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The most classic choice for exterior house trim is wood. Solid wood, as well as composite options, are available. Many homeowners prefer wood trim because of its natural look and feel but quality wood products are becoming scarcer, and therefore more expensive.
What can I use for exterior trim board?
Type of Wood for Exterior Trim Fir. Fir is one of the most widely used of all the exterior trim materials. Pine. Pine is a cheaper version of fir. Redwood. Redwood is the premier of all trim woods. Cedar. Cedar is another one of the exterior trim woods that is underused.
Is PVC trim better than wood?
Plastic is definitely cheaper than wood. While plastic molding won’t rot or mildew, it is very brittle and not very forgiving. You’ll waste more in installation due to breakage. You have to pre-drill every nail hole because even thin finishing nails driven directly into it will cause it to break.
Can you use pressure treated wood for exterior trim?
Pressure-treated wood may not be the best choice for exterior trim, since most pressure-treated wood is southern yellow pine, a species that is not particularly good at holding paint. Although some lumberyards do sell premium grades of pressure-treated wood for exterior trim, this grade may be difficult to find.
What is the trim on the outside of a house called?
Fascia, frieze, rake, barge, soffit, boxend and gutters are the most common exterior trim terms you’ll hear.
Is MDF good for exterior trim?
While it should never be used outdoors or in an application where it’s regularly exposed to water, there are two approaches to “waterproofing” MDF so it can withstand moisture in high humidity areas: use ure Resistant (MR) MDF or make it water-resistant yourself.
Is PVC trim durable?
Many people believe plastics like PVC to be a durable material, but in fact the trim can be easily dented, gouged, or damaged by falling debris.
What is PVC composite trim?
Cellular PVC trim is a wood replacement product most commonly used in exterior applications. The applications are similar to wood, except it won’t rot, crack, cup, split or warp like wood and its resistive to termites and wood boring insects. PVC stands up to the elements and looks beautiful all year long.
What is the best wood for trim?
Several types of hardwoods such as cherry and walnut are commonly used for stain grade moldings and trim because of how well they absorb the stain. Softwoods such as fir or pine are regularly used for paint grade trim and moldings since it is generally less expensive and easy to work with.
Is pine good for trim?
Pine Is Inexpensive Pine is one of the least expensive woods and one of the easiest to work with. It is the standard lumber for framing houses and is usually used for exterior trim and molding, on roof facings and around exterior doors and windows.
What are the disadvantages of PVC?
What are the Disadvantages of Polyvinyl Chloride? Polyvinyl Chloride has very poor heat stability. For this reason, additives that stabilize the material at higher temperatures are typically added to the material during production. Polyvinyl Chloride emits toxic fumes when melted or subject to a fire.
Should PVC trim be painted?
Although painting PVC trim boards isn’t necessary, we recommend it. Otherwise your trim will look stark white and you may see filler over holes that’s not an exact color match. And the edges and ends (especially ones that you have cut or routed) will collect dirt and begin to look gray over time.
Is PVC molding waterproof?
PVC trim is waterproof. It’s just like the white water pipes used for plumbing in lots of homes. It’s nearly indestructible, but it can be cut and nailed just like ordinary molding. For all intents and purposes, quarter-round PVC trim is the best option for showers.
Is Pine good for outdoor trim?
Pine is soft, light and inexpensive. It’s easy to cut, nail and work with. Generally categorized as a paint-grade material, it can be stained and sealed with a clear coat of exterior-grade finish. Pine is not as strong as other exterior trim materials and, if not properly sealed, can warp, split or crack.
Is radiata pine good for exterior trim?
It’s real wood at it’s finest Radiata pine grows fast with a uniform density that’s easy to work with drills, saws, sanders, and routers. In the age of engineered lumber, it’s refreshing to work with traditional wood outside again.
Should I use pressure treated wood for fascia?
It’s not necessary to use pressure-treated lumber for fascia. In fact, most planking sold for fascia is not pressure treated. However, it is vital that the fascia be primered and completely painted with a good quality exterior enamel or acrylic paint.
What is the difference between trim and fascia?
Trim is the material used to encase windows and doors, among other features, on a home’s exterior. Fascia is a horizontal or angled board that encloses the edge or face of the projecting eaves.
Is frieze board necessary?
Why Is Frieze Board Necessary? Just as the soffit is helping to keep moisture out of the rafters and the underside of your gables, the frieze board is necessary to help prevent moisture from rain and snow from seeping down beneath your siding, causing issues such as mold, mildew, and wood rot beneath your siding.
Is fascia trim necessary?
Fascia trim is a necessary and expected trim for your home. Protects from moisture: Fascia trim is designed to block out any moisture from under your roof which not only helps keep your attic dry but also helps with the humidity level throughout the year.
Does MDF trim look cheap?
At many home centers and lumberyards, MDF is up to 10 percent cheaper than hemlock or poplar and can even be the same price as primed, finger-jointed pine. Such a minor cost difference may not be noticed in a small room or two.
What is outside plywood?
CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. It comes in 3/4-, 5/8- and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Appearance stamps on plywood range from cabinet-grade (A) to construction grade (C and D). Exterior plywood carries an X stamp, which identifies it as suitable for use outdoors.
When should you not use MDF?
MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat Remember that engineered wood is made out of wax and/or resin-like compounds. This is why you should not leave MDF units in proximity of heaters, radiators, fireplaces, ovens, stoves as well as out in a hot summer. 4. MDF can’t support too much weight.
What material is used to trim exterior windows?
The most classic choice for exterior house trim is wood. Solid wood, as well as composite options, are available. Many homeowners prefer wood trim because of its natural look and feel but quality wood products are becoming scarcer, and therefore more expensive.
What is exterior window trim made of?
Most window trims are made from cedar or other types of wood. And while woods like cedar are considered durable and a good choice, they do come with some issues. Additionally, cedar is very expensive, often twice the cost of other materials. Less expensive woods are also less durable.
What is PVC trim board?
Polyvinylchloride or PVC trim is a material that can be used in place of wood for many building and construction projects. Cellular PVC can be molded and shaped just like wood and is rapidly becoming a favorite option for builders and contractors for trim work around new homes and other such projects.
Is PVC Trim good for outdoor use?
Cellular PVC trim is a wood replacement product most commonly used in exterior applications. PVC trim is naturally white throughout, which makes it an excellent choice for trim on the outside of your home. The bright white contrasts well with dark colors, and is easy to keep clean.
