If you have already built a rock-solid shed in your garden, your next problem will be filling the gaps under it. So how should you go about the problem?
There are situations where the gaps below may not present much of a problem, especially if you have built your shed on a concrete slab. This is because there are likely no gaps to fill.
On the other hand, with many open gaps below the shed, you must contend with critters and pests that roam around to fetch food.
Additionally, gaps under the shed affect the aesthetics of your garden.
Luckily, you could fill the gaps using skirting.
We delve deep into myriad shed skirting ideas to address the problem. Keep reading to make a more informed decision.
Shed Skirting
Skirting is the base around the perimeter of your shed, covering the gap between the floor and the ground. It is available in multiple makes such as vinyl, bricks, stones, lattice, and gravel.
Shed skirting may not sound like a vital component, but it’s worth the effort if you want to have a stable, secure, and ventilated shed.
What Is The Cost Of A Shed Skirting Installation?
Several factors affect the cost of a shed skirt installation, such as the material and the area to fill.
For instance, quality products like Duraskirt will cost you more than wood lattice. If you have an 8′ x 8′ foot shed, a Duraskirt kit packed with 11-inch tall panels will cost you $512 plus shipping.
Covering the same space with a wood lattice will cost you about $100 plus shipping using the cheapest option available.
Duraskirt material will last longer than wood lattice but will cost substantially more. Other cheaper materials you could go for include treated lumber and vinyl products.
Benefits of Adding Skirting To Your Garden Shed
As mentioned earlier, there are several options to choose from. You want to choose one that serves as a strong barrier against pests and critters and adds to the overall aesthetics.
Protection Against Pests
Rodents like mice, gophers, and squirrels can sneak in under your shed and cause irrevocable damage. For example, they may feast on your stored garden harvest or damage your equipment. In addition, their droppings can impart a disgusting smell to your shed.
Ventilation
Proper skirting also helps maintain ventilation under garden sheds, which helps prevent molds build up. Ventilation is also a necessity if you store flammable liquids such as gasoline, pool chemical, or fertilizers in your shed.
Under Shed Storage
You can convert your under-shed space into a storage area if you improvise. We will talk more about this later.
15 Shed Skirting Ideas To Fill Gaps Underneath Your Garden Shed
Let’s explore the shed skirting ideas below to transform your garden into an awesome place.
1. Lattice Panels
Lattice panels are quite popular amongst gardeners as a skirting material. Their popularity stems from their simple grid pattern that blends well with several architectural forms, including traditional, rustic, and cottage homes.
Lattice panels are a good option if you are looking for a mix of visual covering and ventilation. You could choose wood or vinyl lattice panels depending on your decor.
Lattice is a useful skirting material to keep away cats, groundhogs, and potential critters from getting under your garden shade. Additionally, it ensures proper ventilation, preventing moisture build-up that leads to mold growth.
Make sure to paint the panels to match the color of your deck railing. You could also go for a color that matches your home foundation or deck.
If using wood lattice, you should always buy ones made from high-quality lumber and stain them with a glowing wood finish.
One helpful tip to observe during construction is to fix the panels at an angle instead of a straight up and down pattern. This helps to add visual interest.
2. Landscape Blocks
Another solution to the gaps under the shed is concrete or landscape blocks that come in handy because of their durability and strength.
Concrete blocks don’t get blemished by critters or deteriorate because of bad weather. However, please beware of the high costs associated with them.
Installing blocks is also labor-intensive because of the need to cut some blocks to size during installation.
Unlike lattice, concrete blocks hinder airflow that helps prevent mold growth. However, they come in handy in creating a more finished look than cinder blocks.
3. Wooden Skirting
Apart from the wood lattice, you could use other wood materials for shed skirting. For example, a simple wood plank placed horizontally beneath your garden shed could be all that you need.
You could arrange the woods like shiplap, which helps add aesthetic value to your garden.
The other idea is to explore the use of pressure-treated lumbers.
Depending on the width and length of the gap, cut the boards to run the length of each side of the shed and fill the gap accordingly. Have a table saw preferably for this purpose.
Once cut, fasten the cut pieces on the shed framework using lag bolts.
This arrangement prevents wildlife from crawling through the gaps. However, it isn’t very practical from a ventilation point of view.
4. Composite Skirting
Another interesting idea to try out is using composite skirting. You shouldn’t confuse it with natural wood since there is a striking resemblance.
It is a good fit if you have a penchant for modern designs. Additionally, it comes in wider planks that fit according to size and don’t warp or sag.
Composite boards are also immune to rotting, which should be an added advantage for you. What’s more, they save you from the constant need to maintain like their wooden counterparts.
On the contrary, they scratch and stain easily.
5. Brick Skirting
Brick skirting is ideal for brick homes. It helps compliment the brick foundation that connects the shed and the house. Though more expensive than other skirting materials, it lasts longer than vinyl or wood skirting.
