How to Picture Frame A Deck | Composite Decking Border

In this video I show you how to make the edge of your deck look nicer by installing a picture frame border with composite decking. How do you think it turned out? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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Videos produced by The Fixer are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and The Fixer cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Check out the entire deck build time-lapse here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZbLgZygmtF2ask Thanks for watching! and don't forget to Subscribe to my channel! bit.ly/SubscribeToTheFixer

[@blueridgehauling]

How did the expanding and contracting work out on the flush mitre corners of the decking?

[@TheeStumblebee]

+1 how did the expanding and contracting work over the last few months? Any substantial gaps?

[@adamtee9204]

How did the expanding and contracting work out on the flush mitre corners of the decking?

[@jebus0430]

Nice to see LedgerLoks and ThruLoks on the deck. I work for the company that created it. Awesome work goes into it. Check out new MVP line for a general wood screw indoor/outdoor!

[@nunyabisnis1448]

You do clean work sometime a guy can get that material in wider planks that will fit your rim joist and stick up 1 in. Above the edge the thickness of the deck boards clean work I like it !

[@j777]

That deck isn't going anywhere, solid work!

[@theartoftonyv]

Just what I needed to see as I am about to build a huge deck for a client and they don't want any fasteners to show, the part of using a hole plug bit was pure genius!! Its those kinds of pro tricks that make the end results amazing! Thanks for sharing your skills with all of us!

[@DavidBruner_NJ]

I use a biscuit joiner to cut the slots where needed after the rim board is attached. Quick and easy and no need to cut a full slot.

[@sanchezryno]

Cutting angles and over hang has always tripped me up and you just explained it in 5 seconds. Why has this been so hard for me!?!? Thanks buddy!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@billarenz2719]

That part about making the plugs to cover up the screws was great.!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks Bill!

[@tateshilling972]

Where did you get the plug cutter? What size?

[@carolyncarlson3825]

That's the prettiest deck I've ever seen.. Great job..hugs

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😁 Thanks, Carolyn!

[@radarsbaby]

I have been searching high and low for an actual HOW TO on picture framing. You are the ONLY one I have found! So thank you sir! And thank you for great content and making it easy to follow.

[@lt.danicecream]

You can also put a skirt board around the deck. Meaning, if you use a 2x10 for your band boards, you then wrap that with a 2x12 to cover the edges of the decking.

[@ivanwill]

16:13 Odd how the plug part was what amazed me the most. Very nicely done. Talk about attention to detail.

[@nolongeramused8135]

I'm having my deck replaced next year, so it was really nice to see the installation of a composite deck.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Nice! Happy you checked it out!

[@terryhanna777]

Your attention to detail is amazing! The deck is beautiful! I hope you're doing a video on the finishing touches!

[@rednecktech82]

I appreciate you explaining what and why you're doing things like the flex tape...great idea for all your stated reasons!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

I like that you use Ryobi tools. My friends give me grief for owning Ryobi, but I've had nothing but good luck with them. Thanks for the vid. 👍🙂

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

I love Ryobi tools! I have remodeled my entire house with them and have no complaints. They get a bad rap for being… affordable I guess. 🤣🤷‍♂️. Thanks for watching!

[@andres783]

Great job explaining it, the breakdown of the details and reasoning for it makes this video extra awesome. Keep up the great content, the little details definitely set you apart.

[@teresab6383]

I like how The Fixer explains exactly what he is doing.

[@ScaryAF_Entertainment]

Super helpful video! I am working on my deck right now, but I was worried about making the miter cuts for my picture frame.

[@realitycheck74]

Very nice! Great attention to detail. I know lots of things wind up being preference. I’m not criticizing by no means. Very detailed and informative video. Only thing I noticed in relation to the flex tape is, should have continued tape over the edge of joist onto both sides creating a complete seal on the top surface of joists. Actually code in many municipalities. Great video

[@chelseasummers2365]

You did an awesome job! Your wife is blessed to have a man who knows how to work with his hands.

