If you install capped composite decking, you know how unsightly the ends of the boards are compared with the capped tops, bottoms, and edges. One way to hide the ends is to install a border around the perimeter of the deck. While that can add visual interest to solid-color decking boards, it requires considerable blocking and adds to the project time line and overall cost. And when used with multichromatic decking boards, borders are almost a distraction.
An alternative is to finish the decking with a 3/8- to 1/2-inch-wide trim detail. We cut our trim pieces from composite deck boards that have square, non-grooved edges and then glue the trim to the ends of the decking and nail or screw it in place. This detail not only looks attractive, but is easier, faster, and less expensive to make and install than a border.
Robert Shaw owns Colorado Deck and Framing in Colorado Springs.
