Faux Stone Skirting - A Quick Deck Makeover

Is your deck looking weathered and worn? Do the traditional wooden skirting boards seem faded and splintered? Transforming your deck with faux stone skirting panels can provide an instant facelift without the need for major renovations.

Faux stone deck skirting offers a stylish and innovative way to refresh your outdoor space. These molded polyurethane panels mimic the texture and color variations of natural stone. Installing faux stone skirting is an easy DIY project that can conceal unsightly deck structures while giving you the upscale look of stone masonry.

Benefits of Faux Stone Deck Skirting

Faux stone deck skirting provides numerous advantages over natural wood panels:

• Authentic look - Molded from real stone samples, faux stone captures the aesthetics of slate, travertine, ledgerock or other stones for a realistic appearance.
• Affordability - Far less expensive than quarried stone, faux stone skirting costs a fraction of the price.
• Easy installation - Lightweight interlocking panels clip together; no mortaring needed.
• Durability - Resists moisture, rotting, termites and warping better than wood.
• Low maintenance - Just rinse occasionally with a hose to keep clean.

With the visual appeal of quarried stone at a DIY-friendly price, faux stone skirting allows homeowners to achieve the high-end look they want without breaking the bank or needing masonry expertise.

Types of Faux Stone Skirting

Faux stone skirting comes in two main varieties:

• Polyurethane foam - The most common type, made from lightweight molded foam that is stained and textured. Often the most cost-effective option.
• Fiberglass composite - An alternative material made from molded fiberglass resin blended with stone particles for added durability. A bit pricier but long-lasting.

These faux stone skirting panels come in different colors and stone profiles to match your style, from rough-hewn ledgestone to finely honed granite. Be sure to choose panels rated for exterior use.

How to Measure for Faux Stone Skirting

Getting accurate measurements ensures you purchase enough faux stone panels without overbuying.

1. Measure the total linear footage around the perimeter of your deck.
2. Note the height from the bottom edge to the top of the planned skirting area.
3. Multiply linear footage by height to calculate the total square footage needed.
4. Order 10% extra to allow for mistakes and wastage.

Some manufacturers sell faux stone skirting kits with pre-measured panels for common deck sizes. These can simplify ordering, but custom-cutting panels provides the most seamless fit.

Preparing the Deck for Faux Stone Skirting

Proper prep work ensures your new faux stone skirting looks great and lasts:

1. Clear away any debris, plants or obstacles from the underside of the deck.
2. Inspect the frame structure and repair any damaged joists, posts or fasteners.
3. Ensure joist spacing matches the dimensions of the panels to properly secure them.
4. Check for level and plumb. Address any severe structural issues.

Prepping the area removes potential obstructions and allows you to address any structural problems before installation. This prevents headaches down the road.

Installing Faux Stone Deck Skirting Panels

Installation is a straightforward process:

1. Attach top mounting strips to the deck frame to create a fastening point for the panels.
2. Position the first panel against the joists and drill pilot holes for screws.
3. Secure with corrosion-resistant, color-matched screws.
4. Overlap the grooved edge of the next panel into the previous one to interlock them.
5. Continue working your way around the perimeter of the deck.
6. Use adhesive or sealant to fill any gaps for a watertight seal.

Go slowly and double check your measurements at each step. Using a level ensures each row is straight. Leave a small gap between panels and the house for drainage.

Tips for Proper Installation

• Drill pilot holes to prevent cracking or splitting panels.
• Only use exterior-grade screws and adhesives.
• Apply sealant between all connections and seams.
• Avoid nailing into the panels as this can cause damage.
• Use shims if needed to account for uneven joists.

Take care to install the skirting properly. Poor sealing can lead to moisture issues or panels coming loose over time.

Finishing Touches for a Flawless Look

Applying finishing details keeps your faux stone skirting looking pristine:

• Caulk all seams and edges with a waterproof sealant.
• Touch up any screw holes or damage with color-matched paint.
• Wipe panels down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
• Stand back and admire your stunning new faux stone deck skirt!

Taking the time to clean, paint, caulk and seal your new skirting protects it from the elements and keeps it looking like real stone for years to come.

Caring for Your Faux Stone Skirting

Faux stone skirting requires minimal maintenance to stay looking fresh:

• Rinse occasionally with your garden hose to prevent dirt buildup.
• Inspect routinely for damage, loose panels or leakage.
• Remove mildew or stains with a mild cleaner and stiff brush.
• Avoid pressure washing, which can damage the texture and paint.

The durable polyurethane or fiberglass composition resists moisture, fading and temperature fluctuations. Just occasional light cleaning keeps faux stone skirting looking like new.

Tired of lackluster wooden skirting on your deck? Installing faux stone panels provides an easy weekend upgrade with dramatic results.

Faux stone skirting adds elegance and sophistication to decks at a reasonable cost. The realistic texture mimics natural stone while resisting wear from weather and use. With just basic DIY skills, you can conceal unwanted deck features and give your outdoor living space the high-end stone look it deserves.