[@michaelnitzel4738]

Thank you. Been building decks for a while but never had anyone ask for a picture frame until now and this was very, very helpful. Going to do the picture frame today and looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

[@elanmorales1744]

Looks good, a few comments: - exterior framing nails is plenty to put in that blocking. If you do a lot of decks, the ledger bolts are a huge waste of money- that blocking hardly holds any weight, and ledger bolts are huge cause they’re designed to hold up a deck! - tigerclaw router bit on a battery router makes quick work of notching the board. You can do it in place, and only have to notch where the joist is. - cutting some extra room around the posts makes less chance of having to recut, makes more room for expansion, and it all gets hidden by the post skirt anyway. -I’d bring the back posts further from the house so you have more room for the post skirt and cap. Little things but it can make the difference of finishing two vs 3 entrances in a week, which ends up making more $$

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Did you consider using a tape or liquid flashing to seal the top of the joists? Tape is made of polyethylene or butyl. They even make a translucent tape if you are using wooden decking. If I build another deck I plan on using a joist tape or a liquid flashing product to prolong the life of the deck.

[@pcatful]

I thought you could just cantilever the deck board ends without the 2x4, or would the frame piece not sit well? Flex tape is not picky. It's needed when you have so many framing boards layered where water will not dry for weeks. The notch on the front piece is a great idea. The "caps" are great! How about routing an eased edge at the ends of the deck boards along the end joint? Awesome job indeed!

[@danven1256]

I agree to a point. It does look nicer, but for me I deliberately left it with the ends of the composite decking going all the way to the end because it's easier to clean. Another one of my homes has a nice picture framed deck. It has pressure treated framing but it's rotting now because of the debris that falls down that you can't get out. Because I have oak trees that are near the deck I can pressure wash them off between the boards and all the way off to the end.

[@joepowell2619]

That looks awesome! I just built a 14x 40 deck on my house using that same decking! I also picture framed it, it turned out awesome and I love the look!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome!

[@Beau_Builds]

how did you join the picture frame boards on the 40 ft end. im facing that dilema now. thanks

[@joepowell2619]

So I live in the upper Midwest, and with that comes extreme cold in the winter and extreme heat in the summer. Composite decking is known for its expansion and contraction with temperature swings. At 40ft long, and the the decking I used being 16ft long, I have 2 seams in each row including the outer picture frame row. With that length, your not going to stop expansion and contraction causing the seams to open up during the colder months. However, one thing you can do to reduce it, and make sure that the seams look perfect when the temperature moderates, is find some color matched trim screws that match your decking pretty well, and screw the boards down about every 8 to 10 inches or so, that will help a lot. Hope this helps your Dilemma!

[@alexfrederick9019]

@Joe Powell temp swings = 1"+ of movement on composite fascia. The first job I did I butted the fascia, and it opened up 7/8", leaving a wide open gap. Since then I started using a router and doing a half lap for running joints, so at least it has composite material in front of the wood structure.

[@joepowell2619]

@@alexfrederick9019 Not a bad idea! I might have to start doing that. Thanks for the tip!

[@Frieslick]

Elite-level attention to detail on such a minuscule deck. Impressive. 💪🏻

[@mminlamesa1032]

Excellent craftsmanship. I'd secure that miter saw.

[@geoffklem447]

Awesome attention to detail, especially with the plugs. Going to start implementing that method instead of face screwing my mitres

[@dalegray934]

Nice! I just finished picture framing a basement rectangular window well. Never thought of using plugs or cleaning out the corner screw holes. Should have watched this sooner.

[@steelman86]

I had this picture frame look done to my newly built deck but took it a step beyond! The "frame" was done in a different color filled in the center area with the solid other color. Looks quite elegant and VERY modern!

[@oliphauntsneverlie6227]

Would really like to know how those 45* miters have held up so far.

[@jkagoso]

I love how you nitpick I'm exactly like that the attention to details is awesome 👌

[@jimwhite5964]

As always, your work is top notch! That includes your ability to explain things so clearly, while documenting it in a quality video as well! Thanks, Fixer....really enjoy your channel.

