Tag: trim

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Best Practices for Milling Cellular PVC Trim

Pergola Kleer Lumber

The right trim can bolster a home’s curb appeal or transform the style of an interior room. And with so many options available, professionals aren’t restricted to just wood trim any longer. PVC trim is highly workable, so milling cellular PVC trim provides tremendous flexibility for designs.

Benefits of PVC Trim

PVC trim like Westlake Royal® Trim, Skytrim®, and Kleer® offer the look of wood but with a number of advantages. PVC trim absorbs very little moisture; as such, it is resistant to rot, mold, and insects; it can be used in ground- and masonry-contact applications; and it doesn’t require paint or stain for weather protection. These same attributes also make PVC trim suitable for high-moisture interior areas such as a bathroom or a baseboard that can be exposed to water.

With a smooth and woodgrain options along with the capabilities to be heat-bent, milled, and routed, it’s easy to elevate a home’s curb appeal with the ideal finish.

Milling cellular PVC resulted in this beautiful church detail
Royal Trim

Best Practices for Milling Cellular PVC Trim

Contractors can mill cellular PVC trim using traditional woodworking machinery and tools. For more intricate designs, a CNC machine may be needed.

Consider these best practices to get the most out of your PVC trim:

Safety first.

When using milling and cutting tools, always follow the manufacturer’s safety requirements and instructions.

Start milling cellular PVC trim with lower RPMs and work your way up.

Because the feel for milling cellular PVC is different from standard wood, professionals may need to adjust the speed slowly to find their comfort zone.

Use the chip load calculator.

Some machinery comes with preinstalled chip load calculators. If one is available, it can help to determine feed rate more easily.

Keep bits and cutter heads sharp.

High speed steel is good for milling, but carbide is even better. If diamond-coated is available, however, it should be the choice of anyone milling cellular PVC.

Don’t cut cold PVC.

PVC trim expands and contracts lengthwise with temperature changes. This means it could be cut to the wrong size if milled while cold. Store the product at room temperature prior to milling in wintry conditions.

Use the right tool for each type of cut.

Not every tool is equal when it comes to milling cellular PVC trim. Typical woodworking machinery, blades, and bits are ideal for PVC milling, but each type of tool has its own use. A 10” or 12” miter saw blade is perfect for finishing end-cuts and miter joints rather than cutting decorative shapes—that’s where a 10-TPI jig saw needs to come in. Be sure to use the right tool for each task rather than one tool to cover everything.

Sand and seal after milling cellular PVC trim.

Sand exposed surfaces with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe them down with acetone to seal the cell structure. Be sure to follow any manufacturer safety guidelines.

Manage static.

Saw dust from cellular PVC has more static buildup than wood, which isn’t an issue for small jobs; however, larger milling jobs will require sawing or routing profiles to be covered lightly in static guard or anti-static spray. They may occasionally need to be resprayed, depending on the length of the job.

Find the Right Options for Milling Cellular PVC Trim

The right trim can make all the difference for your milling experience. Browse Westlake Royal’s selection of PVC trim to find an easy-to-work-with solution for any project.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to picking the right trim? Check out our exterior trim inspiration.

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4 Industry Insights from LBM Journal’s Trim Trends Report

Achieve trim trends with Skytrim PVC trim

Despite ongoing volatility in the housing market, the trim market is going strong, with the power to elevate home exteriors for homeowners looking to elevate their space or prepare it for sale. LBM Journal took a look at the latest Trim Trends in its annual In Depth feature on trim. Here is some of what they found.

Trim Trends Upward

While there may be uncertainty about how economic recovery will chart this year, trim offers an upgrade that makes sense for many homeowners.

“There are several factors that could potentially support remodeling and repair spending, including record levels of home equity and the significant amount of people still working from home,” Steve Booz, vice president of marketing for Westlake Royal Building Products, told LBM Journal. “During this time, we foresee smaller projects and those with high return on investment being prioritized. Even with constraints in time or budget, there are still impactful projects that can enhance a home’s ROI. With creativity and effort, these ideas offer an accessible means to updating a home.”

Booz noted that adding trim and mouldings is an easy, affordable way to add unique architectural details. “In 2024, we expect a growing demand for classical architectural elements, such as trim, mouldings and columns, due to the increasing construction of single-family homes,” he said. “New homes often incorporate these details to enhance their upscale appearance and overall market appeal.” Along with being an approachable project, adding trim can help elevate the marketability of a home in a time when higher interest rates have slowed existing home sales.

Royal Trim Knock Down Column Wraps
Royal Trim Knock-Down Column Wraps

Supply Chain Improvements

Helping the cause is an easing of the supply woes that dealers and contractors have encountered over the past few years.

“In 2023, there were notable improvements in supply chains within the building products industry,” Booz noted. “Looking ahead to 2024, there is optimism that supply chains and material prices will further normalize.”

He added: “Barring any unforeseen upstream issues, most Westlake Royal Building Products trim and mouldings products are back to normal lead times. We are also happy to say that we have begun to re-introduce products that had been furloughed as well as launching new products to the market, particularly in our siding and trim businesses.”

These introductions include Royal® WoodTone Styles, beadboard trim with a warm woodgrain finish, and Royal® Knock Down Column Wraps, offering easy installation for an instant upgrade.

Color Leads Trim Trends

While neutrals will never go out of style, trim manufacturers say those colors are getting warmer. Bolder colors also are catching on.

“In 2024, timeless off-white and cream hues will continue to dominate home exteriors, providing versatility and a modern aesthetic that complements diverse architectural styles,” Booz said. “Light grays, browns, and bolder blues will also emerge as popular choices for a fresh and contemporary look.”

For customers looking for darker trim, check out TruExterior Siding & Trim®, a poly-ash product that can be painted any color, including black.

WoodTone Styles on porch ceiling
Royal Trim Woodtone Styles beadboard trim

Product Knowledge Is Key When Navigating Trim Trends

Trim manufacturers agree that dealers must be consultants for their pro customers, LBM Journal reported, especially amid ongoing labor shortages. Dealers should leverage manufacturer-provided training opportunities to ensure they’re up to speed on product features and installation best practices. Also, be sure to check out the many online design tools that can help pros and homeowners visualize how different products will look on the home. Westlake Royal Building Products, for example, offers the HomePlay and Virtual Remodeler tools.

For more tips and trends check out the full LBM Journal article here.

Want more industry insights? Subscribe to our enewsletter.

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3 Residential Product Trends—and How To Use Them

Zuri Premium Decking helps answer residential product trends

During this year’s International Builders’ Show, Westlake Royal Building Products™ showcased three prominent residential product trends and several sub-trends designed to educate and inspire pros and consumers alike. The compilation of trends explores how design is evolving under new and ongoing influences, how pros and homeowners are adapting to changing conditions, and how we collectively leverage design to better our lives inside and outside the home.

Here’s a look at the trends our experts are seeing, along with tips for including them on your projects.

Residential Product Trends: 1 — Design Versatility

Bringing the visions of homeowners, architects, designers, and builders to life demands the creation of unique and harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces that reflect continuously evolving tastes. This can be accomplished through siding, trim, stone, roofing, and outdoor products that deliver the highest level of design versatility.

Residential Product Trends: Multi-Textured Facades

Homeowners and homebuyers tired of ho-hum, cookie-cutter houses are seeking out aesthetics to add an eye-catching pop that increases curb appeal and helps differentiate them from others on the block. For builders, these changes can create a more appealing streetscape in communities with limited elevations.

Tips for Multi-Textured Facades:

• Blend colors: Play with the different areas of the façade by incorporating different colors or profiles within the same cladding material. For example, specify gable siding in a color one or two shades removed from the rest of the façade or add a bold-yet-complementary color to a bump-out or other accent.

• Play with profiles: Similarly, matching colors but different siding profiles—such as lap siding on the main façade with shingles in the gables—can create a subtle but eye-catching shift.

• Create texture: Blend siding materials for a textured look. This can be made literally, such as adding from more robust materials like a stone half wall or column, or visually, from movement between materials and authentic, wood-like profiles.

• Leverage accessories: Trim, shutters, and columns are an excellent way to infuse style and create variation in low-profile ways.

Foundry Split Shake in Arizona Clay helps meet residential product trends calling for multi-textured facades
Foundry Split Shake Siding, seen here in the new Arizona Clay color, can be used in gables and other accent areas to help create in-demand multi-textured facades.

Biophilic Design

Connecting people more closely with nature and natural elements, biophilic design can lead to increased well-being and productivity. Growing wellness and environmental concerns are driving demand for outdoor living space improvements and integration of nature in design, including elements like green roofs, living walls, and large windows.

Products to consider:

  • Cultured Stone’s architectural stone and brick veneer products reinforce our inherent connection to the natural world, infusing residential and commercial spaces with a sophisticated touch of texture that complements a wide variety of other natural materials.
  • Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds fuels the outdoor entertaining scene with its captivating line of elegant, sculpture-inspired fire bowls.
  • Zuri Premium Decking (pictured top of page) offers the natural beauty of exotic hardwood with minimal grain repetition, resulting in a flawless design flow from the outdoor space to the interior.      
Kindred Fire Bowls help meet residential product trends demanding outdoor living and biophilia
The Kindred Lyra Fire Bowl combines a modern linear design with an earthy, honed finish.

Solutions for Every Home Style

Flexibility and versatility are key for creating inviting facades. Westlake Royal Building Products’ extensive portfolio of exterior products makes it easy. These include:

  • Dutch Quality Stone’s growing catalog of manufactured stone veneer provides an expanding portfolio of options to create seamless transitions between interior and exterior applications and unify the textural aesthetic of any project.
  • Royal Trim and Mouldings have architecturally correct profiles that match any home style from Colonial or Craftsman to Victorian or Modern.
  • Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing is an ultra-lightweight yet strong roofing material offered in numerous profiles, emulating the look of traditional shingle, clay tile, cedar shake or slate roofing to complement a vast array of home architectural styles. 

Residential Product Trends: 2 — High-Performance Products & Materials

As climate extremes have intensified, the demand for high-performance, weather-resistant building products has surged. Homeowners and building professionals are faced with complex product selection decisions—navigating around the areas of regional weatherability, performance, and sustainability.

Residential Product Trends: Extreme Weather Protection

Exterior products are the first line of defense for a home during a storm, fire, or other climate event. As extreme weather incidents continue to mount, it’s critical to choose resilient building materials.

