Facia boards

[mgilley]

I need to replace the facia boards on my house and would like some ideas of a design I could carve in them for something besides the run of the mill. I was thinking of using exteria. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Mike

[Brady Watson]

Expanded PVC, like Sintra, Komatex etc is the way to go. Pretty much maint. free. I believe Depot now sells widths suitable for facia.

-B

[joe]

Michael,

I agree with Brady. Also, there are some neat concrete planks with a nice wood texture. I believe you have several materials to choose from at Lowe's.

Joe

[jhicks]

Marshall One area of caution IF you machine designs/profiles in sintra, Komatex, trim board or like materials. Once you machine the surface, the smooth skin of the sheet will be opened up and over time that comparatively new but rougher surface will tend to take on a dirty look as sunlight degrades it and environmental pollution penetrate and or get embedded in the machined surface, colors will fade and white will fade as well. So select an appropriate primer and/or paint to finish PVC with. On the other outdoor deck materials, I'm not sure how it ages or finishes after being tooled so double check before making a large comitment in material or machine time.
There are plastic trim pre formed as extrusions which have the factory finish including a faux wood grain would no doubt hold up better without paint and no machine time if you can find a stock profile you like. You can also profile in a conventional planer with a custom trim knife much more rapidly than a machining operation.

[mgilley]

Thanks, men. Looks like plastic is the way to go. I really want the trim to outlive me this time.
Thanks,
Mike