Synthetic materials, like cellular PVC, can be cut just like regular wood. Cellular PVC is great for replacing eave and trim boards, since the material won’t rot or deteriorate over time.

When attaching cellular PVC at temperatures below 40° F (5° Celsius), pre-drill holes for the nails. Use PVC cement to attach two pieces of cellular PVC to each other.

Cellular PVC and be caulked like regular wood. While it doesn’t require painting, cellular PVC can be painted with latex paint as long as the paint color isn’t darker than the color of the cellular PVC.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Video Transcript

Danny Lipford: Synthetic materials, like cellular PVC, can be used to replace wood on the outside of homes as long as their purpose is not structural.

The first step is the removal of the old, damaged material with a pry bar. Be careful not to damage adjacent materials that are not being replaced.

The PVC material is available in the same nominal dimensions as regular lumber and can be cut and fastened using the same tools. The key difference is that wherever it is joined to itself, PVC cement or adhesive should be used. This prevents the joint from opening up when the material expands and contracts.

In temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, PVC should be pre-drilled before driving nails through it. Once it is installed, the edges can be caulked and the nail holes puttied just as with regular wood.

And, although it doesn’t require it, cellular PVC can be painted with latex paint as long as it is a lighter shade that will not absorb excessive heat.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More