The Complete Guide to Mobile Home Rock Skirting

1 From Natural Stone to DIY-Friendly Panels, We Cover All Your Mobile Home Rock Skirting Needs.

Let’s be honest, the underside of a mobile home isn’t its most attractive feature.

Exposed plumbing, wiring, and structural supports can detract from your home’s beauty and leave it vulnerable. This is where skirting comes in, and when it comes to combining durability with stunning aesthetics, nothing beats mobile home rock skirting.

It’s more than just a barrier; it’s a major upgrade that protects your investment from pests, weather, and moisture while dramatically improving your home’s curb appeal.

Proper skirting is essential for mobile home protection. For a full guide on heavy equipment and tools, see our Professional’s Guide to Heavy Equipment & Industrial Tools.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll compare different mobile home skirting materials, provide a detailed rock skirting installation guide, and share maintenance tips to keep it looking great for years.

2 Material Comparison at a Glance

To help you decide quickly, here’s a high-level comparison of the most popular rock skirting materials.

3 What is Mobile Home Rock Skirting? Benefits and Uses

So, what exactly is mobile home rock skirting?

It’s a type of foundation cover that uses real or simulated stone to enclose the open space between the bottom of a mobile home and the ground. Unlike flimsy vinyl or metal skirting, rock options provide a robust, permanent look that makes a manufactured home feel more like a traditional site-built house.

But its benefits go far beyond just looking good.

4 Protection Against Pests and Weather

One of the most critical functions of skirting is creating a barrier.

A properly installed rock wall keeps critters like raccoons, skunks, and rodents from making a home under yours. This is a huge plus for pest prevention.

Furthermore, it shields the home’s underbelly—including pipes and insulation—from harsh weather like driving rain, snow, and damaging winds, which can prevent costly repairs down the line.

5 Enhancing Curb Appeal

The visual transformation is, without a doubt, the most exciting benefit.

Rock skirting adds texture, color, and a sense of permanence that significantly boosts curb appeal. Whether you choose the rugged look of natural stone or the polished finish of manufactured stone veneer, this upgrade can dramatically increase your property’s visual appeal and, in turn, its potential resale value.

It’s a key part of any serious mobile home landscaping project.

6 Types of Rock Skirting Materials

When you hear “rock skirting,” you might picture one specific thing, but you actually have a few fantastic options to choose from.

Each comes with its own set of pros, cons, and ideal use cases.

7 Natural Stone vs. Manufactured Stone

Natural stone is the real deal—quarried from the earth, each piece is unique.

It offers unparalleled beauty and durability that can last for centuries. However, it’s heavy, expensive, and requires a skilled mason to install, making it a significant investment.

Manufactured stone veneer, on the other hand, is a concrete product molded and colored to look just like real stone.

Brands like Eldorado Stone and Boral have perfected this, creating veneers that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. When I first picked up a panel of manufactured veneer, the first thing I noticed was its surprising lightness compared to solid stone. This makes it much easier to handle.

In my field test, the interlocking panel system was remarkably straightforward, making the installation process faster and less labor-intensive, which is a huge win for both DIYers and professionals.

8 Gravel and River Rock Options

For a more rustic and budget-friendly approach, consider gravel skirting or river rock skirting.

This method involves building a treated wood frame around the home’s perimeter and filling it with your chosen rock. Gravel offers a clean, simple look, while larger, smooth river rock provides a more decorative, natural feel.

This method offers excellent drainage and is relatively easy to install, but it may require more upkeep to manage weeds and keep the rocks contained.

9 How to Choose the Right Rock Skirting for Your Mobile Home

Selecting the right material isn’t just about looks.

You need to consider your environment, local rules, and your budget to make the best choice.

10 Considering Climate and Local Codes

Your local climate plays a huge role.

In areas with heavy rain or snowmelt, ensuring your skirting allows for proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling under your home. In regions with deep frost lines, your foundation and skirting footings need to be installed to a certain depth to prevent heaving.

Before you buy a single rock, check with your local building department.

Many municipalities have specific codes for mobile home skirting regarding ventilation, access panels, and materials, especially in high-wind or fire-prone areas. Getting this information upfront will save you a massive headache later.

11 Budget and Maintenance Factors

Your budget will be a major deciding factor.

Natural stone is the most expensive, followed by manufactured stone veneer, with gravel and river rock being the most cost-effective. Remember to factor in not just the material costs but also the price of labor, framing materials, and any necessary site preparation.

Also, think about long-term upkeep.

All rock skirting maintenance is relatively low, but manufactured stone is perhaps the easiest, often just needing a rinse with a hose. Natural stone is similarly low-maintenance, while gravel may require occasional weeding or topping off.

