Decking: How to Install Perimeter Boards

Perimeter boards are another type of board patterning where decking is laid parallel to the edge of the deck frame, in areas where the ends of the decking boards would simply be cut to match the frame, leaving exposed ends.

Perimeter borders serve three primary purposes:

1. They cover the butt ends of your material, which gives a neater appearance and serves as edge trim.
2. They can be used to make use of shorter deck boards in an area that requires just a few extra inches of length.
3. They can serve to accent a level change on the deck, providing a perpendicular line to the decking to make the edge more visible.

Perimeter Board Installation

Borders are installed using similar techniques to the rest of your decking.

1. Cut boards to fit, using one full piece, instead of multiple pieces, wherever possible.
2. Cut miters at corners, so that end borders connect with the edge board, creating a “frame” effect around the decking.
3. Deck Trim can be installed with deck overlapping trim, or trim overlapping deck and flush at the top edge, depending on your preference.