The good thing with brick skirting is that it doesn’t restrict airflow since it gives you the option of building vents. It further prevents the invasion of mice and other rodents under the shed area.
The downside to using bricks is the use of skilled labor in brick-laying. In addition, mixing mortar for holding the bricks together is also labor-intensive.
6. Duraskirt Shed Skirting
Source │ https://duraskirt.com/
If there is any skirting material to bank on strength and durability, that would be Duraskirt shed skirting.
It is made of concrete boards customized to fill gaps under the garden shed.
Duraskirt gives you a clean concrete look that resembles the foundation in typical modern homes. The panels measure from 11- 18 inches wide, allowing you to cover quite extensive gaps.
The installation part is, however, quite an arduous task. You would need specific tools such as a diamond-tipped circular saw blade for cutting the sheet to length.
Go for Duraskirt if high budgetary costs don’t bother you much.
7. Craftsman Shed Skirting
Doing craftsman skirting involves extensive use of stone, bricks, stained wood, and natural colors.
You may also use a mix of traditional and modern skirting elements. What this means is an amalgamation of a range of materials such as:
- Solid wood
- Wood lattice
- Faux stone
- Composite materials
- Bricks
- Metal
8. Chicken Wire
Another affordable skirting idea is using chicken wire. Ideally, purchase a mesh size of about 1 inch or less to help keep rodents away.
Chicken wire isn’t the best for aesthetics but doesn’t disappoint in keeping critters away while also ensuring ventilation for your under-shed space.
During the installation, ensure to bend the chicken wire to a 90 degrees angle towards the ground. This provides additional protection against critters trying to burrow under it.
Additionally, use a staple gun to properly attach the chicken wire to the framing of the garden shed.
Chicken wire is relatively cheap and a good option for those working on a tight budget.
9. Vinyl Shed Skirting
You could also fill gaps under the shed using vinyl. It’s not only durable but also attractive. In addition, vinyl comes in various shades and colors, so you won’t have to worry about matching it to fit the shed’s look.
Another benefit of using it is that it’s not prone to rust or rot, making it a good material for using close to the ground.
Vinyl is even better if your shed is made of vinyl siding. But, of course, that means the skirting will simply be an extension of the former.
The advantage of vinyl siding is that it contains spaces that allow airflow through the shed.
10. Gravel
Did you know that gravel could also be an ideal material for shed skirting? However, go for it only if the gaps under the shade aren’t big enough.
All you need to do is purchase enough gravel and lay a thick base to cover the smaller gaps between the ground and the underside of the shed. This shed skirting idea is the simplest since it requires no skilled labor, nor is it labor-intensive.
The idea is also affordable for gardeners.
If your shed has significant gaps under it, and you still want to use gravel, you will need to install landscaping timber around the shed to hold the gravel together.
Build it up to a level where the gap becomes small enough to be filled by gravel.
11. Faux Stone Skirting
If your garden shed is made of stone columns, you could replicate its use for your skirting requirements.
The best option would be to go for a faux stone that has many advantages over real masonry.
Firstly it is easier to install than natural stone or brick. Secondly, you won’t need to hire masons to do the work since it fits more into a DIY script.
Faux stone is preferable if you struggle with critters that keep finding a way under the garden shed.
However, you should be ready to work with a considerable budget.
12. Mobile Home Skirting
Mobile home skirting ships in 16″ x35″ standard panels with different styles and colors.
You can also find panels that measure up to 40 milliliters and are way thicker than vinyl panels. Their thickness helps them overcome potential damage by gardening tools and lawnmowers.
These skirting panels are relatively inexpensive and therefore affordable.
13. Horizontal Lines
You can also explore modern ideas such as horizontally fastened wooden or composite skirting, creating a contemporary outlook in garden sheds.
Some materials to work with include hardwoods such as mahogany and teak or composite. They are quite resistant to rot and insects.
However, remain mindful of the gap between the horizontal lines as some pests and rodents such as mice can easily sneak in.
You can add a mesh layer behind the lines for extra protection.
14. Traditional Skirting
To provide a traditional outlook, you could use vertical beams, ensuring they have the same width spacing as your porch rails.
Again, there are many materials to choose from, including traditional hardwood, composite, vinyl, or lattice panels.
Finally, paint it with a color that contrasts well with the paint of your shed.
15. Smart Shed Skirting
A smart shed skirting gives you the option of utilizing limited space by installing drawers underneath your garden shed. The drawers double up as gap fillers and storage facilities to store your gardening tools.
So if you have a lot of stuff in your garden that needs storage, this type of skirting could be worth the effort.
Conclusion
There are a lot of variables to choose from when selecting skirting for your garden shed. However, the options mentioned above cater to every budget.
Whether opting for the low-cost lattice panels or the uber-luxury faux stone, you will find something that suits your pocket and still does the job pretty well.