12 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

While we always recommend consulting a professional for a project of this scale, a skilled DIYer can certainly tackle a rock skirting installation.

Here’s a general overview of the process.

13 Preparing the Site

Proper preparation is 90% of the battle.

You need a clean, level, and stable base for your skirting to rest on.

1. Clear the Area: Remove all grass, weeds, and debris from around the perimeter of your home. You’ll want a clear workspace of at least two feet.

2. Dig a Trench: For stone veneer or natural stone, you’ll typically need to dig a shallow trench (around 4-6 inches deep) and fill it with gravel to create a stable, level footing that allows for drainage.

3. Clean the Surface: The side of the mobile home where the skirting will attach needs to be clean. For really tough grime, you’ll need a powerful cleaner. See our guide to the 8 GPM pressure washer for professional-grade cleaning power.

4. Move Heavy Materials: Getting your rock and other materials in place can be tough. For moving heavy rocks and preparing the site, check out our guide to the skid steer rock bucket.

14 Installing the Skirting

The installation method varies greatly depending on the material.

For Manufactured Stone Panels: You’ll typically attach a vapor barrier and a wire lath to the home’s rim joists. Then, a scratch coat of mortar is applied, and the stone panels are pressed into place with another layer of mortar.

For a Gravel or River Rock Frame: You’ll build a sturdy, pressure-treated wood frame around the perimeter. The outside of the frame is faced with a heavy-duty hardware cloth or wire mesh to contain the rocks, which are then poured in.

For Natural Stone: This almost always requires a professional mason who will build a concrete block foundation wall and then apply the natural stone to it with mortar, one piece at a time.

15 Finishing Touches and Sealing

Once the main structure is up, don’t forget the details.

Ensure you have planned for adequate ventilation and an access door for under-home maintenance. For stone veneer, you may need to fill the joints with mortar (grouting) for a finished look.

Applying a quality masonry sealer can also help protect the stone from moisture and staining.

16 Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Skirting

The beauty of rock skirting is that it’s incredibly low-maintenance once installed.

However, a little care goes a long way in keeping it looking its best.

Annual Inspection: Walk around your home once a year and look for any loose stones, cracks, or areas where water might be pooling. Catching small issues early prevents bigger problems later.

Cleaning: Most rock skirting just needs an occasional rinse with a garden hose. For stubborn stains or algae growth, a mild detergent and soft brush will do the trick.

Weed Control: If you’ve gone with gravel or river rock, you’ll want to stay on top of weeds. A pre-emergent herbicide applied in early spring can prevent most weeds from taking hold.

17 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced DIYers can make costly mistakes with mobile home rock skirting.

Here are the big ones to watch out for.

Skipping the Permit: Many areas require permits for skirting work. Don’t assume you can skip this step—it could cause problems when you try to sell your home.

Poor Drainage: Failing to plan for proper water drainage is a recipe for disaster. Water that pools under your home can cause serious structural damage over time.

Inadequate Ventilation: Your home’s underside needs to breathe. Building codes typically require a certain amount of ventilation area, so don’t seal everything up tight.

Using the Wrong Materials: Not all stones are created equal. Some types of rock can deteriorate quickly in certain climates, so choose materials appropriate for your area.

FAQ: Mobile Home Rock Skirting

What is the best material for mobile home skirting?

The best material depends on your budget, climate, and aesthetic preferences. Manufactured stone veneer offers the best balance of cost, durability, and appearance for most homeowners. Natural stone is the premium choice but requires a larger investment.

How do you install rock skirting around a mobile home?

Installation varies by material type. Generally, you’ll need to prepare a level foundation, attach framing or backing material to the home, and then install your chosen rock material. Manufactured stone panels are the most DIY-friendly option.

Does rock skirting prevent pests?

Yes, properly installed rock skirting creates an effective barrier against rodents, insects, and larger pests like raccoons. The key is ensuring there are no gaps while still maintaining required ventilation.

How much does mobile home skirting cost?

Costs vary widely based on material choice and installation method. Gravel skirting might cost $3-5 per linear foot, while natural stone can run $15-25 per linear foot or more. Manufactured stone veneer typically falls in the $8-15 range.

Can I install rock skirting myself?

Many homeowners can handle gravel or manufactured stone panel installation as a DIY project. However, natural stone work typically requires professional masonry skills. Always check local building codes and consider your skill level before starting.

How long does rock skirting last?

With proper installation and minimal maintenance, rock skirting can last decades. Natural stone can last a lifetime, manufactured stone typically lasts 20-30 years, and gravel systems can last 15-20 years with occasional maintenance.