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How Do You Hide the Ends of Composite Decking

When installing your decking exposed ends can be unsightly. Furthermore, exposing them can cause several problems to your deck, such as warping and weathering. For this reason, hiding them is almost always necessary and recommended. The question is, how do you hide the ends of composite decking? There are several ways to go about it. Some options include picture framing, installing fascia boards, coating the ends with paint, using end caps and plugs, or edging your ground-level deck with stone. Read on to learn more about each option to find out which is best for you.

Use Picture Framing

Picture framing is one of the most popular ways of hiding the ends of composite decking. It is similar to how a picture frame looks. You will outline the decking with a trim board installed in the same manner as the decking boards. For the deck side with exposed ends, you will need to install a l corner trim to support and cover the trim boards. Besides the corners, you can also use picture framing to frame or section areas within your decking.

Install Fascia Boards

Installing fascia boards is a common practice to hide the ends of composite decking boards. Like picture framing, it gives the decking a stylish and sleek look while hiding the exposed ends. The difference is that you will install it on the sides, directly over the edges and the rim joists. For better aesthetic results, you can also use a differently-coloured fascia board to create contrast for your decking.

Apply Paint

Another easy and quick way to conceal the discoloured ends of your decking boards is by using paint. All you need is a paintbrush or a roller, and you’re all set. You don’t need more preparation and planning. As you can see from the image you can use different materials around the perimeter of your composite decking and use a different colour with paint to create a contrast edge. The downside is that you maybe unable to find an exact matching colour. While effortless and fast, it’s also not as aesthetically pleasing as the other options. To support with this, the image on your right is great example of how it can work.

Use Specially Designed Caps

There is an option to hide the ends specially designed for hollowed decking boards. Many manufacturers design a cap that fits perfectly and is snug on the boards’ ends. You only need to plug it in and secure it with a mallet. The downside is finding an end cap that will fit any brand of decking boards is hard. In most cases, if the decking board brand you are using doesn’t produce them, you’ll be better off choosing between the other options.

Corner Trim

Corner trims are L-shaped pieces of material that sit on top and the side edges of your composite decking. Not only does it cover the ends well, but it also hides the grooved sides of your decking boards. You can find several varieties of corner trims. To create contrast, you can select a darker or lighter shade than your composite decking boards.

Bullnose boards  

Bullnose boards are solid boards with a rounded edge along one side. This side will be what you can see when standing away from the deck. Most bullnose boards must be installed first, before the rest of the boards. This is due to the bullnose board requiring a clip under itself to be installed. Therefore, bullnose boards cannot be a last-minute thought.

Ground Level Edging

For ground-level decking where fascia, trim boards or other methods won’t work, you can try edging your decking with various materials. For instance, you can surround the edges of your decking with stone, bricks, paving or gravel. Not only will it create a backdrop and frame your deck, but it also improves water drainage and prevents ground contact.

Using Materials To Edge

Screw end strips to the edges are similar to the picture framing method but without the extra joist and block framing. It is more durable than a veneer and does not require extra framing to support the WPC ends, unlike the picture framing technique. You can do this by attaching a layer of a composite board and screwing it to the ends of the decking to create a finished look.

Vinyl stair nosing is another way to finish composite deck ends. Composite decking owners can install vinyl stair nosing on their decking easily. A person can do this easily by rolling out the vinyl stair nosing and trimming it to the required size. Then, fasten it to the composite decking with a screw or glue after trimming it. The vinyl stair nosing creates a border around the decking as the colour of the vinyl nosing is different to the decking. The colour contrast created by the nosing also reduces accidental steps off the decking.

Conclusion

All of the options described are great deck finishes. If you are in the process of planning your new composite decking, it is the best time to add picture framing to the layout. Picture framing is optional if your deck only needs finishing touches. Another reason you may want to finish the edges of your composite decking is for safety. The border can be a visual cue for people stepping on and off the decking area, especially when placed on the stairs or the edge of the deck.

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