[@garyganser2451]

How is the shrinking and expanding going at the miters? My deck is 20' x 20', do you think that will change the dynamic? Maybe I could just have my end cap vertical faces come up and cover the ugly ends of the boards and no picture frame. You descriptions have been very helpful to me in planning my deck replacement!

[@commentz-1]

Hi therd, if you dont mind me asking.. What is the benefits of using copper flashing over rubberized membranes..?? Copper flashing may weather over time and fail to provide any protection...!! What are your thoughts..! Thank you for sharing your experience, your videos is a great source of info .

[@Alan_Edwards]

A lot of nice little tips to help with my deck job. Like the plug cutting. I was going from the top and it was making a mess of the surface. Not sure how I can split a board since I do not have a table saw, but I can figure out something. I like the screw idea on the mitered corners too. When it comes to the picture frame, personally I think it's better to not cut the 45s at the house like you did. Too me it's a lot of work for very little esthetic value. Anyway well done and thanks for taking the time.

[@LymanPhillips]

Wow! I did a very similar door porch for my wheelchair, but your build was next level compared to mine. I have the ugly ends facing out. I'll have to figure something out. Maybe an apron? This is amazing!

[@kwaskeconstruction3382]

FYI, Sherwin Williams makes a product in sausage pack (no caulk tube) of fluid applied flashing, (goes on 60 mills thick, and can be recoated) great for goofy spots. It also can be left exposed to sun light, only down fall it only comes in grey currently but will be coming out in other colors I'm told....

[@pararajakumar8853]

Very detail and clean work. Great help tips for me that how to get the grove on the picture frame board to attach the rest. Thank you🙏

[@jeffleach2668]

When I did my deck rather than running the 20 foot deck board though the table saw I used a biscuit cutter to make the edge slots anywhere I needed one. The biscuit cutter blade was thicker so only one pass and the depth and height is adjustable. Also, I was able to remove the printing of the edge of the board with some brake clean where it would have shown.

[@WanderingWiley]

Some great explanations on the miters, was never a fan of most synthetic products for the shrink and expansion issues.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah, I get it. At least with PT it just dries up once and pretty much stays like that. (for the most part). Thanks for checking out the video, Wiley!

[@sassischassis7187]

Perfect size deck to showcase several techniques. Well done

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks! 😁👍

[@n4xyy]

Planning on replacing my decking with composite soon. This is a great idea. Thanks!

[@shannonsmith148]

I love your teaching style. Great demeanor.

[@jamesfrancisco6743]

When you add your overhang measurement to cut your mitre do you add 2x the overhang so it’s the same on both sides?? So did you add 3.5” in total so it’s 1 3/4” each side

[@haciendadad]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video! It was very informative. I plan on making my own floating deck soon, and I hope to have the same results as yours.

[@milkod2001]

Some nice ways how to do it.Looks great. The only mistake a see there are loads of black spots and stains of black mould. Your timber is mouldy AF. Bear in mind even if timber is pressure treated it usually sits outside of shops for many weeks or months. Mould will get there and when you see those spots you need to sand it down and cover with protective paint. I know you won.t see it under decking but this mould will be still there and will cause rotting of wood faster.

[@lt.danicecream]

Are those joists 16" OC? If so, i believe the manufacturer for composite decking requires 12" OC.

[@distanceman8147]

Craftsmanship and attention to detail. Quite a combination. Great work sir! Thanks

[@robertrushbrooke1028]

Great tip at 13:30 about securing the 45 degree corners to minimise movement.

[@kellypetersen8532]

Question: how did the corners hold up with expansion and contraction? We are building same today in Massachusetts. Debating leaving a gap or not in the 45 degree cut corners. Please advise. Great video. Am going to do the plugs!! Never thought of that.

[@marcusento3476]

A gap is required. If installed in warm to hot weather you can fit tight but in cold weather I would suggest leaving an 1/8 on each end

[@tayred81]

That's the way you do it. A serious little deck!

[@LS-fm2zt]

Best picture frame video I have seen, and I've looked at a lot.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks so much. Really appreciate that!

[@littleflower23]

I want you to build my deck! Your attention to detail is awesome!

