Deck Animal Proofing With Wire Mesh Skirting in Bolton
A raised deck in Bolton with an open underside that animals had started using as shelter. We closed it in with wood-framed galvanized wire mesh panels between the posts, stained to match the deck, so the space stays ventilated and visible but animals can't get in.
The problem: an open deck is a shelter
This raised deck in Bolton sits beside a pool, a full storey off the patio, with nothing closing in the space underneath. That open, dry, shaded area between the posts is exactly what raccoons, skunks and groundhogs look for when they want somewhere to den, and the owners were starting to see signs of visitors. It is also where they store pool equipment, so they wanted to keep the space usable and airy rather than boarding it up solid.
Wood-framed wire mesh skirting
We closed the perimeter between the deck posts with framed panels of galvanized wire mesh. Each opening gets a pressure-treated frame fixed to the posts and the deck rim, and the mesh is fastened tightly inside the frame so there are no loose edges to pull at. The mesh keeps animals out while letting air move under the deck, which matters for the life of the framing and the decking above, and it lets the owners see what is underneath. The frames were stained to match the dark deck, so the skirting reads as part of the structure rather than an add-on.
Why not solid skirting?
Solid boards look tidy but trap moisture under a deck and hide what is going on there. On a deck that already has good structure and stain, an open mesh skirt is the practical choice: it does the job of keeping animals out, keeps the underside ventilated, and it is far quicker and less costly than a full lattice or board skirt.
The result
The underside of the deck is closed off around the full open perimeter, the pool gear is still stored there, and the deck looks finished from the patio. If you have animals living under your deck, have them removed humanely first; we close the space off once it is clear.
Deck skirting and animal proofing in Bolton and Caledon
UCO Construction Group builds and repairs decks, deck skirting, railings and stairs across Bolton, Caledon, Brampton, Vaughan and the rest of the GTA. See our deck construction and repair service and get in touch for a free on-site estimate.
