How To Fix Ugly Trex Deck Board Ends

Many composite deck board materials have an ugly profile as seen when you cut the end of the board.  I’m going to explain a quick and simple way to hide that ugly profile when this cut end is visible in your decking installation.

Materials

The Method

I’ve used this same technique for quite a while when I’m installing baseboard or crown molding trim.  It’s called a “return”.  You generally use it whenever your molding ends in the middle of a space (not a wall corner).  It creates a finished look, rather than just a squared off end, by capping the end of the board with the same profile.

credit – www.dap.com
Step 0
The end of your board will look something like this
Step 1
Cut a 45° bevel / miter on the end of your board
Your board should look like this now.
Step 2
Cut a 45° bevel on the end of a scrap piece. Then, flip the board over and cut it off straight at the intersection of the bevel and the back side of the board.
You should have a small piece that looks like this now.
Step 3
Glue that piece on the end of your main board and you will end up with a nice finished end that looks like this. Super glue and accelerator will make quick work of this.

Update July, 2024: I’ve had a few issues with the glue joint failing on these. Rather than using super glue, I’d recommend using PL premium construction adhesive or Lexel instead.

The Result

5 Comments

    • It’s as weather resistant as the deck boards you choose. This method will not impact that at all.

Leave a Reply