[@luckychaney3952]

Thank you for taking the time to film this process. It will make my project go much smoother…

[@theme6590]

Subscribed👍🏼 Question (as a diy'er): Why block seal that end section instead of just doubling up the inside timber?

[@motorstock10]

Im preparing to build my deck and found in your video very hepful tips. Thanks for sharing them

[@Rebeca-hb7ml]

It loooks great!!!! You’re very talented!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@magnoliamike]

Composite decking is the way to go

[@RichardMartucci-g6d]

Hi. How has the expansion/contraction been on those mitred corners? What size countersink bit did you use & what size was the plug cutter you used?

[@rnotalther5189]

I've been doing this since before composite decking!

[@T.E.P..]

the attention to detail and the confidence really shows in every vid on your channel. And awesome results!

[@seant1435]

When you laid the boards, how did you measure and account for the spacing with the picture frame to get such precise gaps?

[@rslsr56]

Water shed and dry out are critical to longevity, I try to add frame fillers and supports for bias boards on edge. Great to lock posts firm on three sides

[@amicus010585]

It looks fu...ing good! I am a fan of you. Greetings from Germany!

[@jamesm.8392]

Excellent forethought and prep. Really nice final result.

[@tonyaction5284]

Brother, you are a BEAST!!!!!!! Very clean job!!!!!!

[@greenogre_]

One of the best videos of decking, lots of details. Thank you

[@peterfagley772]

Beautiful job, clean, simple and easy to follow and understand! Thank you!

[@fitnessgoals1010]

Beautiful craftsmanship. How did the wood base hold up. I wanted to use composite but I was told at Home Depot that I would have to use some type of underlayment that would allow the area to breathe after a rain. They sold this plastic raised weave that would allow it to breathe. I was covering concrete! Anyway I abandoned the idea. I see now that I should have gone to find you. Lol. -Struggling female homeowner

[@BevJackson]

Thank you so much! I learned so much from you. I am getting a composite deck built and I wanted to make sure it gets done properly!

[@christinepetersen2513]

You are so wonderfully in love with details. 🧡💜💙💚

[@R4venshore]

Well done. The only thing I don't like is the flex tape - I think it's gonna cause more issues than actually help. Too big of a surface and I think water will get locked between it and the posts and under, between the tape and the 2x4.

[@taildraggersn894cd]

was wondering why you used the tensioning rod device on your joist to ledger connection. didn't see a video on your deck framing. several great tips on picture framing decking. keep up the good work. we're in Longmont.

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

I install the picture framing and then use my biscuit joiner to zip in space for the hidden fasteners. The biscuit joiner gives a space large enough for the fasteners.

[@ChadAmI80]

A great tip!

[@dennisrosa1551]

What side trim did you plan to use, any photos when finished. What was the copper film for?

[@StudPack]

Good Work Matt. Awesome and straight to it. Clean looking deck 💪

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it!

[@sirthomas4637]

This helped solved my framing questions.. thanks

[@BewareOfTheFLuFF]

I love the detail you put into your videos mate and you make it extremely easy to understand what you are doing. Alot of other channels should take notes. Thank you!

[@S15collector]

Just an idea, we use a biscuit jointer to make our clip notch in the edge board. Zip as we go and the jointer makes the notch wide enough instead of having to run a whole board through the table saw 2x.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@timjansen1115]

That is how I've been doing it for years. The benefits are two fold, the bit is already the correct thickness and your only removing material where you need to...

[@stipcrane]

I found that my biscuit joiner blade was exactly the right thickness to make slots for the hidden fasteners. The biscuit joiner is also much easier to use than a table saw. The short length of your deck shouldn't suffer much expansion in the sun, and I think it is fine to make tight miters in the corners in this case. My deck was 40' long and I worried about expansion when it got direct sunlight. I built it in cool weather and left about 3/16" gap in butt joints and miters for when the sun heats it up. Honestly, the heat expansion issue may be overstated in the mfr. installation instructions. The dark colors get so hot in the sun that you cannot walk on the deck barefoot, so that's why I heeded the instructions. Vinyl and plastics expand and contract more radically during temp changes than any other building material.

