To elevate your deck design beyond the basics, try installing boards of either a contrasting or matching color around the deck's perimeter. This technique, known as picture framing, adds a captivating visual element and allows for accent colors. Even if you decide against using a new color, which is a popular choice among deck owners, there are still compelling reasons to consider a picture-framed deck.
By installing border boards through the center of a deck and creating more than one picture frame, you could eliminate the need for end-to-end/butt joints. Another advantage of picture framing a deck is that it allows the border boards to overlap the fascia, which helps keep debris out of the spaces between the fascia boards and wood joists, extending the life of both boards.
Building a deck with a picture frame border is not difficult, but it does require extra construction steps and materials, and additional design and layout work. Here are some factors you should consider:
Joists: Depending on your picture frame deck layout, you will need to order four or more joists, two for each side of the deck (more on this below). And you will need additional fasteners, joist hangers, and flashing tape to accommodate those joists.
Border Boards: Because of the border boards’ orientation to the joists and the other deck boards, and the fact that one edge will be exposed, you will need to choose border boards with a square edge, not grooved. Trex grooved composite decking boards are designed to be used with Trex Hideaway® Clips, but you will need a different type of fastener to secure the square-edge picture frame boards. The two most common options are Trex Hideaway Color Match Composite Deck Screws and Decking Plugs.
If you are in the design stages of your deck build, keep in mind that Trex square-edge deck boards are available in lengths of 16 and 20 ft. And because the border boards hang out past the joists a bit, they will need to be a few inches longer than the total width and length of the deck frame. So, if you want your deck to be approximately 16 ft. long, consider keeping the frame just under 16 ft. That will allow you to save money and reduce waste by not having to use 20-ft. border boards. As with any deck, make sure you discuss your plans with your local building officials and acquire any necessary building permits before you start.
You can choose to install two border boards instead of just one, or you could create a deck layout with a curved border. In addition to the border boards around the perimeter, consider dividing the deck into sections by adding one or more borders through the center of the deck. And when it comes to the infill deck boards (the boards inside the picture frame), you can add variety by running those deck boards at an angle instead of perpendicular to the house. If you decide to go with one of these routes, you will have to carefully consider the blocking strategy laid out below. Discover more options for planning a deck.
Adding an accent color can enhance your deck with a picture frame border. Here are some popular ways to coordinate colors:
Remember, these suggestions are just a starting point; let your imagination guide you.
For more inspiration, check out these curated Trex decking and railing duos.
Good news! If you have the tools, expertise, and confidence to build a standard deck, you have what it takes to build a deck with a picture frame border. You will need a little more knowledge, which you will acquire in this simple how-to guide.
This content was partially or fully generated by AI and has been reviewed by our team to ensure accuracy and relevance.