

If modern is more your taste, keeping it simplistic and clean is key to accomplishing this design. Choose horizontal slats, as these tend to elongate the home’s lines to create more visual space. Not to mention, they are clean straight lines that fit the contemporary style. 

Idea 16: Install Venetian Shutters

Similar to the simplistic style of skirting, installing Venetian shutters takes the same concept of clean lines but adds dimension to them. Like traditional shutters, it helps provide circulation to your under-deck space, deflects water from entering, and is more fashionable than traditional slats. 

Idea 17: Blend in with your landscape design

Take any of your under-deck skirting to the next level by incorporating some landscape design around it. Add some planets or stones around the space to blend perfectly with your backyard. 

Idea 18: Add a Shed underneath 

Have a high deck and are looking for additional storage space? Accomplish this by installing a shed right underneath your deck. You can skirt the shed with lattice, wood, plastic, or aluminum slats. 

Idea 19: Craftsman-style skirting 

Craftsman-style skirting is excellent as it fits the architecture while also staying unique in its own right. Keep this style simple with a neutral color palette, and add greenery to match your backyard. 

Idea 20: Install your slats horizontally

You can install your skirting horizontally with any material of your choice. The benefit of horizontal skirting is that it fits well in with simple and modern design styles. In addition, this traditional skirting is great for creating a clean look around your underdeck. 

Idea 21: Go Grey with Gray Vinyl Lattice 

Vinyl lattice comes in different colors and sizes. If white or black vinyl wasn’t fitting in with your perfect lattice design, go in-between with gray vinyl lattice. Gray vinyl is best for homes with gray accents, looking to keep things neutral in color, or looking for lattice skirting to match their gray deck exactly. 

Idea 22: Choose narrow boards over wide boards 

Narrow boards are great if you are interested in the modern style and something that looks more put together. In addition, these boards are ideal for smaller deck spaces that can’t utilize large materials to skirt their under deck. 

Idea 23: Add a Lattice Pergola

For those homeowners who are interested in adding lattice not just around their deck but also as separate furniture can opt to add a lattice pergola on their deck or backyard patio. Either location is fine, as a lattice pergola can offer additional shade and ventilation to your deck. 

Idea 24: Wrap vines on your lattice

Are you looking for a more Mediterranean design? String vines all around and through your lattice to add a touch of greenery under your deck. These low-maintenance plants are popular all around the Mediterranean islands and can be implemented easily into your deck skirting. 

Idea 25: Go with Trex Lattice

Trex material, a version of composite skirting, is known for its low maintenance and durability for under-deck skirting. If you are considering remodeling or revamping your current lattice, Trex Lattice is a stylistic option that comes in a very stable cPVC built to last.

Alternatives to Using Traditional Lattice Under a Deck 

If you aren’t interested in a traditional lattice pattern or material, a few alternatives could fit your design. Stray away from the standard lattice and opt to install faux stone and brick that provides a lasting finish. Or, choose a metal finish or material that is as durable as it is sturdy. The possibilities don’t end there, as there are more alternatives to using lattice. Learn more about some of our top choices for alternative deck skirting. 

Skirt with Modern Wood Slats 

If you are tired of seeing the traditional lattice pattern, go with wood for a sleek finish. You can stain the wood to your desired finish or texture and get the style you want. The benefit of this alternative is the streamlined lines that are more simplistic and modern than other skirting options. 

Galvanized Metal Skirting 

Galvanized Metal Skirting is a unique alternative to lattice as it can be molded into different shapes, making the installation custom to your under-deck area. In addition, with corrugated metal, you can install it either horizontally or vertically. Not to mention, this material has great benefits as it can withhold itself in high temperatures and has high longevity. 

Faux Stone and Brick Skirting 

Faux stone and brick come in a lot of different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures to match almost any outdoor space. Installing stone and brick for your skirting is best suited for homes looking for more of an outdoorsy feel, placing your outdoor deck space as if it were in nature. Plus, the benefit of this faux material is that it’s chip and crack-proof, with very little maintenance to maintain. 

Cedar Skirting 

Similar to wood, cedar skirting is excellent for homeowners looking for a bit more rustic touch with their deck. It has the same durability as wood while also being mildew and mold-resistant. Overall, this sturdy alternative is excellent for holding your underdeck up over the years. 

Decorative Metal Panels Skirting 

Metal panels offer plenty of appeal and style that most buyers fail to think of. First off, it’s pest-resistant, mildew-resistant, and doesn’t bend in high heat or extreme textures. Metal itself has a shiny, metallic surface which is great for adding a reflective element below your deck. They can be very attractive and modern for your deck when used right. 

Outdoor Decorative Polypropylene Panels

Add decorative polypropylene panels as your skirting design to give your deck space an artistic vibe. These can come in floral patterns, traditional lattice patterns, simple horizontal and vertical patterns, or eclectic geometric patterns. If you are looking for a stylish option that offers plenty of air ventilation as well, you cannot go wrong with polypropylene panels. 

Deck Skirting using Composite Decking 

Take advantage of all the materials available and combine two in one to create your perfect composite skirting. The two materials that you combine are up to you, but composite decking has been proven to last longer and be stain and weather-resistant. With composite decking, the design really is in your own hands, as you can customize the finish you are looking for before installation.

Plant Shrubs or Plants 

Looking for a deck skirting that fits in with your backyard landscape? Consider skirting your deck with shrubbery or plants. Not only does it seamlessly blend with nature, but it adds instant curb appeal. In addition, this design choice offers plenty of air ventilation while also looking visually appealing. 

Tips for Under Deck 

Whatever material, pattern, or design you choose for your skirting, here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• Air Ventilation: Most underdecks need ventilation, as when the rain comes and goes, there will need to be an opportunity to dry up the moisture that gets trapped underneath. Different materials and designs offer more ventilation than others, so ensuring there is enough airflow is crucial. If your material and style do not provide enough ventilation, installing air ducts will be detrimental.  
• Maintenance: As with your deck, your deck’s skirting will need to be maintained. This can fall anywhere between weather-proofing the deck regularly with sealants or stains and recoating the paint for any scuffs that happen during the summer season. 

Overall, under-deck skirting could be the “least appealing” part of your deck. However, with a bit of design inspiration and a vision in mind, you can turn your under-deck space into a beautiful piece of backyard art.