For example:

  • Eldorado Stone’s premium manufactured stone veneer products have been rigorously tested to withstand years of intense freeze/thaw cycles without damage, which is particularly crucial in northern latitudes and throughout Canada.
  • Newpoint Concrete Tile Roofing is known for its superior strength, durability, and protection against ever-increasing weather events. The concrete tile helps shield the roof and home from the elements, offering a Class A Fire Rating, as well as a Class 3 or Class 4 Hail Rating (for select products).
  • TruExterior Siding & Trim is made with a proprietary blend of fly ash and polymers, combining the look of wood with versatility and toughness to stand up to extreme weather, and ground and masonry contact. TruExterior is California Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) listed.
Newpoint Steel roofing
Newpoint Concrete Tile Roofing.

Long Product Life Cycles

Materials that don’t have to be replaced as often or maintained as frequently are a fundamental part of sustainably built homes—not to mention preferable for homeowners who don’t want to invest time and money into maintenance or replacement.

Tips for longevity:

  • There isn’t a universal standard for “low maintenance,” so don’t take claims at face value without inquiring for greater detail. When trying a new material, always research a manufacturer’s maintenance claims, including reading the warranty, and compare it to other materials.
  • When investigating low-maintenance siding, consider the other products used in its installation. For example, if a cladding requires caulking, that caulk is a secondary maintenance liability, requiring regular inspection and replacement before the siding’s life span is complete. 
  • Read the fine print on painting, as some siding warranties are divided into categories, with different guarantees for product life span versus details like color and fading.

Products to consider:

  • Dutch Quality Stone requires little to no maintenance and may be cleaned with a soft bristle brush and water to remove dust and dirt—pressure washing, sandblasting, or acid washing is unnecessary and not recommended.
  • Industry-leading DaVinci Roofscapes uses virgin resins, and UV and thermal stabilizers, along with a highly specialized fire retardant to craft durable composite slate and shake tiles that are ideal for any climate and backed by a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty.
  • Kleer cellular PVC trim products offer the workability of wood without the durability issues or high maintenance. Every piece is straight and free of defects, and they won’t split, warp, crack, or check.
TruExterior poly-ash siding and trim
TruExterior Siding in Nickel Gap and TruExterior Trim on the Bella Terra wedding venue project in Texas.

Sustainability

Among the Westlake Royal’s portfolio of products are a number of options made with resource-efficient materials and using efficient manufacturing processes. This includes:

  • Cultured Stone is manufactured using a closed-loop system to recycle water and contains up to 58% recycled content; the finished product offers comparable durability to natural stone without the need to quarry material from the earth.
  • Vinyl siding, such as options from Royal Siding and Exterior Portfolio, outperforms almost all other common cladding materials in total environmental impact. Over its life cycle, vinyl siding’s impact on global warming is 1/3 that of fiber cement. 
  • US Tile Clay Roofing is naturally reflective, and many of the colors offered meet the highest cool roof rating standards (such as LEED). The roofing material is not only long-lasting, but is also 100% recyclable at the end of its life on the roof.

Residential Product Trends: 3 — Innovative Industry Solutions

Building professionals face the daunting challenges of labor shortages and product delivery issues, while trying to gain strong project margins and grow their business. To meet these varied and evolving needs, Westlake Royal Building Products is exploring every innovation, from new products to support services.

Residential Product Trends: Labor-Supporting Innovations

It’s no secret that the construction industry continues to struggle to find enough workers, especially as older contractors retire and fewer young people enter the trades. Using products that are straightforward to install and working with companies that offer extensive training options is crucial to keeping jobsites moving.

Products to consider:

  • Versetta Stone combines the beauty and texture of authentic stone masonry with the simplicity of panelized installation. With an integrated nailing fin, the lightweight, interlocking stone siding panels attach with nails or screws.
  • Brakes and saw tables from Tapco Tools offer the utmost precision for high-quality custom exterior trim, siding, and flashing. The tools and accessories are efficient, durable, portable, and easy to use, and our partnerships with industry pros and trade schools provide learning opportunities.
  • DaVinci Roofscapes Technical Trainers offer regular regionally specific training for contractors, designers, and distributors across the country. With hands-on training and continuing education courses, DaVinci provides multiple avenues for learning more about our roofing systems.
Versetta Stone fireplace surround
Versetta Stone panelized stone siding makes it simple to create fireplace surrounds and other stone accents on the interior and exterior.

Robust Contractor Resources

Product and installation knowledge are key to crew success. Take advantage of manufacturer-provided literature, courses, and training to keep your installers trained and up to date. For example:

  • In addition to channel-specific assets for architects, builders and designers, Cultured Stone has partnered with the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) on a Certified Installer Program for masons and other installers to hone their craft.
  • The Westlake Royal PROS Perks Program rewards pro customers for purchasing products from an extensive selection of Westlake Royal Building Products brands. Merchant or VISA gift cards are easy to earn and redeem, with no complicated point systems to navigate.
  • DaVinci Roofscapes offers a Masterpiece Contractor Program with nationwide membership, online portal support, and expansive business-building marketing assistance.

For more trend and design inspiration, subscribe to our enewsletter.

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Introducing Knock Down Column Wraps With Easy, Affordable Curb Appeal 

Royal Trim Knock Down Column Wraps

During the 2024 International Builders’ Show, Westlake Royal Building Products™ launched its new Royal™ Knock Down Column Wraps, an easy-to-install and cost-effective way to transform ho-hum posts with a classic update and add instant curb appeal to the home. The column wraps feature best-in-class lock miter joints for easy assembly, so they can seamlessly slip over existing, outdated columns to give a porch or exterior a cleaner and more modern look.

Made of durable cellular PVC, Royal Knock Down Column Wraps are resistant to moisture and avoid issues found in traditional wood columns, such as warping, rotting, and insect damage. In addition to low-maintenance qualities and long-lasting performance, the column wraps are beautifully versatile: They come in a bright white color and smooth texture, which can be left as is or painted to complement a home’s exterior color palette.

“At Westlake Royal, we are committed to understanding and addressing customer needs, leveraging those insights to bring forth innovative solutions,” says Steve Booz, vice president of marketing at Westlake Royal Building Products. “Recognizing the increased importance of curb appeal, we’re excited to introduce a knocked down version of our popular Royal PVC Column Wraps. These new wraps require minimal maintenance and can be effortlessly installed over existing porch columns, offering a simple and accessible way for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts to achieve porch transformations.”

Royal Knock Down Column Wraps are available in 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 sizes, and in two standard lengths—8’6” & 10’. Each piece is also delivered flat in heavy-duty corrugated boxes for added protection and features a protective film on the outer surface to help keep the product clean and ensure a flawless installation.

To stay up to date on new product introductions, project case studies, design trends, business strategies, and industry insights, subscribe to our enewsletter.

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New Royal WoodTone Styles Blend Rich Looks With Warmth of Beadboard

WoodTone Styles on porch ceiling

Classic beadboard is making a comeback, adding a timeless design and charming finish to a range of exterior home styles. And there’s no easier way to capture the look than with Royal™ WoodTone Styles, introduced by Westlake Royal Building Products™ at the 2024 International Builders’ Show. WoodTone Styles blend the rich look of stained wood with the rustic warmth of beadboard trim to dress up porch ceilings and soffits

Made of cellular PVC, Royal WoodTone Styles are low-maintenance, long-lasting, and moisture and insect resistant. The beadboards feature hidden nailing hems for easy installation.

“The Royal WoodTone Styles line seamlessly combines enduring beauty with unmatched performance,” says Steve Booz, vice president of marketing for Westlake Royal Building Products. “Individuals who value the cozy characteristics of beadboard can now experience it with a level of low maintenance and durability that surpasses traditional wood options.”

Royal WoodTone Styles offer the elegant look of stained wood in six on-trend colors: American Walnut, Oak Ridge, Natural Cedar, Smoke Grey, Weathered Oak, and Charred Timber. The line features a 6″ V-grooved plank, beadboard, and crown and bed mould.

Woodtone Styles in Natural Cedar

Applications for WoodTone Styles

Beadboard paneling is an easy way to provide a more classic aesthetic in overlooked areas of the exterior, as well as add a premium look that can elevate the perceived value of a home. On the exterior beadboard is most often found on porch ceilings to create a finished aesthetic as well as to hide leveling irregularities and in soffits with exposed rafters or enclosed built-up soffits.

Choosing a beadboard made with cellular PVC, particularly the stained-wood looks of this latest offering, can provide the authentic look of wood without the typical repainting and maintenance needs.

To stay up to date on new product introductions, project case studies, design trends, and industry insights, subscribe to our enewsletter.

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Skytrim PVC Trim: Looks Meet Longevity

Skytrim PVC trim on a home exterior

The ideal trim for a home’s exterior delivers an authentic look without worry about excess maintenance, a short life span, or unsightly deterioration. Skytrim PVC trim offers a solution, delivering the optimal combination of beauty, performance, and durability.

Why Choose Skytrim PVC Trim Over Wood?

Like wood trim products, Skytrim PVC trim provides an eye-catching finish that completes a home’s exterior, it can be milled and routed, and it comes in a wide selection of available dimensions. But that’s where the similarities end. Skytrim offers a range of benefits that go above and beyond what wood can do, including:

  • Rot, mold, and insect resistance
  • Virtually waterproof
  • Can be installed in direct contact with masonry
  • Resistance to splitting, cupping, and warping
  • Self-extinguishing
  • Doesn’t require paint, stain, or varnish for weather protection
  • Built-in weatherability and UV protection
  • Smooth sealed edges, easy to wipe clean

What Profiles and Sizes Does Skytrim PVC Trim Include?

Skytrim has a range of widths, lengths, and thicknesses to match and elevate the architecture of any home style. (See everything Skytrim has to offer here.)

Trimboards and sheets

Trimboards and sheets come in smooth or reversible smooth/woodgrain texture. Sealed edges and a factory-applied protective film (pictured below) keep them clean until the day they’re installed.

Skytrim PVC trim products come in white, sand, and clay. This range of neutral trimboard and sheet shades complement any siding color, from lighter to bold.

Dimensional boards and sheets are available in a range of sizes.

