How to Handle The Ends of Composite Decking?
When you use composite wood decking to build your outdoor space. What a beautiful material for a composite deck. It makes your outdoor space look better and increases the value of your home. Composite wood decking, on the other hand, doesn’t have enough scalloped ends to look good and needs finishing details. What should we do with the ends of composite decking?
The ends of composite decking can be finished in a variety of ways. But different methods have pros and cons that make them not the same. To choose the right method, we need to find out what’s really going on.
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Table of Contents
The Importance of End Treatment for Composite Decking
Exposed deck ends can make the deck appear unattractive. Additionally, while composite decking boards are more resistant to corrosion than wood, their cut ends are the most vulnerable part of the entire structure. Exposed deck boards are susceptible to various forms of damage. However, many homeowners often overlook end treatment when installing composite wood decking.
Untreated deck ends not only affect aesthetics but also reduce the overall durability of the structure. It may cause the deck to expand, deform, or even develop mold. Therefore, proper end treatment can extend the lifespan of composite decking.
Methods for Treating Composite Decking Ends
The design of composite decking ends is a key factor in determining the deck’s aesthetic appeal. Below are 8 mainstream design options. You can choose the most suitable solution based on your needs.
The Edge of a Picture Frame
A picture frame border is a deck that has one or more layers of boards around the deck’s edge. Most of the time, the deck used as a border is parallel to the deck used in the middle. One of the most common ways to finish the ends of composite decking boards is with a frame.
A picture frame border has more uses than just covering the cut-off end of an outdoor deck. For example, you could make your outdoor deck look better. Whether you choose a frame with one, two, or three boards, it gives your composite wood deck a polished, classy look.
In addition to this, it can also give designers more options for how their designs look. You can go for a subtle look by using boards of the same color, or you can go for a bold look by using boards of different colors.
The price is the worst thing about a picture frame border. It needs to have an extra joist and blocking added to the edge of the deck. This lets more decking run perpendicular to the deck so that the ends can be hidden.
Also, mitered cuts make picture frame borders hard to work with. If the mitered joints aren’t put together right. Then, as the temperature changes and the board expands and contracts, the mitered joints will open up, ruining the look of the outdoor composite deck.
Raised Composite Fascia Board
Lintels are also sometimes called “edge joist covers” or “deck lintels.” It is usually used to cover the cutouts at the ends of the deck frame and the edge joists of the board. Lintels are not too hard to put up. During installation, the deck is put on the deck and cut so that it fits right up against the edge joists. Just put the composite fascia board on the deck so that it is flush with the top.
Lintels have a clear downside. Place the trim board so that it is flush with the end joists, and then put the fascia board over it. There is a good chance that water will get stuck between the fascia and the joists. The deck will rust if the water sits on it.
Even though a joist membrane makes this risk less likely, it is still a bad thing about the design.
Paint The Ends of The Composite Deck
The problem with the ends of composite wood decking is that they don’t match the color of the decking. The composite decking is wrapped in the color you like best. But the ends are whatever color you have in your plastic bags and sawdust. Which can be different from board to board.
The solution is to paint all of the ends the same color as the decking and to paint the polymer cap the same color as the decking. Getting the ends of the composite decking to match the rest of the deck.
Painting is a better way to take care of traditional wood decks. But the painting method does not work as well for composite decks. Putting paint on the end of the deck could make it look bad because the colors won’t match.
Glued on Veneer Cap
The decking boards end like painting, but they take it to a whole new level. Put a thin veneer on the end of the decking where it was cut. The decking is the same color as the top and has the same texture and pattern of colors.
It’s not easy to get veneer caps. Even though a veneer can be cut from trim, it takes a lot of skill and extra work to do so. Also, special care needs to be taken during installation, because if the glue fails, the finish will also fail. Because of this, you have to use contact glue, which only lets you do it once.
Screw End Strips to The Ends
A mix of picture framing and veneer. Cut a composite deck board with a thickness of about an inch and screw it to the ends of the composite decking. Round the edges of the decking boards to make them look nice and clean.
Without all the extra substructure work that picture framing the deck requires or the trouble of attaching veneer to the ends of each deck board.
Vinyl Stair Nosing
The inside of the house shows an older way to finish the ends of composite decking. Vinyl stair nosing is put on the ends of the composite decking to finish it off. Similar vinyl stairs were used to finish the edge of the deck inside the house.
There is no need for extra framing, and the price is a small fraction of what it would cost to frame a picture on a composite deck.
The End of Plastic Board Decking
This is the only way to finish decking boards with hollow cylinders. With a rubber mallet, small holes are tapped into the cylinders to connect the plastic end caps to the end of the deck board. Cover the holes on the ends of the decking boards with plastic of the same color.
Most of the time, the picture frame border works well for the scalloped ends of composite decks. You can choose a raised composite fascia board if you don’t have a lot of money. So, these are the best two ways to finish the ends of composite decking.
Installing Decorative Trim on Composite Decking Ends
Installing decorative trim is a more convenient option. It is particularly suitable for DIY enthusiasts and renovation projects. There are various materials of decorative strips available on the market.
PVC decorative strips are highly moisture-resistant and require no maintenance. Aluminum alloy decorative strips are durable but have strong thermal conductivity. Decorative strips made of composite decking material best maintain visual consistency. The key during installation is to ensure the deck ends are clean and dry. You can use stainless steel or composite decking material-specific screws for fixation.
Which End Treatment Method Should I Choose?
Before starting any end treatment project, a comprehensive assessment is necessary. First, evaluate the overall design style of the deck. Is it modern minimalist, traditional classic, or rustic natural? Different style preferences influence the choice of end treatment methods.
Second, consider the height and visibility of the composite deck. End treatment strategies for ground-level decks and elevated decks often differ significantly. Budget is also a key factor. Costs vary widely, from economical painted finishes to high-end custom frame designs.
Conclusion
End treatment for composite decks is essential for ensuring the aesthetic appeal and durability of outdoor spaces. You should make your choice based on your specific needs and home environment. Proper end treatment will enhance the overall value and comfort of your composite lumber deck.
If you would like more detailed information, please contact us. EVODEK’s professional team will provide you with comprehensive composite deck solutions.
FAQ
Is End Treatment Mandatory for Composite Decks?
Yes. End treatment for composite wood decking is essential. It is crucial for maintaining the deck’s aesthetic appeal and durability. Untreated ends may lead to water penetration or deck deformation. Additionally, exposed ends may cause color discrepancies with the surface.
Does Edge Treatment Affect Deck Drainage?
Improper end treatment may cause water accumulation. Therefore, the end design should consider the drainage system design. For horizontal ends, a certain slope can be set. Composite fascia board systems should have drainage channels at the bottom. In summary, regardless of the end treatment method used, drainage must be ensured to be smooth.
Do Composite Deck Ends Need to be Sealed?
Composite deck boards do not require sealing. This is because they inherently possess waterproof properties. However, you should seal the cut ends of the deck. This makes the ends safer. Generally, using wood wax sealant is a safer approach.
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