
Skirting & Lattice
Skirting & Lattice
Finishing the gap between the deck and the ground.
Deck skirting and lattice installation in Danville, KY finishes off the open space under a raised deck — and on Boyle County’s sloped lots, that gap is often two or three feet tall, which is exactly the size groundhogs and stray cats look for.
Does a Deck Actually Need Skirting?
Yes — skirting hides the underside, blocks animals from nesting under it, and needs gaps sized so air can still move underneath.
Lattice panels are the traditional choice — wood or vinyl, cross-hatched, and inexpensive — but they’re not the only option. Solid composite skirting boards give a cleaner, more finished look that matches composite decking, and horizontal board-and-gap skirting splits the difference between the two.
Material Options We Install
- Vinyl lattice — the economical standard, low maintenance, doesn’t rot
- Pressure-treated wood lattice — matches a treated deck, needs periodic sealing
- Composite skirting boards — matches composite decking, higher upfront cost
- Horizontal board-and-gap — a more custom look with built-in airflow
Ventilation Is Not Optional
The framing under a deck needs airflow, or moisture gets trapped against the joists and rim board year-round. The North American Deck and Railing Association is a useful resource on proper under-deck practices. We size skirting gaps and use vented panel options so the space breathes instead of holding humidity against the wood.
It Also Solves a Pest Problem
An open gap under a deck is an open invitation on a sloped Boyle County lot — groundhogs, skunks, and stray cats all den under decks left unskirted. Skirting with a buried bottom edge or hardware cloth backing keeps that from starting in the first place, which is a lot easier than evicting a groundhog after the fact.
Typical Cost
Skirting and lattice installation typically runs $8–$25 per linear foot installed, depending on material and how much framing or gate access is needed. A gate for storage access or utility panels adds to that. These are typical Danville-area ranges, not a quote for your deck.
Common questions
Can skirting be added to an existing deck?
Yes, in almost all cases. We frame a simple perimeter to attach it to if the deck doesn’t already have one.
Does skirting need a gate or access panel?
We recommend at least one if there’s anything stored under the deck, or if utility lines run through that space and might need future access.
Will lattice keep animals out permanently?
It reduces the problem significantly, especially with a buried edge or hardware cloth backing, but no skirting is fully animal-proof forever without occasional upkeep.
Related: under-deck drainage · multi-level deck builder · custom deck building. Back to Danville Deck Builders.
Danville Deck Builders · Serving Danville, Harrodsburg, Stanford, Perryville & Boyle County, KY · Call or text (859) 310-1209
Last updated September 3, 2026