Skytrim PVC trim beaded profiles

Skytrim beaded profiles bring warmth of any home style, ideal for everything from dining room wainscoting and entryway accent walls to porch ceilings. The reversible beadboard has a Nantucket style on one side and classic V-groove on the opposite, and it has a hidden nailing hem, full PVC skin, and lower sheen celuka extrusion. Beaded sheets also are available for fast installation.

Skytrim PVC trim soffit

Skytrim post wrap

To dress up porch posts with ease, Skytrim low-maintenance PVC post wraps feature three pre-assembled sides that surround an existing post for a seamless appearance; the fourth side is then applied to enclose the entire post. Post wrap comes in white with a smooth finish and the same protective film as Skytrim trimboard and sheets. Decorative trim kits in three sizes provide added design flexibility.

Skytrim PVC trim column wraps

Skytrim mouldings

Choose from dozens of decorative accents that are lightweight, strong, and built to last. Moulding profiles include crown, casing, base cap, brick mould, historic sill, quarter round, Scotia cove, shingle mould, and many more.

Skytrim PVC Trim millwork

Save time and money on the jobsite with millwork profiles including skirt board, J-channel, and trim with flange. They are available in white with a smooth or woodgrain finish.

Skytrim corners

Corner profiles to create a truly finished look.

No matter the style or application, there’s a Skytrim option to meet your trim needs.

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12 Frequently Asked Questions About Trim and Moulding

Royal trim and molding on a home in Delaware

Trim and moulding are the often-unassuming heroes of the construction and design world. These seemingly minor additions can transform a space, adding character, elegance, and even functionality. In fact, 97% of real estate professionals say that moulding and trim affect the overall price of a home during a sale.

Of course, when it comes to trim and moulding, even the professionals have questions. Here are a few of the most common questions we get asked.

Trim and Moulding FAQs

Is Westlake Royal® PVC Trim Solid or Hollow?

Cellular PVC is a solid extrusion that’s waterproof, insect-proof, and easy to use. The term “cellular PVC” refers to a process and type of polyvinyl chloride that has microscopic air cells inside. The process makes this type of PVC less dense and more flexible than the PVC you see in plumbing pipes, making it more suited to trim applications.

Can I use interior mouldings outside?

Many interior mouldings can also be used outside, but not decorative woodgrain non-vinyl laminated interior mouldings. Westlake Royal Building Products™ offers a variety of cellular PVC and vinyl-wrapped PVC trim moulding that can be used for both interior and exterior applications. Always check with your manufacturer when trying a new trim product.

Can Westlake Royal’s cellular PVC trim moulding be painted?

Our trim comes in white, one of the most popular options for trim. But if other hues are desired, our cellular PVC trim is paintable. Check out our blog on painting PVC trim to learn more.

Can PVC be stained?

PVC mouldings can be stained, but it takes a specialty coating, such as TruStain from AquaSurTech OEM or AWP SPQT Stainable Primer Wood Base Coat for Hard Surfaces. Our warranty does not cover the product with applied third-party coatings, so be sure to follow the stain manufacturer’s recommendations. We also recommend you thoroughly research the coatings you intend to use with PVC.

The same limitations for coatings concerning light reflective value (LRV) on cellular PVC apply to stain, especially for exterior applications.

How do you clean and remove scratches from PVC trim moulding?

Cellular PVC is durable for standing up to exterior elements, but of course accidents sometimes happen during installation. If the scratches aren’t too deep, an all-purpose cleaning agent and a melamine foam sponge or non-scratch scrubbing sponge can often remove the scratches. A rubbing compound such as Turtle Wax can also be used on surface scratches.

Buffing them out may take some time, depending on the severity of the scratches, so be sure to take that into account. Be sure to also clean the trim after buffing.

How do I remove the product description paper label from the trim or moulding?

Use a dissolving product, following the manufacturer’s instructions. We typically recommend De-Solv-It Citrus Solution or Turtle Wax Label and Sticker Remover. If either of those is not available, you can soak the product in surface cleaner, gently scrape the sticker off with a plastic putty knife, and use rubbing alcohol to remove any leftover residue.

What do you recommend for cutting trim and mouldings?

Royal® Trim & Mouldings should be cut with a carbide-tipped blade with 80 teeth or more. To reduce excessive build up on the blade, you can lightly spray it with cooking spray or furniture polish; however, it is important to note that you should not spray the mouldings directly, which can affect paint adhesion. Cellular PVC can be cut with typical saws and blades used for woodworking.

Are Westlake trim and mouldings bendable?

We do offer mouldings that are specially formulated for heat bending, but not all cellular PVC trim and mouldings apply. For example, Royal S4S Trimboard is not recommended for bending, but SurEdge and Precision Cut trim can be bent into a reasonable radius.

Cellular PVC is a thermoplastic polymer, which means it becomes pliable or bendable when exposed to certain temperatures, returning to a solid state when cool. Because of its nature, some cellular PVC profiles can be reheated and reformed; however, variations in batches, profile geometry, and density or weight of the profile mean some experimentation will be required to perfect this skill.

For best results, don’t bend any cellular PVC trim greater than 6” wide.

Is cellular PVC suitable for applications like raised garden beds?

With adequate construction techniques, yes, cellular PVC can be used for this purpose.

Can item 7311 1×6 trim board be used on garages as fascia board?

Yes, but keep in mind that 1×6 is a nominal size, with true measurement being ¾”x5-½”, so you’ll want to be sure that this size is wide enough for your application.

What recommendations do you have for placing 5523 Base over existing ¼-½ moulding?

Existing moulding needs to be removed before Base is installed; it can’t be placed over the previous moulding. Mechanical fasteners like 16- to 18-gauge nails or 6d or 8d should be used. Liquid Nails can also help keep the product glued to the wall.

Is item 2450 Base Cap flexible enough for picture frame panel mouldings on a curved stairway?

This will depend on the radius of the curved stairway. Some trial-and-error will likely need to occur on the most curved area before deciding on how to finish out the application. This can work, but it will require some creativity.

Have more trim questions? You can reach our customer service team at 1-855-ROYAL85 or via our customer support form.

Ready to see how Westlake Royal trim and moulding products can add the perfect finishing touch to your project? Explore all our solutions.

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Where and How to Use Beadboard

Whether to enhance the aesthetics of a home or give it a fresh look before selling, there are few things that offer an elevated look for a great price as well as beadboard.

While beadboard is most popular in Victorian and Craftsman styles (and those in between), it can be used to enhance just about any home as there’s a panel to fit most decors.

What Is Beadboard?

Beadboard is a paneling where each narrow plank is separated by a vertical groove and a small ridge or bump, also called a “bead.” Most commonly applied vertically on walls, the boards are typically trimmed out with horizontal molding to create a finished look. While people often use the term “wainscoting” and “beadboard” interchangeably, wainscoting refers broadly to decorative paneling, of which beadboard is just one type.

Historically, beadboard was made of wood. But advanced materials, like cellular PVC options from Royal® Trim & Mouldings, are becoming a preferred choice of contractors and homeowners looking for higher performance and low maintenance. For example, wood beadboard needs to be repainted every three to five years while acrylic paint on PVC beadboard can last upwards of 20 to 25 years; in addition, most cellular PVC trim comes manufactured in white, so it may not need to be painted at all depending on color preferences.

Royal Trim & Moulding beaded plank
Royal Trim & Moulding beaded plank

Where and How to Use Beadboard

Beadboard can be installed on both the interior and exterior of the home. You’ll commonly see it in mudrooms, saunas, pool roofs, accent walls, and under porch ceilings and soffits.

Inside the home

On the interior, narrower beadboard is often used to add character to the space as an accent wall or by applying whole-room wainscoting. The resulting look evokes a higher-end, traditional feel.

Most commonly, panels are applied in 32” to 36” shorter segments, but taller 54” to 56” installations are becoming more popular as a way to create an even bigger wow factor.

The thinner the paneling and more beading you have on a wall, the more ornate it tends to appear. Narrower paneling is ideal for smaller spaces such as bathrooms, hallways, and stairways.

Outside the home

Beadboard paneling (or cladding with a similar appearance, such as nickel gap or shiplap) is an easy way to provide a more classic look in often overlooked areas of the exterior.  Using a high-performance material, such as TruExterior, which is made with fly ash and polymers, delivers the look as well as resistance to warping, rotting, and insects.

Beadboard is most often found on porch ceilings to create a finished aesthetic as well as to hide leveling irregularities and in soffits with exposed rafters or enclosed built-up soffits.

Boral TruExterior beadboard porch ceiling
TruExterior on a porch ceiling

Tips for Selecting and Using Beadboard

Beadboard is fairly straightforward to install, but keep these considerations in mind:

  • Cost: Like other more decorative trim pieces, beadboard typically has a premium upfront cost. However, it also delivers a high-end look that can elevate the perceived value of the home. And low-maintenance products like cellular PVC can lower upkeep costs over time.
  • Panel installation: Because beadboard usually comes in panels, it can cover more area and therefore can often be installed quicker. Just keep in mind that lining up the panels can be a bit tricky if the installer tries to move too quickly. Always pre-plan your layout from the center.
  • Painting: Because of the texture of all the beading, painting beadboard may require attention to detail. If white is desired, opt for an unfinished white product like that from Royal Trim & Moulding. If color is specified, be sure to clean and prime the surface, opting for a high-quality primer to ensure the paint lasts for as long as possible; follow beadboard manufacturer instructions for paint type and any limitations on color. TruExterior comes pre-primed and ready to paint any color, including dark hues. A paint sprayer will create a smooth finish and get the most surface covered in the fastest time, but you’ll likely need to follow up with a brush to fill in the grooves.

To learn more, check out our idea gallery to see how others have used our panels in their homes.

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Palight® Trimboard Rebrands as Skytrim™

Skytrim on home

Westlake Royal Building Products has rebranded Palight® Trimboard as “Skytrim™.” A sophisticated line of PVC trim options, Skytrim allows designers to achieve the aesthetic they want while enjoying better longevity and lower costs than wood products.

Skytrim is made with free-foam PVC that works and cuts like wood, but is also lighter in weight, making it easier to transport and install. PVC delivers amazing performance without many of the drawbacks of wood — such as rotting, painting, or staining — and significantly lowers regular maintenance for the homeowner over time.

