Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jun 02, 2014 05:37am | #1

   Matt,
   There is no single answer to your question. Some green builders insist on using real wood, while other green builders feel that synthetic products reduce the waste that comes from frequently replacing rotten trim.

   You may want to consult these GBA pages:

   An earlier Q&A thread on the same topic

   The GBA Product Guide: Exterior Finish & Trim

2. 
   fitchplate | Jun 02, 2014 04:58pm | #2

   Wood just can't handle the sun and water, it won't hold paint either. The technology, quality and aesthetics of vinyl trims are remarkable these days: plus PVC hold paint forever and has no problems with moisture, bulk water or sunshine. Its not structural so it needs a base.

   Scroll down the left side of MidAmerica's/Tapco's subsidiary companies for several trim varieties and also look into Royal, Azek and Certainteed.

   http://www.thetapcogroup.com/brands/mid-america

   http://www.certainteed.com/products/trim

   http://www.royalbuildingproducts.com/en-US/Exterior-Trim-Mouldings/?LangType=1033

   http://www.azek.com/products/trim/

3. 
   gusfhb | Jun 03, 2014 08:16am | #3

   Sorry PVC, yuck

   I have used it in exceptional locations[huge water load] but preprimed pine will last for a very long time with normal painting. I had zero peeling in nearly 15 years on an addition I had built and in some locations had only painted it once at about 2 years in

   Western Red Cedar can last practically forever with virtually no anything, but don't paint it, the people who bought my last house painted it, and we shall see how that does.