[@TimmyBananas]

i watched him rip the edge with the table saw and said, "hell no, I'm not doing that on my deck" seeing as I have a 20x20 deck to picture frame. Completely forgot that I have a biscuit joiner and I will definitely be trying this when it comes time to install. good tip!

[@tomlee5093]

Very nice. The only thing I like to do is put the Flex Tape on all the deck joists.

[@jennifermartinus4929]

That looks very awsome. Nice work.

[@gregkump3639]

Biscuit joiner on hidden fasteners on outside board. Done. Totally no need to expose all that raw saw to your cuts. Try it and save days of your life that you can play with your kids, or make kids!😂🤣 Love your attention to water! Great advice!👍

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Greg. 😁😁👍

[@charleschi843]

You sir, are a man of excellence. Kudos.

[@Mrdougnfriends]

Love the video. I wish you would’ve left a link for the counter sink bit like you did the plug cutter. Have had a terrible time finding the right one. Thanks for all the tips. Our deck is gorgeous.

[@douglasb4769]

This was extremely informative and helpful! Thank You

[@mylifeisbeautiful5242]

Very neat and professional job!

[@ironsales5669]

I love your attention to detail. really well done. It strikes me that you have the skill to have put the inside boards on a diagonal, is there a reason you did not? I have a 8x32' deck project coming up and was thinking of going picture frame and diagonal boards (and I have already installed blocking) I would appreciate your thoughts... Thanks'

[@p.macomber6901]

Thank you! I was stressing cutting the picture frame! You helped destress this for me!!🎉

[@williammunny7133]

That was pretty darn good, and did help answer questions, thanks.

[@rashomon2020]

Great work mate! Did the mitre corners expand or contract?

[@jeffryschwindt4191]

Only thing I would suggest is placing something between the plug and hammer when pounding them in so you won't damage the plug surface. Especially on smaller diameter plugs.

[@stefaniap.7458]

Classy!!! I love your attention to detail

[@mariamercado3946]

Thank you for sharing all these information with us. It is greatly appreciated.

[@eddienieves6369]

To the point. Nicely done. Love the home made plugs.

[@cember01]

At 1:30 you mention "no where to attach that", but there's a joist only about 3" back. Seems that would be fine for attachment. Is the problem a 3" cantilever with this composite decking? A 2x6 redwood would have no problem with this, but maybe that composite would flex too much, even in a mere 3" ?

[@krogg5868]

If using hidden fasteners, does the outer deck board only get fastened on the inner edge? And does that work well enough?

[@pete1735]

Wow I'm thinking he has done that once or twice amazing deck detail was dead on beautiful deck

[@rosegold7975]

The flex tape is a great choice. Really amazing how good the Flex Seal products work. That and the copper flashing against the house shows you know what your doing. Great job!

[@SomeDumUsrName]

lmao

[@scottsatterthwaite4073]

Copper isn't really a great choice. Yes, it will last but it is very expensive and will not seal itself. There are other products made specifically for the job that are much cheaper, black in color, and self-sealing.

[@onetwothree4148]

@@scottsatterthwaite4073 copper flashing would be great, expensive but great. He should have used it. Instead he used a very thin copper termite shield. That is not a flashing, and it will tear if anything falls down in the crack. Copper is a great flashing option if you can afford it, because the aluminum needs a bitumen tape or continuous paint layer to keep green treated lumber from reacting with it. Aluminum and treated lumber cannot ever touch, and that's hard to ensure.

[@timjansen1115]

Copper is the wrong choice in this application. It is super thin and easily oxidizes and turns to dust. You are much better off sealing the ledger to the sheathing with actual rubber window tape(not that flex seal garbage) and then bending PVC coated aluminum flashing and running that over the window flashing. You will get at least 20 years out of it vs the max 5 years copper alone will provide.

[@onetwothree4148]

@@timjansen1115 you have no idea what you're talking about. Even the cheap 12oz copper they sell at box stores will last 40 years. We typically use 16 or 20 oz copper that can still be seen on 120 year old buildings around here.

[@rollinmckim4719]

Great how-to, efficient, lots of good tips, fine craftsmanship. Thanks!