The line includes:

Trimboards & Sheets: Skytrim PVC trimboards and sheets are available in white, sand, and clay colors. The range of neutral trimboard and sheet shades provide the flexibility to complement a variety of siding colors, from lighter to bolder shades. Both trimboards and sheets come in smooth/smooth or fully reversible in smooth or woodgrain texture for design and aesthetic flexibility. This product comes with sealed edges and factory-applied protective film. 

Beadboard and Beaded Sheets: Skytrim beaded profiles are a great match for any home style, especially Modern Farmhouse, as it embellishes warmth and charm, both inside and outside the home. This product creates a point of interest in entryways or on feature walls, and can be installed in the dining room, laundry rooms as wainscoting, and even on porch ceilings. 

Post Wraps: Skytrim Post Wraps are decorative trim kits that come in matching sizes, giving added design flexibility to the installer. 

Skytrim post wraps
Skytrim Images

Decorative Mouldings: Simple to cut and install, and designed to last, Skytrim mouldings are ideal to highlight details and add character to any home. 

Corners & Millwork Profiles: Millwork profiles and corners highlight home details and create virtually seamless transitions. Skytrim Corners are available in a variety of sizes and profiles that perfectly highlight any home style while providing lasting protection and performance. 

Cortex® Fastening System: The Skytrim Cortex Fastening System is a fast and easy way to hide fastener heads when installing PVC trimboards, sheets, and profiles. It combines the strength of a face-fastened connection with the style of a hidden fastener. The screw is specially designed to cut a clean hole through the surface of any Skytrim product so there’s no need to pre-drill. The countersink setting tool is included and available in white, clay and sand in both smooth and woodgrain textures. 

To learn more, visit www.skytrim.com. 

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How to Paint Cellular PVC Trim

Painting cellular PVC trim, Royal Trim & Mouldings

Nothing accents a home quite like trim. It can help create a bold frame for a modern look or offer a decorative touch to tie a more traditional aesthetic together. While white trim is often a popular choice, painting cellular PVC trim can make a statement for the perfect exterior addition.

Cellular PVC trim typically comes manufactured in a white substrate. But while easy, it’s not the hue every homeowner wants nor every home needs, so achieving the preferred look will require you to paint.  Different types of trim react differently to different coatings, and there are also some best practices for painting cellular PVC trim to keep in mind.

PVC vs Cellular PVC Trim

When most people think of PVC, they’re thinking of rigid PVC, which is commonly used in commercial and industrial applications for things like pipes, doors, refrigeration, and tanks. It’s less flexible than other formulations and is commonly known as UPVC, PVC-U, and uPVC (the “U” standing for “unplasticized”).

Cellular PVC, like Royal® Trim and Mouldings and Kleer® from Westlake Royal Building Products™, is an expanded PVC that is ideal for creating shapes. It’s less dense, more flexible, and more moldable than rigid PVC, making it more economical and able to replicate the looks and profiles of wood. It’s also durable, waterproof, low-maintenance, and resistant to dents, scratches, splitting, and warping.

Choosing Paint for Cellular PVC Trim

It’s crucial to select the right coating for cellular PVC trim to ensure it lasts as long as designed. When painting the trim with a color with a light reflective value (LRV) of 57 or above, a high-quality 100% acrylic latex or acrylic blend paint is recommended. For darker colors with an LRV of 56 or lower, it’s crucial to opt for an approved solar reflective coating (such as Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe or Benjamin Moore Colors for Vinyl) to avoid any heat distortion, warping, or buckling over time.

Best Practices for Painting Cellular PVC Trim

When painting cellular PVC trim, there are a few best practices to follow and details to be aware of.

  • Remember that painting cellular PVC trim is different from other materials. Paint adheres to cellular PVC much better than materials like wood. Wood has a 6% moisture allowance, which means it will need to be repainted after three to five years. Cellular PVC trim, however, won’t need to be repainted for upwards of 20 to 25 years if the right paint is chosen and the PVC is prepped properly. Since cellular PVC doesn’t absorb moisture, most coatings will be dry to the touch within an hour or less, but may take 30 days to fully cure (depending on humidity and temperature).
  • Prep the trim. Always clean cellular PVC trim before painting to remove any dust, dirt, or other foreign material. Because some cellular PVC can have a high sheen, lightly scuff the surface to help improve paint adhesion. Priming isn’t necessary; however, the finish quality is greatly enhanced if you use a premium 100% acrylic latex paint for trim with a built-in primer. In addition, a primer may be required under the paint manufacturer’s warranty. If you do use a primer, make sure to follow the same LRV limitations, as some primers can be dark and can create heat distortion issues.
  • Paint after the trim is installed. While trim can be painted prior to installation, doing so will necessitate touch-ups around fasteners. Painting after installation can help avoid repetitive touch-ups, and if the homeowner isn’t sure about color choice, installers can move forward with the job before the decision is made.
  • Follow paint manufacturer’s instructions. Again, it’s important to select a solar reflective coating when using a 56 LVR or lower paint. Installers should also carefully read and follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions as they can offer additional insight on coloring and coating requirements.

PVC Trim from Westlake Royal Building Products

Following these simple guidelines for painting Royal and Kleer cellular PVC trim can help ensure a look that lasts.

Royal Trim & Mouldings come in a variety of shapes and styles, offering virtually endless ways to transform the exterior of a home. Options include S4S Trimboard, Conceal Trim System, SurEdge Trimboard, Prefinished Trim, Precision Cut Trim, and Garage Door Trim.

Kleer cellular PVC trim products are a beautiful, sustainable alternative to wood. Their TruEDGE feature protects against dirt intrusion with a finished edge on all sides.

To see how Westlake Royal Building Products can bring your next exterior project to life, check out our online design tools or request a sample of Royal Trim & Mouldings or Kleer Lumber.

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Resources for Selling and Installing Siding & Trim

Westlake Royal Building Products Royal siding

Westlake Royal Building Products’ portfolio of siding and trim comprises more than 30 individual brands, ensuring you and your customers can find the right product for each project, application, style, and budget. To support you behind the scenes, Westlake Royal offers numerous professional tools and resources that can help you select the perfect material, choose the ideal color, and ensure proper installation for long-lasting looks and performance.

Along with our in-house customer service team and in-field sales representatives, be sure to take advantage of our extensive array of resources to help sell, select, and install siding and trim from Westlake Royal Building Products.

Selling Resources

  • Samples: We offer samples for nearly all of our siding products and many trim products. How to get: Visit individual project pages (start here) and click on “Request a Sample.”
  • Sample boards/folders/brochures: When meeting with clients in your office, in their home, or on the jobsite, our portable sample boards can help compare different materials and illustrate the aesthetic and performance benefits of each. Leave-behind brochures outline product benefits and color options. How to get: Contact your local sales rep.
  • Fan decks: Help your customers visualize and select siding options with fan decks featuring siding color and grain options from several Westlake siding brands, including Exterior Portfolio® and Royal®. Vinyl samples are cut from actual siding, providing a true physical representation. How to get: Contact your local sales rep.
  • Product knowledge sessions: In-depth knowledge of the products you sell and install is your best marketing tool. Westlake representatives and dealers are available to provide an in-depth look at your siding and trim options so you can sell with confidence. How to get: Contact your local sales rep or Westlake dealer to schedule.
  • Sell sheets: Download and print hard-hitting one pagers outlining products and topic areas in detail. How to get: Visit individual project pages (start here) and click on “Resources.”
  • Consultative training sessions: Our in-house sales experts can provide in-person sales training and tips to help you sell more effectively and efficiently. How to get: Contact your local sales rep to inquire.

Design Resources

  • Color & design guides: To help customers truly discover what color can do for their home, explore Westlake Royal Building Products’ range of design guides, including:

–Color Explorer: Choose color families and find products that match and coordinate. Click here to access.

–Color Combinations: Start with a base color and mix-and-match coordinating accent colors. Click to access Royal Color Combinations, Exterior Portfolio Color Combinations, and Celect Color Combinations.

  • Design galleries: See completed projects via our product-specific inspiration galleries. How to get: Visit individual project pages (start here) and click on “Gallery” or “Inspiration.”
  • Immersive Experience: This online, 3D interactive program showcases exterior products from Westlake Royal Building Products™ siding and trim brands as well as Westlake Royal Stone Solutions™ and Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions™ on three distinct homes. Tour the homes, explore the material options, and experiment with profiles and colors. Click here to access.

Installation Resources

  • In-person or virtual training: On the jobsite, at the lumberyard, or over the phone, our sales team can provide installation training and best practices to help you avoid callbacks and improve performance and efficiency. How to get: Contact your local sales rep.
  • First nail program: Schedule a short jobsite training with our installation experts for Celect® Cellular Composite Siding, Versetta Stone®, TruExterior® Siding & Trim, and Zuri® Premium Decking. How to get: Contact your local sales rep.
  • Installation instructions: Download and print installation instructions for all Westlake Royal Building Products’ siding and trim via the web. How to get: Visit individual project pages (start here) and click on “Resources.”
  • Code reports: Downloadable and printable. How to get: Visit individual project pages (start here) and click on “Resources.”
  • Specifications and drawings: How to get: Visit individual project pages (start here) and click on “Resources.”

Education & More

  • CEU courses: Expand your exterior product knowledge and earn credits with free online courses. How to get: Visit AEC Daily and search “Westlake.”
  • Westlake Royal PROS Perks: Earns rewards for the products you buy! Enroll in this points-based program to start earning merchant gift cards and Visa® Reward Cards as a thank-you for purchasing products within a robust selection of 13 Westlake Royal Building Products siding and trim brands. Click here to register.
  • Social media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for project showcases, installation tips, and product information, including content from top customers and field experts.

And of course, you can reach out to us at any time. Connect with your local rep or contact Westlake Royal Building Products here.

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Defining a Home’s Architectural Style Using Interior Trim & Mouldings

Often referred to as a nice finishing touch or “icing on the cake,” interior trim & mouldings have historically not gotten the attention and recognition they deserve for pulling a design aesthetic together. But thanks to an increasing number of passionate interior design influencers around the country, everyone from pros to enthusiastic DIYers are beginning to really appreciate the power of trim as an essential element in fully expressing home design.

Defining Every Architectural Style in Every Room

In addition to creating a seamless expression of an individual home’s style, updating interior trim actually increases home value. From base trim to wainscoting to crown mouldings, it’s the tasteful, ornate flourishes of trim and mouldings that depict a Colonial, the bold, simple details that define a Craftsman, and the humble, warm touches that represent a Farmhouse.

