This deck features a PVC rail-cap with a custom edge profile, cut on site with a router. Though most decking manufacturers offer trim options to match their decking, PVC trim provides an alternative contrasting look that can be left unpainted (depending on manufacturer) or painted to match the house trim. Some PVC trim is manufactured with a wood grain texture on one side and a smooth surface on the other.
Here PVC trim was used for the risers of these 3-board deep bench steps. It's also a good choice for entry stairs and as stair stringer skirts on the outside of stringers. Because unpainted white PVC trim tends to show scuffs from shoes, however, the author doesn't recommend PVC risers on shallower 2-board deep (11 1/4-in.) stairs.
Bar tops, serving stations, and food staging areas are easily created using 5/4-in. x 12-in. PVC material on top of the rail. This approach creates an activity zone with a minimal infringement of space. In addition to profiling the top edge, the author also rounds over the bottom edge with a router to protect the legs of someone seated at the counter.
PVC is well suited for column wraps and outer band trim. In many cases, 2x PVC material can also be used in place of wood to build an arbor that will never rot or degrade due to exposure. And while PVC can't be used for structural applications, such as this arbor's rafters and purlins, the combination of both allows for an improved design for any deck project.
4X sheets of 1/2-in. PVC are well suited for skirting in areas where ventilation is not needed. And because PVC doesn’t wick moisture there’s no concern for rot or bubbling paint. PVC trim can also be used to create removable cover panels for unsightly mechanical boxes.
Here, trim ripped from a 4x8 sheet of PVC was attached to the underside of the stair stringers to divert rain away from the stone bar top underneath.
Because cellular PVC won’t wick moisture up from decking, concrete, stone, or tile floors, it's well-suited for base trim on porch projects. Here, PVC sheet stock was used to build the solid porch knee walls, since it can't bleed tannins or rot if water finds its way inside the wall cavity.
On porches, the author uses PVC for a wide range of applications, including base board, chair rail, sill plate wraps, and wrapped columns.
Here is a waterproof storage bench that was built with PVC sheet stock.
Most PVC trim is flexible enough to bend easily without special tools, such as on these curved benches. When tighter curves are needed, the trim can be heatformed with the help of heat blankets.
Incorporating PVC bar tops or serving tables into bump outs or protruding bays is a great way to extend the use of an area. Add a couple of bar stools and you’re in business.
Here PVC was used to trim the area below this water-tight deck, including the exterior storage doors.