In a nutshell, it’s a small feature that improves both the functionality and the aesthetics of your deck.
Here at Deck Bros, we take every deck feature into consideration when building our decks. We don’t want to sacrifice its quality just to save some money. Besides, fascia boards will make your deck so much better that you can’t skip it.
Let’s dive deeper into what are fascia boards, how they work, and their benefits.
What Is A Fascia Board On Deck
A fascia board is a small and often overlooked feature on a deck that serves several purposes.
Primarily, it hides the end of the decking material and creates a more finished look. It can also help to protect the decking material from moisture and weather damage.
As TimberTech puts it, “a deck board fascia is the board that runs around the perimeter of the deck for a seamless look.”
How To Choose A Fascia Board
When it comes to selecting fascia boards, stick to the same material you’re using for your deck.
There are several options when it comes to wood and composite decking fascia. If you’re building a cedar deck, you’ll need a cedar fascia board. At the same time, a Trex composite decking will look better with a Trex fascia board instead of a pressure-treated fascia.
When it comes to color selection, the rules are the same. We recommend choosing a color that matches with your deck or railing or one that complements. If you have a more decorative fascia, choose a color that highlights this feature and uplifts the looks of your deck.
Fascia Board Materials
There are two main fascia materials on the market, at least when talking about deck fascia.
Wood Fascias
Wooden fascia boards are available in different widths and thicknesses. The most common width is 5-1/2 inches, but you can also find 3-1/2 inch, 7-1/4 inch, and 11-1/4 inch widths.
Thicker fascia boards are more durable and are less likely to warp or bow. However, they’re also more difficult to work with and require more tools.
If you’re planning to stain your wood fascia, use a semi-transparent or transparent stain. These stains will still let the natural wood grain show through while providing some protection from the elements.
Composite Fascia
Composite fascia is made of PVC, recycled wood chips, or plastic and is available in many colors.
It’s a more durable option than wood fascia and doesn’t require any painting or staining.
However, composite fascia is more expensive than wood and can be difficult to cut.
If you’re not comfortable using a saw, you may want to have the composite fascia boards cut to size at the store before you buy them.
Like all composite materials, a composite fascia will be a long-term investment requiring no ongoing maintenance costs.
The Cost Of Fascia Boards
The cost of fascia boards depend mainly on the material it’s made of, and its length. Let’s look at some different fascia prices.
Pressure Treated Fascia
A 2×12-16′ pressure treated wood grade #1 rated with ground contact costs around $75, but usually more. You’ll want to add the finish and even some intricate design to create a more appealing look for the board.
Trex Fascia
A 12 in by 12 ft Trex fascia will range from $80 to $150. Add to this the installation cost and the level of quality you want, and budget at least $200 for each board. Fiberon and Deckorators fascias are a little more affordable, but offer a lot less options and flexibility.
Cedar Fascia
A 2×6-16′ S4S CEDAR PREMIUM KNOTTY 1F will cost you around $70. Like the pressure treated wood, you’ll have to add the sealant or stain, the fascia trim, but also any additional cost if you want to create a more intricate design for it.
5 Things that Can Go wrong When installing a fascia board
We know it’s tempting to try and install the fascia board by yourself. You’d say you’re saving money and stress, but that’s actually far from the truth.
Here are 5 things that will go wrong when trying to install the fascia board by yourself, all of them leading to increased costs, frustrations, and time wasted.
- Improper Measurements: Inaccurate measurements can lead to fascia boards that are too short or too long, resulting in an uneven and unprofessional appearance. This can make your deck look unfinished or shoddy.
- Uneven Cuts: Cutting fascia boards incorrectly can result in uneven edges or angles. Poorly cut boards can be challenging to fit together neatly, creating unsightly gaps or overlaps.
- Inadequate Fastening: Improperly securing fascia boards to the deck structure can lead to stability issues. If they're not securely fastened, fascia boards may warp, detach, or become a safety hazard.
- Water Damage: Failing to seal or protect the fascia boards properly can make them susceptible to moisture damage. Water can infiltrate the wood, causing rot, warping, and a shortened lifespan for the fascia boards.
- Aesthetic Issues: Homeowners with no experience may struggle with achieving a clean and polished finish. This can result in visible nails, uneven paint or stain application, or a lack of attention to detail, which can detract from the deck's overall appearance.
To avoid these potential problems, it’s often a good idea to consult with a professional deck builder. As long as you’ll work with a reliable expert, they’ll get the job done faster, better, and in a much more cost-effective way.
Fascia Board FAQs
First, cut the fascia boards to fit the edges of your deck. Then, put them against the frame of the deck and use special outdoor screws to attach them.
Make sure the screws are flat. Leave a small space between boards and the deck so they can move with temperature changes. Finally, you can paint or finish the boards to match your deck’s look. If you’re not sure, it’s okay to ask a professional for help.
Conclusion
A fascia board can make the difference between a finished deck and a cheap, dated deck. Besides, the fascia board will protect the decking materials and the framing better, prolonging the lifespan of your deck so you can enjoy it for much longer.
Here at Deck Bros, we’re taking care of everything from top to bottom. We’re getting the deck building permit, guiding you through materials, offer professional installation (including fascia installation), warranties, and we even do follow-ups for all our customers.
We offer a complete deck building service – the best in Omaha Metro Area!
If you’re ready to get your new deck building started, we’re at your service in Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, Elkhorn, and more of Nebraska! Call us today at (402) 369-5724 or request a quote and let’s talk!