Every room in a home has its own voice. Here’s how Westlake Royal Building Products™ 100% cellular PVC interior trim and mouldings fill out the character of six signature home styles.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod interiors exude a cozy warmth and practicality often described as New England charm. Our trim collections vary from subtly geometrical to boldly simple to clean and sophisticated. Areas to consider: transom windows, entry door sidelights, window casings, and dining room picture rails.

Use a Stop, 1×6 Trimboard, 1×4 Trimboard, Stool and Beaded Planking to achieve this look.

Colonial

Colonial home with interior trim

The Colonial home style is defined by a combination of rustic simplicity and rich detail. The symmetry and confident formality of this home style is best expressed by interior trim with a stately presence—everywhere from baseboards up to crown mouldings.

Use a Stop, 1×6 Trimboard, 1×4 Trimboard, Base Cap, Stool, Crown, and Beaded Planking to achieve this look.

Craftsman

Craftsman interior with interior trim

Noted for its honest, handcrafted look, every Craftsman-matching embellishment has a purpose and varies by small degrees of formality. It’s marked by simple, tailored door casings and minimally ornamented window casings.

Use a Craftsman Casing (11/16”x2-¼”), Craftsman Casing (11/16”x5-¼”), Craftsman Casing (11/16”x3-¼”), Craftsman Stool, Square, and Craftsman Base to achieve this look.

Eclectic

Ecelctic interior with interior trim

Eclectic homes take their design cues from a little of each architectural style. Interior trim that fits with this style does the same, adding a layer of ornamentation while retaining a clean formality.

Use a Casing to achieve this look.

Farmhouse

Interior trim that embraces the humble practicality of the Farmhouse home style is represented by cleanly projecting rule lines along the header and side jambs. Flatter rule lines put a contemporary take on this trim style.

Use a Reversible Wainscot Beaded/Nickel Gap, Stop (¾”x1”), 1×2 Trimboard, 1×4 Trimboard, 1×6 Trimboard, Stool, 5/8×6 Trimboard, and a Stop (⅝”x1-½”) to achieve this look.

Modern

Interior trim collections that reflect the Modern home style’s cleanly expansive function and flow range from understated to extroverted. Go the minimalist route and use trim to protect walls and floors from scuff marks and handprints. Amp up a neutral-colored dining room with contrasting and complementary colors. Like light mocha accents over cream-colored walls, for example.

Use a Stop, 1×6 Trimboard, Drip Cap, 1×4 Trimboard, Stool and Reversible Wainscot Beaded/Nickel Gap to achieve this look.

High Style and Low Maintenance

Westlake Royal Building Products Trim and Mouldings come in enough variations to accentuate any home style. And because they’re made from PVC, they’re built to last with minimal maintenance. The trim is ready to cut and install, is dent- and scratch-resistant, and won’t crack, split, or warp.

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8 Quick Tips to Work Efficiently

As labor challenges abound and schedules remain tight, trimming inefficiencies out of your installation processes can add up to critical time and money savings. Every contractor has their tricks for eliminating wasted steps without sacrificing a quality install. Here are a few best practices to work efficiently.

1. When installing vinyl siding, be sure to leverage available accessories that can reduce detail work while ensuring a finished look. These include:
• Dual undersill trim: This is used the same way as standard finish trim, such as under windows or at the top of the wall, but because it has two slots instead of one, there’s no guesswork as to whether you need to bump out the finish trim to keep the siding angles correct.

• Board and Batten Trim: Use this to separate the courses of vertical siding since the profiles can’t overlap at the seam. The Board and Batten Trim has built-in flashing, making installation easy as well as functional.

• Shake Finish Trim: Designed for Westlake Royal Building Products’ Portsmouth Shake Panel, Shake Finish Trim secures ripped panels under windows and doors or at the top of a wall. Use a snap-lock tool to create snap lugs about every 6” to 8”, then snap the panel into the Shake Finish Trim and lock the snap lugs into place securely.

2. If you have a damaged vinyl corner, you can replace it without removing any siding. Cut and remove the existing face, leaving the channels. Cut and remove the face of the new corner, leaving the return. Then snap the new corner over the channel of the old.

3. When installing CraneBoard® Solid Core Siding® insulated vinyl siding, keep the ends of the foam no more than ¼” from each other to retain the insulation value, while giving the panels enough room to expand and contract. Pull and use your measurements from the foam instead of the panel. Both the panel and the foam will be the correct length.

4. For deck stairs, Fulton Fine Woodworks created a wooden jig that fits between the deck boards and shows precisely where to pre-drill for screw placement, eliminating the need to measure. See it here.

5. Need to find center but working with an uneven number? Simple rotate your tape measure, like so: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfnFg3lJAHT/

6. Tim Uhler, lead carpenter at Pioneer Builders, often creates makeshift tools that can do tasks more quickly while reducing user strain and fatigue. For example, instead of bending to cut sheathing while framing walls on the ground, he mounted a floor scraper to a router with spiral bit: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcuBh83gBzS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

7. To lift heavy beams into place, Uhler made a beam wrench out of plywood: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZIt_NnKiU3/

8. When painting trim, Robert Cripps Construction sprays aerosol hairspray on the painters tape, helping to prevent bleed-through.

Want more pro tips to work efficiently? Check out our compilation on Instagram. Have a tip that can help others in the trades? Post it to Instagram and tag us at @WestlakeRoyalPros.

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Tips and Trends for Choosing Exterior Colors

Royal Siding and Atlas Stone on farmhouse

Whether styled in classic colors that never fade from favor or featuring trendy pops of color, the exterior façade sets the tone—and critical first impression—for the home. With tastes changing at a near-constant rate, what’s the best way to choose exterior color combinations that meet today’s needs without feeling dated quickly? We checked in with Kate Smith, color expert and president of Sensational Color, to get the latest tips and tricks for exteriors.

What Colors Are on Trend?

As often happens with exterior trends, some familiar looks remain popular amid a few emerging options.

“We’re seeing so much interest in very dark paints, which is surprising,” Smith says, including black, deep gray, olive green, and blue gray, as well as colors with dark undertones, such as green-black.

Smith says that classic grays and other timeless neutrals continue to trend, along with bright white or off-white for the popular Modern Farmhouse look.

Material colors are coming into play, as well, she notes, with stained wood accents, such as beams, appearing on homes where they may not have in the past. Metal is popping up in similar ways, from steel beams to glass-and-metal contemporary-style garage doors.

And, of course, mixing materials, textures, and colors continues to be popular, offering homeowners the opportunity to differentiate their façade and add an extra touch of personality.

Best Practices for Combining Exterior Colors

Indeed, multi-color and -texture facades are a key trend right now, but pulling it off well isn’t always easy. Smith recommends starting with the fixed elements—the roof and any brick or stone materials—and ensuring they work together.

“When those harmonize, it’s harder to go wrong with siding and trim,” she says.

From there, select exterior colors that work well alongside them. For example, if the stone façade has a lot of grays or browns, choosing a paint or pre-finished siding color that coordinates will ensure a more cohesive look.

When considering neutrals, keep in mind that not all beiges and grays are the same. They likely have undertones, such as brown or even purple, that alter their look. When in doubt, look at the grout, which can clue you in to a coordinating neutral hue.

“Your house is telling you what color to paint it, you just have to listen,” Smith says.

Another thing to keep in mind is the role of light in the appearance of the home exterior. Color in the paint store will likely look very different—from washed out to more vibrant—in daylight. When narrowing down color selections, advise your customers to take samples to the project site to see how the colors look in the environment in which they will be used.

Avoiding Common Mistakes With Exterior Colors

Smith is quick to note that “there are no bad colors, just some unfortunate combinations.”

Here are a few ways to avoid an exterior façade that stands out for the wrong reasons:

• Don’t go too vibrant: Jewel tones and other vibrant colors are beautiful, but can be overwhelming in large amounts on the home’s exterior. Choose a toned-down or grayed-out version of the hue to avoid an over-the-top, dated look.

• Don’t go too bold: Similarly, a full façade of purple or chartreuse may stand out too much and even affect resale value. The entry door, shutters, and other accents are great spots for those bolder hues and personalized style expressions, adding that pop of color without feeling overwhelming.

• Don’t aim for the perfect match: It might be tempting to precisely match the siding color to the brick, stone, or roof. But it’s nearly impossible to do and can create an off-putting look. Even if perfectly matched, materials weather differently over time and likely won’t look the same for long. If similar colors are desired, go for a lighter or darker shade to create a blended look instead.


When in doubt, consider timeless combinations. These might include white siding with black trim and a red door or gray walls with a black slate roof. Neutral hues are always a safe bet, as well. “A great gray or a great beige will never go out of style,” Smith says. She notes that neutrals are particularly helpful for multi-textured facades, acting as a bridge between materials and helping draw attention to visual focal points like a stone bump-out or dramatic copper gutters. “If color blends well, it becomes the backdrop.”

Also, be sure to leverage Westlake Royal Building Products’ color tools, including:

• Royal® Vinyl Siding Color Combinations guide

• Exterior Portfolio® Color Combinations guide

• Celect® Cellular Composite Siding Color Combinations guide

•  Virtual Remodeler, HomePlay, and Dream Designer online visualizers that allow you to preview different product and color combinations on an image of the home or a similar home.

To learn more strategies for choosing exterior colors, download Smith’s e-book.

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Inspiration Gallery: Crafting Custom Exterior Trim

One of the many benefits of working with Kleer cellular PVC trim, Royal cellular PVC trim & mouldings, and TruExterior poly-ash trim is that they not only offer lower maintenance and fewer hassles than wood, but also provide authentic looks and similar workability. Depending on the look of your exterior project or outdoor space, the materials can be milled and routed to meet authentic, architecturally correct custom exterior trim.

Here’s a look at some of the ways builders and remodelers have used Kleer, Royal, and TruExterior trim to deliver unique looks alongside long-term performance.

Intricate Details

When it comes to Kleer, Royal, and TruExterior, the limits of workability for custom exterior trim are bound solely by one’s imagination. Nearly any look can be achieved, all with the peace of mind of long-term durability and low maintenance.

For example, TruExterior trim can be fabricated into an array of profiles typical of wood, from crown molding and gingerbread to columns and balusters to custom siding profiles.

