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1. Can you paint this stuff ? 2. Is it OK for outdoor use ? 3. Does it hold nails as well as regular wood lumber of the same size ? Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster | ||
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safe & sound |
Yes, Yes, and I've been told yes, except I use screws. May not be true for every product out there, but I have used a fair amount of Versatex PVC trim on my home. It holds paint better than wood because there is no moisture issues within the trim, and it won't rot so it's great for outdoor applications. | |||
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That's good news. Can you use trim sized pieces with the same structural properties of same size wood trim pieces ? In other words, can it be used to attach, for example, ballusters, for use in porch railing ? I'd prefer wood, but I can't find high grade, treated, 1x3 or 1x2 pieces. Plenty of outstanding clear pine in these sizes, but none treated for outdoor use. But if the pvc will hold ballusters with the same holding power, I could use the pvc since I know it won't have issues with rotting. Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster | |||
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Certified All Positions |
The PVC trim out there, is all UV stabilized... now. It didn't used to be. So you don't have to paint it, and shouldn't paint it dark colors. You should use stainless or coated fasteners. You can find "fill sticks" for nail heads, and there are screw brands that have their own plugs. It is NOT structural, always back with sufficient framing for something important. Railings need to resist 200lbs lateral, make sure you're going thru the PVC into something meaty. It expands and contracts like vinyl siding, so you need to allow for that, don't secure two 16' sticks and expect the joint to stay closed. Unless it's in the shade. After that, seasonal temp swings will test it. It won't rot or be attacked by insects, but it won't let water out that gets in. So make sure you've got your flashing details squared away, or at least weepage like masonry. Arc. ______________________________ "Like a bitter weed, I'm a bad seed"- Johnny Cash "I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel." - Pee Wee Herman Rode hard, put away wet. RIP JHM "You're a junkyard dog." - Lupe Flores. RIP | |||
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| safe & sound |
The Versatex rep showed me some structural projects like pergolas, but the material used on those projects was laminated by a third party to create it. All of the trim board that I have is at most 1 inch thick, and if not secured to something will warp and twist. I have used it for fascia, soffit, window/door trim, and bandboard. They do have photos on their website showing railing systems, but I suspect like the pergolas it's not an off the shelf product being used. In this photo it almost looks as if they are using a composite railing of some sort across the top, and I'd have to imagine the bottom rail has something inside of it to stiffen it.  | |||
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I just messaged by Versatex rep, and he got right back to me. He says the parent company of Versatex owns other product lines which have specifically suited railing products: Intex: https://www.intexmillwork.com/...cts/railing-systems/ Azek: https://www.timbertech.com/pro...ng/railing-overview/ I have not used either one of those products, but am a big fan of the Versatex. | |||
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| Certified All Positions |
A lot of the rail products are fiberglass, and for ~8' spans you'll see a lil cripple in the middle of the run. My choice for non-wood railings There is always Ipe. Arc. ______________________________ "Like a bitter weed, I'm a bad seed"- Johnny Cash "I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel." - Pee Wee Herman Rode hard, put away wet. RIP JHM "You're a junkyard dog." - Lupe Flores. RIP | |||
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Thanks very much Arc. I didn't know any of that, and that's important to know for my application. That information isn't readily avail, based on my internet searches for far. It's hard to get that type of information, since the manufacturers and resellers aren't going to discuss those details. Thanks again Arc. Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster | |||
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