What Are Fascia Boards? A Complete Guide to Composite Decking Fascia Boards
If you’re planning a new composite decking project, you may have come across the term fascia boards and wondered what they actually do. While they aren’t part of the main decking surface, composite decking fascia boards play an important role in creating a neat, finished appearance around the edges of your deck.
Fascia boards are fitted around the sides of a decking area to conceal the subframe and create a clean transition between the decking and the surrounding garden. They are available in a range of colours and finishes, making it easy to match your decking boards and complete the overall look.
In this guide, we’ll explain what fascia boards are, where they are used, how they are installed and whether you need them for your decking project.
What Are Fascia Boards?
Composite decking fascia boards are finishing boards designed to cover the exposed edges of a decking subframe. Rather than being walked on like standard decking boards, they are installed vertically around the perimeter of the deck.
Their main purpose is to hide the joists and framework underneath the decking, giving the finished installation a much cleaner and more professional appearance.
Fascia boards are particularly useful where the decking is raised above the surrounding ground, as the exposed subframe can otherwise be clearly visible.
They can be used to:
- Cover exposed decking joists and the subframe
- Create a neat finish around the edge of the deck
- Hide fixings and structural components
- Improve the overall appearance of the installation
- Create a consistent finish around steps and raised areas
For a professional-looking composite decking project, fascia boards are often an important finishing detail.
Why Use Fascia Boards?
One of the biggest benefits of using a decking fascia is the difference it can make to the finished appearance of your garden.
Without fascia boards, the timber, composite or aluminium subframe can be visible around the edges of the decking. Adding a matching fascia creates a much cleaner appearance and helps the whole installation look more complete.
Composite fascia boards also provide a practical way of protecting and concealing the sides of the decking structure.
They are particularly useful for raised decking, where the sides of the subframe are more visible.
Another advantage is that they can help tie different elements of the project together. Matching the fascia to the decking boards creates a more consistent finish, while contrasting colours can be used to create a different design effect.
Where Are Fascia Boards Installed?
Fascia boards can be installed around the exposed edges of a decking area wherever the subframe needs to be concealed.
They are commonly used on:
- Raised composite decking
- Garden decking platforms
- Multi-level decking
- Decking steps
- Patio and garden seating areas
- Large decking installations
For ground-level decking where the sides are largely hidden, fascia boards may not always be necessary. However, they can still be used to create a more polished finish around the perimeter.
On raised installations, they become particularly useful as they cover the exposed framework beneath the decking boards.
Composite Fascia Boards vs Standard Decking Boards
Although they may look similar, fascia boards and standard decking boards have different purposes.
Standard composite decking boards are designed to form the main walking surface of the deck. Fascia boards, on the other hand, are designed to be installed vertically around the edges.
Using a dedicated fascia board allows the decking to have a consistent appearance without having to use standard boards in areas where they aren’t designed to be installed.
When planning your project, it’s therefore worth considering the fascia alongside the main decking boards rather than treating it as an afterthought.
How to Install Fascia Boards
Fascia board installation is relatively straightforward when the decking subframe has been constructed correctly.
The fascia boards are normally attached to the outside of the subframe, creating a vertical covering around the edge of the decking.
Before installation, make sure the framework is straight, secure and level. The fascia should then be measured and cut to the required length before being fixed securely to the subframe.
A typical installation involves:
- Measure the exposed sides of the decking.
- Cut the fascia boards to the required lengths.
- Position the boards against the outside of the subframe.
- Check that everything is level and aligned.
- Secure the fascia using the appropriate fixings.
- Continue around the perimeter until the exposed subframe is concealed.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, as fixing methods and spacing can vary between products.
It’s also important not to block drainage or airflow beneath the decking. A properly designed decking structure should still allow water to drain away effectively.
Choosing the Right Fascia Board
There are several things worth considering when choosing fascia boards for decking.
The first is the colour. Matching your fascia to the decking boards creates a consistent appearance, while a contrasting fascia can be used to highlight the edges of the deck.
You should also consider the dimensions of the fascia and the height of the exposed subframe. Make sure the board is suitable for the area you are looking to cover.
Other factors to consider include:
- Colour and finish
- Board dimensions
- Material and durability
- Compatibility with your decking system
- Fixing requirements
- Overall appearance
Choosing compatible products from the same decking system can make installation easier and help ensure the finished project looks consistent.
Do You Need Fascia Boards for Composite Decking?
Not every decking project requires fascia boards, but they are often recommended where the sides of the subframe are visible.
If you’re installing a raised deck, fascia can make a significant difference to the finished appearance. It hides the structural framework and gives the installation a much cleaner edge.
For a low-level deck where the subframe isn’t visible, fascia may be less important.
Ultimately, it comes down to the design of your decking project and the finish you want to achieve.
Fascia Boards and Decking Finishing
Fascia boards are just one part of the finishing process when installing composite decking.
Depending on the design, you may also need other finishing products such as bullnose decking boards, angle trims, corners and other composite decking edging products.
Bullnose boards are particularly useful around steps and exposed edges, while fascia boards are generally used to conceal the vertical sides of the decking structure.
Using the right combination of finishing products can help create a professional-looking installation from every angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fascia boards used for?
Fascia boards are used to cover the exposed sides of a decking subframe. They create a cleaner appearance and conceal the joists and structural framework beneath the decking.
Do I need fascia boards for composite decking?
Not always. Fascia boards are particularly useful for raised decking where the subframe is visible. For low-level installations, they may not be essential.
What are composite fascia boards made from?
Composite fascia boards are manufactured from composite materials designed to complement composite decking. They provide a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber finishing boards.
Can you use decking boards as fascia?
Some decking systems may allow standard boards to be used for certain finishing applications, but dedicated fascia boards are specifically designed for this purpose and can provide a cleaner and more suitable finish.
How do you fix fascia boards to decking?
Fascia boards are normally fixed to the outside of the decking subframe using suitable fixings. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the specific product.
Final Thoughts
Composite decking fascia boards are a simple but important finishing product that can make a big difference to the appearance of your decking project.
By covering the exposed subframe, fascia creates a cleaner edge, hides the structural framework and gives raised decking a more professional finish. They can also be combined with other decking finishing products, such as bullnose boards and edge trims, to complete the installation.
If you’re planning a new composite decking project, it’s worth considering your fascia requirements at the same time as your main decking boards. Choosing compatible products and planning the finishing details from the start can help you achieve a smart, consistent and long-lasting result.
Shop Composite Fascia Boards and Finishing Trims
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