DURATION Moulding & Millwork uses TruExterior to craft an array of standard trim profiles, including base cap, casing, quarter round, panel mould, and cove.

Cove moulding crafted from TruExterior by DURATION Moulding & Millwork.

The company also custom-engineers solutions for any need using TruExterior, including balustrades, columns and wraps, arches, and pre-assembled window surrounds.

A pre-assembled window surround made with TruExterior by DURATION Moulding & Millwork.

 

DURATION Moulding & Millwork used TruExterior to recreate Gothic columns, pilasters, decorative scroll work, crown, custom fascia, and dentil fascia, for an 1870s remodel. (See more about this project here.)

Royal Sheet Board is made for specialty projects, cutting cleanly for applications ranging from simple and modern to elegant and ornate.

Fabricators used Royal Sheet Board to craft the unique detailing on this church.

Kleer trim is often used to make pergolas, corners, fascia, soffits, rakes, casings, cornices, and all kinds of other applications.

Kleer trimboard also can be used to create curves and arches using heat-bending techniques.

TruExterior’s workability was ideally suited for a Queen Anne-style home by Architect David Williams McKee in the historic resort community of Chautauqua, N.Y. Using TruExterior for the detail work, including turned porch posts, decorative millwork, brackets, balusters, and gingerbread trim, ensured both an accurate look and high performance.

Cozy Accessories

Both Kleer and TruExterior make it easy to add fun to backyard settings, with easy crafting into chairs, planters, and even cornhole boards.

Kleer Lumber, Adirondack chairs
Kleer Lumber was used to craft these Adirondack chairs.
Balcony planters, brackets, and trim make with Kleer Trim.

TruExterior can be painted any color, including dark hues, and also can be stained. This rustic planter box was made with trim scraps and a custom finish to create the look of old barn wood.

Learn more about the extensive range of trim options from Kleer, Royal, and TruExterior here.

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3 Tips for Painting Exterior Trim

TruExterior poly-ash siding and trim

The exterior of any home is its first impression, introducing its unique style to any potential buyer or visitor. Peeling, faded, or streaked paint on the trim may evoke feelings of poor quality and can lower the curb appeal. Breathing new life into exterior trim with paint—and ensuring its fresh look lasts—is easy to do if you follow a few simple strategies.  

Whether you’re installing new trim or rehabbing the trim of an existing home, consider these tips for an enduring appearance.

1. Prep the Exterior Trim for Painting

Before you grab a brush and start painting, there’s some essential prep work to do first. Start by taking a close look at all the exterior trim you’re going to paint. Make note of and fix any imperfections and problem areas. For example, if there are spots where old paint is peeling, scrape it off before putting on a fresh coat.

Next, pressure wash the areas you’re going to paint to remove dirt and debris. Be careful not to use too much pressure; if you notice damage to the surface, pull the nozzle farther back. Be sure to power wash every area you expect to paint, even if there’s no visible debris.

For the last stage of prep, fill any holes or gouges in the exterior trim with caulk (make sure the caulk is suitable for exterior applications and for the specific trim material). After you fill the holes, wait for the caulk to dry, and then sand off any excess until it is flush with the rest of the trim.

2. Choose the Right Paint for the Job

Once the trim is prepped, make sure you use a paint that is compatible with the trim material. For example, with Westlake Royal’s Kleer PVC Trim, use an acrylic latex paint for the best results; TruExterior poly-ash siding can be painted with any high-grade exterior paint per the paint manufacturer’s instructions.

Once you’ve figured out what type of paint is needed, the next step is choosing the right color. Selecting a paint color comes down to a number of factors, including the home’s style, current trends, and homeowner preferences. Check out our previous blog post for advice on making confident color choices.

Keep in mind that not all materials are suitable for all colors. For example, vinyl or PVC products painted in dark hues may absorb more heat, causing them to expand and contract. Using urethane construction adhesive along with mechanical fastening may help minimize this for Kleer trimboards. Conversely, TruExterior poly-ash trim, which has a higher level of dimensional stability, can be painted dark hues, even black.

3. Use Proper Exterior Trim Painting Technique

Whenever you dip your brush into the paint, be sure to fully immerse the bristles. This makes the project more efficient and spreads the paint out more evenly. When it’s time to reapply paint to the brush, avoid wiping it along the rim of the can. Instead, tap the brush on the inside of the paint can to lessen the risk of paint drips for a more polished look.

For the best appearance, apply the paint in long single strokes. It’s also a good idea to have a variety of brush sizes ready in case you encounter narrower surfaces or tight spots.

Finally, you’ll want to apply multiple coats to the exterior trim. Wait until the first coat is completely dry, then lightly sand it and begin a second coat.

Have questions about painting Kleer trim or TruExterior trim? Our customer service team is ready to help. Reach them here or by calling 800.521.8486.

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Trends in Multifamily Exteriors

Whether they own or rent, people want to be proud of where they live and feel good coming home. And whether it’s a custom single-family bungalow or a condo in a three-story multifamily building, first impressions are everything and comfort is paramount. Multifamily dwellers don’t want to sacrifice simply because they share walls and common areas—and savvy developers and builders are responding by paying closer attention to exterior facades and outdoor amenities.

Multi-Textured Facades

Many trends trickle over from single-family design, and that’s certainly the case with the drive toward multi-textured facades. The days of building a 120-unit monotone apartment building with plain block under gray vinyl are fading fast. Like single-family homes, more multifamily properties are emerging with a blend of cladding materials and colors, such as stone and siding, EIFS and stone, or stone and brick. Leveraging multiple textures adds visual interest while adding dimension and differentiation between buildings, while accents and trimwork provide essential finishing touches. The resulting looks lean more home-like and comfortable instead of industrial and one-note.

Three-story multifamily

Versetta Stone and TruExterior Siding offer an ideal combination for achieving these looks. Versetta Stone siding offers the look of stone but with a panelized format that installs like traditional siding along with a built-in rainscreen. Made with poly-ash technology, TruExterior Siding comes in a range of authentic profiles and can be painted any color, including dark hues that look great in multifamily buildings in urban or suburban areas.

Versetta Stone on multifamily building

Along similar lines, we’re seeing variation in dimension, with more balconies, decks, recesses, and bumpouts. Along with adding aesthetic appeal and differentiation, these features can help define individual units.

Because multiple materials also often means multiple trades, it increases the risk of failure in the wall system. Extra caution should be taken to ensure everyone works together and plans ahead collaboratively and schedules thoughtfully to ensure the integrity of the air and water barriers.

In fact, it’s wise to create a small-scale mockup, which will allow for more careful planning and upfront identification of problem areas.

Three-story contemporary multifamily building

Outdoor Amenities

COVID-19 lockdowns were harder on multifamily dwellers, who don’t have spacious yards to escape to, and further brought attention to the need to incorporate outdoor features into condo and apartment buildings. Creative incorporation through balconies, roof decks, courtyards, and pocket parks should be top of mind for builders, as the desire for these spaces isn’t likely to fade even as the pandemic does. Shared outdoor areas with fire pits and lounge seating are an ideal way to not only provide more room to move, but also build a sense of community that may keep tenants in place for longer.

The pandemic also saw a significant increase in pet ownership, so incorporating dog parks or dog-friendly areas also can be beneficial to residents and property managers alike.

On the transportation front, the impact of both electric bikes and electric cars shouldn’t be ignored. Consider not just space for bicycle parking, but covered areas that can protect electric bikes. And factor in spaces in your parking facilities that can accommodate car charging.

Fannie Mae expects the trends that helped multifamily turn around in 2021, following the impact of the pandemic, to continue elevating demand for the next five years. Ensure your properties are at the top of buyers’ and renters’ lists by keeping aesthetics, performance, and occupant comfort top of mind.

Creating multi-textured facades is easy with Boral Building Products’ portfolio of siding, trim, and accessory brands. Learn more here.

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Create Board-and-Batten Siding Looks With TruExterior Trim

Board-and-batten siding, TruExterior Siding, exterior trends, poly-ash siding

Whether a Modern Farmhouse design or creating accents on a gable, board-and-batten is one of the hottest trends in home exterior design. And it’s easy to create the board-and-batten look using just TruExterior Trim. Not only does TruExterior’s poly-ash formula deliver the ideal combination of authentic looks and high performance, TruExterior installs with ease and can be painted any color.

Here’s how to create the coveted board-and-batten look using TruExterior Trim:

• Due to the vertical installation, be sure to use a drainable housewrap between the siding and the wood sheathing to ensure moisture has a pathway to escape the wall cavity.

• Choose 1X, 5/8”, or 5/4” trim thickness. Which one is simply a preference for the homeowner and installer

• For a traditional board-and-batten look, use 1×12 trimboard as the board and 1×3 trimboard as the batten.

• Find center on the wall and plan your layout to determine if it’s best to start with a batten or a board at that center point; you want to avoid having only a sliver of board when you reach the outer edges.

• Once you’ve chosen center board or center batten, start by installing a board first. If it’s a center board, mark the center of the wall, line up the board, and put it in place using 6D or 8D stainless steel or hot-dipped ring shank nails every 16” (and no less than 3/4” from the board edge) directly into the plywood or OSB.

• Install boards, moving away from center, leaving 3/4” of space between each board.

• After several boards are in place, chalk a single line 7/8” from the edge of the board left or right, which will designate the edge for the batten. This results in a 9-1/2” reveal between each batten.

• Apply a bead of caulk along each side of the batten or under each side of the batten.

• Install the battens using 6D or 8D stainless steel or hot-dipped nails every 16”.

• Repeat the process, moving outward from center.

Keep in mind that paying attention to your layout, and planning it out ahead of time, is important, particularly for small areas like gables. You want the surface to be as symmetrical as possible; if you have uneven board reveals on either side, it will be very noticeable, particularly on smaller surface areas.

TruExterior poly-ash trim board and batten

Learn more about TruExterior Trim and how to create custom looks here.

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TruExterior Trim Offers an Ideal Alternative to Fiber Cement

TruExterior trim is an ideal alternative to fiber cement trim

The supply challenges that continue to impact certain building materials dealt another blow to architects and building pros in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain region with the recent announcement that a major fiber cement manufacturer will no longer be selling trim there. But those drawn to the performance and appearance of fiber cement need not worry—TruExterior Trim from Boral Building Products is readily available, offers a similar aesthetic, and provides a number of performance improvements over fiber cement trim.

Making the switch to TruExterior Trim is easy and can ensure your exterior projects don’t experience delays or require significant design changes.

Moisture Resistance

TruExterior trim is made with poly-ash, a proprietary blend of fly ash and polymers. The resulting material offers high resistance to moisture absorption, a tremendous benefit in the notoriously damp Pacific Northwest region. These same attributes allow TruExterior to be used in contact with the ground and masonry, something fiber cement cannot do, and there’s no need to prime end cuts in the field.

Like fiber cement trim, TruExterior is resistant to rot and termites.

Authentic Looks

Architects can make the switch from fiber cement trim to TruExterior without changing their design goals. The poly-ash material offers the look of wood, with options for a smooth or wood-grain surface. Minimal material movement allows for tighter gaps for a more seamless appearance.

With a high level of dimensional stability, TruExterior Trim can be painted any color, including dark hues such as black, popular for trim, or the blues and grays common in the Northwest. Paint lasts longer than it does on wood because TruExterior cycles virtually no moisture.

Superior Workability

TruExterior requires no custom tools for cutting, and the poly-ash trim can be milled similarly to wood to achieve nearly any look or custom design. (See the trim at work at DURATION MOULDING & MILLWORK.) But unlike wood, installers can fasten TruExterior close to the edge, do not have to worry about mushrooming, and do not need to pre-drill.

“Fiber cement is well-known to many specifiers and installers; however, once they work with TruExterior, they soon realize how easy it is to work with and the benefits of utilizing standard woodworking tools,” says Ben Drury, Brand Manager for Boral Building Products. “Not having to worry about moisture absorption in the boards is also a key component.  You can place this product right at grade or on top of existing masonry and not experience any wicking or degradation of the board over time.”

Whether you’re in the Pacific Northwest or anywhere else in the country, get to know TruExterior Trim on our website and by finding a dealer near you.

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Poly-Ash and PVC Trim Provide a Ready Alternative to Lumber

Kleer trim on a custom coastal home

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the building industry with a number of challenges, from initial closures to the cost of safety protocols. But as those issues have been addressed, one challenge continues on strong: price increases, particularly lumber costs.

The NAHB reports that lumber prices have risen a whopping 180% since last spring, resulting in an increase in the average single-family home price by more than $24,000.

“According to Random Lengths, the price of lumber hit a record high this week and is up more than 170% over the past 10 months,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke in a Feb. 12, 2021, statement. “NAHB is urging President Biden and Congress to help mitigate this growing threat to housing and the economy by urging domestic lumber producers to ramp up production to ease growing shortages and to make it a priority to end tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. that are exacerbating unprecedented price volatility in the lumber market.”

Luckily, for trim applications, builders and remodelers have several manmade alternatives that offer the authentic look of wood.

TruExterior Trim, for example, is made with a proprietary blend of polymers and fly ash. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal energy production, so it’s sourced near the manufacturing facility. And unlike wood, TruExterior Trim provides a high level of dimensional stability along with durability for resistance to warping, cracking, and splitting. It can be used in ground-contact applications.

Despite these distinct differences, TruExterior Trim offers the workability of wood, so it can be routed and milled into endless styles of decorative molding and trim.

TruExterior poly-ash trim at a custom home in the Chautauqua Institution artist community
Seen here on a custom home at the Chautauqua Institution, TruExterior poly-ash trim can be milled and routed just like wood.

Another wood-look alternative is Kleer Lumber trim (pictured above), made with expanded cellular PVC. Kleer trimboards resist moisture, insects, splintering, rotting, delamination, and swelling. Kleer trim can be installed in contact with the ground. Like TruExterior, it’s made in the USA in Westfield, Mass.

In addition to trim, TruExterior and Kleer can replace lumber for other non-structural applications such as flower boxes and pergolas.  

Cellular PVC trim in a flower box application
Kleer cellular PVC trim can be used in ground-contact applications on or off the house.

Ready to be inspired? Check out our Instagram page for projects and applications.

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LBM Journal: 5 Trim Trends Building Material Dealers Should Know

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched many areas of the building industry, and the trim and moulding category is no exception. As a product that lends itself to quick yet dramatic facelifts, trim was an easy upgrade option for DIYers and pros alike as the pandemic shifted from closures and uncertainty last spring to a surge in demand for home improvement products and services.

What has this all meant for dealers? In its annual In Depth look at the trim category, LBM Journal explored the latest trends and what dealers can do to keep adapting in uncertain times.

Here are a few of their findings:

Trim Products Are Thriving Through the Pandemic

While the industry initially shut down in many areas, home improvement projects quickly ramped up as homeowners sought to complete long-neglected projects and spruce up their interiors and exteriors. Manufacturers told LBM Journal that the trim category is likely to continue to grow significantly in the next 12 months, a prediction backed up by the “2020-2025 Global Molding and Trim Market Report.” In addition, “according to a recent Bank of America poll about homeowners’ attitudes and shopping habits during coronavirus, more than 70% of those polled indicated they have decided to tackle home improvement projects, with more planned for 2021,” the magazine reported.

“As stay-at-home recommendations stretch through the winter, we expect the surge in demand to remain as homeowners continue to seek to make their homes their sanctuary and buyers scoop up new and existing homes that meet their changing lifestyle needs,” Boral Building Products Brand Manager Ben Drury told the magazine. “But lead times should continue to improve as manufacturers catch up, and supply challenges should ease.”

Bold Colors

The trend toward dark trim colors remains strong. In addition, “there’s still a strong desire for multi-textured facades as well as contrasting siding and trim colors,” Drury said. “Both our [poly-ash] TruExterior Trim and [cellular PVC] Kleer Lumber trimboards are a perfect fit for those color combinations. TruExterior Trim’s poly-ash technology allows it to be painted any color, including black, so it’s perfect for the white-siding-with-dark trim trend.”

Bold colors are popping up on the interior, as well, manufacturers said.

Clean Styles

The desire for Modern Farmhouse looks continues unabated in many areas of the country, leading to trim profiles that are more simple and clean in style, the article states.

Ease of Installation

The trend toward sprucing up homes in the pandemic has driven more LBM dealers to push installation-friendly options. LBM Journal cited consumer studies from The Farnsworth Group and the Home Improvement Research Institute reporting that 80% of homeowners had started a DIY home project by June of last year. Along with the simple fact that homeowners were stuck quarantining, they also are getting a confidence boost from online resources such as YouTube and Pinterest. Savvy dealers, even those that typically cater only to pros, have recognized this surging customer opportunity and have responded with increased support and product guidance.

Back to Basics

As we proceed through this year with a bit of caution, some manufacturers recommend that dealers stick to basic strategies, including taking advantage of educational resources for increasing foot traffic and visibility, diversifying your product lines to include alternative trim materials, and maintaining your knowledge base. “The best thing dealers can do for their customers is to be truly knowledgeable about the products they sell—and even those they don’t sell,” Drury told the magazine. “This will help ensure they can recommend to contractors the right solution to each project, making them even more valuable to those customers.”

And this includes taking advantage of ever-growing opportunities for virtual training sessions. To arrange for product knowledge and installation virtual training for Boral Building Products brands, including TruExterior and Kleer as well as siding brands like Versetta Stone and Foundry, contact us here.

All told, LBM Journal paints a positive picture for the year ahead: “When taken together, all of these changes and challenges point to an optimistic year for the moulding and trim industry,” they concluded. “Yes, LBM dealers will need to remain agile so that they can quickly adapt how they do business in response to any continued (or even new) restrictions from the continuing health crisis. But by staying atop training and education and by being prepared to meet the anticipated increasing demand for trim products by both pro and DIY customers, dealers will position themselves to reap the greatest gains.”

To read more trim trends and insights into today’s trim market, view the LBM Journal article in its entirety here.

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Exterior and Interior Touches Create a Sense of Home for Michigan Foster Children

Boral Building Products, Kleer Lumber, Foundry siding

If not for the parking lot out front and its multiple front doors, it would be hard to tell that the Chippewa County Family Project Teen Foster Home is anything more than a traditional residence. And that’s just the idea.

From inside to out, the 5,500-square-foot house in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is designed to be welcoming for children in the foster care system, just like a permanent home would be. 

“The committee wanted the kids to feel like they have a home, that they’re not just being placed in another facility,” notes Dan Arbic, owner of Arbic Construction in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

foster home, Chippewa County, Foundry siding, Kleer Lumber

Inside, the house is divided into two sides, one for boys and one for girls. Each side has six bedrooms and three bathrooms, a kitchen, and common areas. In the center are offices and a living space for the house parent. 

Arbic also owns a cabinet company, and he put those skills to work creating custom cabinetry and an upgraded hardwood trim package that ensured a cozy warmth to further the home-like feel. In developing the interior, the committee sought the input of local high school students, ensuring that not just adult perspectives were considered. 

On the building’s exterior, the mission continued with an elevation, lines, and styling similar to traditional homes. The façade features all of the current trends, including a soft gray and blue color palette with robust white accents, and a varied façade. Horizontal siding on the lower walls combines with vertical siding on the second level, highlighted by eye-catching blue accent walls and gables clad in Foundry shakes. 

Kleer trim, PVC trim, column wraps

Tapered columns wrapped in bright white Kleer PVC trim and warm stone flank the trio of entrances. The bright white trim is featured throughout the façade, including around the windows. 

Foundry Siding was chosen in part for its ease of installation during the winter construction window; the material stays pliable, even in colder temperatures, ensuring fast installation. 

The contractor also was able to perfectly coordinate the color with the rest of the exterior siding. 

The winter installation also typically doesn’t bode well for keeping trim in pristine condition, but because Kleer trimboards feature TruEDGE technology, they resist dirt and are easy to clean. Plus, Kleer trimboards are wrapped in small-quantity KleerPaks to ensure they stay looking like new from the lumberyard to the jobsite to the walls.

“Foundry was easy to install, and it locked in a lot better,” Arbic says. “And Kleer, in its packaging, we received it without defects or scratches.”

Foundry siding, Kleer Lumber, siding

This was Arbic’s first time using Foundry and Kleer, and based on experiences with other products, he had expected to have to replace some of the siding and trim due to expansion as the colder temperatures and clouds gave way to warmer sun. Instead, “We didn’t have to replace a stitch of trim,” he recalls. “Same thing with the siding—we had zero problems. It went up easy, even though it was no more than 25 degrees when we installed it. Nothing broke, nothing chipped.”

For Arbic, the ease of installation and the discovery of a new go-to exterior material was merely a bonus on top of a fulfilling project that involved so many within the community as they came together to support the needs of local teens.

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5 Trim Tips & Tricks From Carpenter Mike Sloggatt

TruExterior Trim

If you’ve been to the Builders’ Show, the Remodeling Show, or JLC Live, you’ve likely crossed paths with longtime carpenter Mike Sloggatt. Armed with a headset and a career’s worth of knowledge, Sloggatt, owner of Mike Sloggatt Home Improvement, delivers compelling presentations on siding and trim installation focused on ensuring quality exteriors that stand the test of time.

Among the materials Sloggatt installs during workshops is Boral TruExterior Siding & Trim. “TruExterior is virtually indestructible in terms of water, insects, and holding paint,” Sloggatt says. “But don’t get lazy—install it properly, and it will treat you really well.”

Along with the installation techniques provided by Boral, here are a few of Sloggatt’s best practices and quick tips for installing TruExterior Trim to ensure a quality—and efficient—installation:

  • Stay organized: Thoughtful setup of materials ahead of time can save you steps over the course of the day. Sloggatt, for example, sets up his cutting station and always works from the same direction—pulling a piece off the stack to the left, cutting, and stacking to the right for installation. To help keep the cutting space clean, he puts a canopy over the saw with a garbage bag behind it for easy disposal of scraps, and he keeps a small battery-powered leaf blower nearby to blow away dust and keep his tooling clean so it will last longer.
Mike Sloggatt
Mike Sloggatt gives a TruExterior Siding & Trim demo at the International Builders’ Show.
  • Use the right tooling: TruExterior offers the workability of wood, which allows it to be routed and shaped into a range of decorative profiles. It does, however, require carbide blades and bits, and it can be difficult to cut wood once those blades and bits have been used for the poly-ash material. Sloggatt designates bits and blades specifically for TruExterior, marking them with blue spray paint. This ensures the tooling will last longer and eliminates any frustration that may result from trying to cut other materials after TruExterior.
  • Understand your materials and think of the system: When Sloggatt first started building 40 years ago, resilient old-growth timber was common for framing—and much more forgiving. Today’s wood materials need to be better protected from moisture and managed as a system. How well the window is trimmed, flashed, and integrated with the weather-resistive barrier can impact the integrity of the wood framing underneath as well as the trim above.
  • Store properly: TruExterior offers superior dimensional stability compared to most materials, but every product is prone to some movement if exposed to the right conditions. As with any trim material, keep TruExterior off the ground and covered during storage so that it won’t risk being installed wet. Once installed, TruExterior can be in contact with the ground with no concerns about excess moisture absorption.
  • Avoid flashed nail holes: One challenge every installer has likely faced is driving a fastener into painted trim and filling the hole, only to leave a noticeable flash behind. To avoid this, Sloggatt puts a small bit of blue painter’s tape over the spot before driving the fastener, then fills the hole with the tape still in place. This ensures the hole is filled but not the surrounding material, eliminating the glare of a flashed hole.

Want to learn more about TuExterior installation? Download the installation guide here.

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How to Achieve Low-Maintenance Garage Bucks

garage bucks, TruExterior trim

Garage bucks, the trim along which the garage door runs, are essential to proper garage door installation. With a thermal stop over the top with a rubber flange, the buck helps form the door’s seal. It’s also one of the most moisture-prone areas of the exterior and therefore requires special attention to materials and installation.

When installing the garage buck, it’s ideal for the trim to be flush with the ground to help minimize air intrusion and bugs. However, many trim materials, such as engineered wood, fiber cement, or wood, cannot be used in ground-contact applications due to moisture absorption.

This is evident in the replacement project pictured here. The original garage bucks were painted pine, which proved problematic. As shown in the image below, the bottom of the trim is nearly rotted away due to the wood wicking moisture from the ground. The homeowner also had to paint the trim each year, as moisture and movement caused the paint to flake off. In addition, the wood was more vulnerable to insects.

garage bucks, trim
Before

To remedy the issue, the installer removed the pine trim and added TruExterior 1×6 trimboards in its place. In an area this prone to moisture, TruExterior offers a reliable solution: It can be installed in contact with the ground, it is dimensionally stable, and it won’t crack, warp, or split. Made with a proprietary blend of polymers and fly ash, TruExterior Trim is also low maintenance and can be painted any color, including dark hues, while offering the authentic look of wood.

Garage bucks, trim, poly-ash trim
After

If you haven’t yet tried TruExterior—this is the spot to give it a go. The quick replacement project for remodeling pros or DIYers will yield a cleaner look while dramatically reducing the home’s maintenance needs year after year.

For more information, visit the TruExterior trim page.

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LBM Journal: Trim Buyers Crave Authenticity, Simplicity, and Durability

Much like other areas of the home exterior, consumers and contractors are looking for trim products that deliver authentic looks to boost curb appeal while ensuring low maintenance and durability, according to LBM Journal’s recent In Depth trim feature. “Homeowners are craving authenticity, and they also want their homes to be unique,” Boral Building Products’ Brand Manager Ben Drury told the magazine.

Here’s an overview of trends and observations from LBM Journal’s annual report:

  • Simple styles: Ornamentation is out, clean lines are in, driven in part by the continued love of Craftsman and Modern Farmhouse styles.
  • Dark colors: Homeowners remain drawn to dark colors, particularly dark blues and grays. Often, these hues are in contrast to white siding or the other way around. TruExterior answers this call, with the ability to be painted any color.
  • Durability is central: “Poor quality of wood, increasing material costs, lack of skilled labor, extreme weather events, and growth of consumer knowledge … are all having an impact on the direction of product development,” LBM Journal reports. “But perhaps the greatest driving factor is product durability.”
  • Labor shortages playing a role: Strains on labor are driving contractor demand for cellular PVC products, like Kleer Lumber, because they’re easy to install while still delivering the look homeowners desire.
  • Education is key: For dealer salespeople, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of products in order to be a resource to customers and to help them solve exterior challenges. “Know more about your products than your customers do—and even about the products you don’t sell,” Drury advised. Good displays also are important, including vignettes showing how products and materials go together across the façade, particularly as demand for multiple textures remains strong.

To read more trends and insights into today’s trim market, view the LBM Journal article in its entirety here.

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Video: Kleer Trimboards vs. Dirt Intrusion

Do your trimboards stand up to dirt?

PVC trim is a low-maintenance alternative to wood. But not all PVC trim is created equal. Over time, some PVC trim products will collect dirt in the edges, leading to a grimy, gray, aged look that can dull the exterior façade.

Kleer Lumber is different. Kleer trimboards feature TruEDGE technology—smoother edges that help the boards resist dirt and, when they do get dirty, make them easier to clean. The result is brilliant white trim that looks great for the long haul.

But don’t take our word for it. Check out this video, in which we put Kleer trim and two other PVC trim brands through a dirt intrusion test to see how they stack up:

As you can see, dirt doesn’t permanently embed itself into the edges of Kleer trimboards, ensuring easier cleaning and a more beautiful finish compared to other PVC trim options.

Kleer Lumber trimboards versus trim competitors

Kleer trimboards also contain UV inhibitors to prevent yellowing, so no painting is required to maintain the original white appearance. Not interested in white? Kleer trim can be painted easily with 100% acrylic latex paint.

To further ensure Kleer trimboards maintain their pristine appearance, they’re wrapped and shipped in KleerPaks. With KleerPaks, dealers can sell smaller quantities without leaving the remaining stock exposed in the lumberyard or warehouse, and builders and remodelers can use the boards they need on the jobsite without worrying about the rest of their product getting scuffed, dinged, or dirty.

Kleer trimboards come in eight widths and in lengths up to 20 feet. And while it offers the look of wood, Kleer trim is resistant to splitting, warping, and checking; it’s straight with no need for culling the pile; and it resists extreme weather conditions.

Ready to be inspired? Visit our Image Gallery or Request a Sample.

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5 Best Practices for Going Bold With Exterior Color

Kleer trim

When used well, bold colors can add a tasteful pop of life to a home’s exterior. When used poorly, you can end up attracting negative attention.

Here are five tips from Trisha Wagner, senior product manager and an authority on color at Boral Building Products, to ensure your use of bold is gorgeous, not gaudy.

1. The best place for bold color is in a home’s decorative details
While it always depends on the house, bold colors are generally best used in a home’s accents, such as the shutters and front door. It’s one of the fastest ways to have a large impact and can completely transform a home’s look and feel. Even better, these details are often the easiest—and most affordable—to change later with either a fresh coat of paint or replacement.

2. Remember to coordinate
One of the first things to consider when picking bold accents is the home’s siding color. You want to select accent colors, such as on the trim, shutters, and front door, that work well with the siding, so consult the color wheel for reference. As explained on Color Matters, “color harmony” can be achieved by choosing analogous colors (three colors side by side on the wheel) or complementary colors (directly opposite each other on the wheel). This can be especially helpful in moving beyond traditional colors. For example, instead of the typical pale yellow, try a deep maize yellow paired with red, coral, or cobalt accents.

3. Pay attention to the entire home exterior
The front of the home isn’t the only area people see. Don’t forget to decorate the back and sides of a house, particularly since outdoor living is more important to buyers than ever before. A bare side or rear home exterior looks and feels unfinished; shutters and accents on these walls will add dimension and complete the look.

4. Find what works for you
If clients are uncertain about incorporating bolder colors, encourage them to experiment with different tones before making their final selection. If a home’s style doesn’t support shutters, consider using just a bold trim color. You can also soften a home’s look by pairing white or cream trim with one or two bold accents. For a less-permanent option,  incorporate bold colors into the landscape design, such as bright-red or -purple flowers and plants, a jewel-toned bird bath, or even a painted fence.

TruuExterior trim bold colors
White can be a bold choice against a neutral cladding.

5. Don’t discount the power of white
In the sea of tans and beiges that dominate today’s exteriors, white becomes a stark contrast that is a bold choice in and of itself. A crisp white trim against a richer-toned cladding is eye-catching and stands out from homes with cream accents.

For more design inspiration, visit www.kleerlumber.com and www.truexterior.com.