Product Application
Belly Band
BELCO’s Belly Band adds architectural and visual interest while delivering unmatched strength and longevity.
BELCO XT® Belly Band
Decorative Cladding
Belly band, sometimes called “belly boards,” or “beauty boards,” is decorative cladding that wraps horizontally around a house, typically at the height of the first or second floor. Designed to separate and unify different siding materials, belly bands enhance curb appeal and elevate traditional aesthetics. Belly bands bring charm and character to homes and multifamily structures, blending timeless design with functional elegance. With their ability to create striking visual interest and tie together architectural details, they’re the perfect choice for enhancing exterior elevations.
FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Visual Separation
In addition to their design qualities, belly bands serve as a visual break between different materials or architectural features. Commonly used in gables or between floors, belly bands unify surfaces with varying thicknesses, creating a cohesive and polished look. Belco XT belly band trim, with its thicker profile, seamlessly bridges disparities in siding, ensuring a beautiful transition between materials.
INSTALLATION BEST PRACTICES
Application & Installation Information
Proper installation of belly bands is important for both aesthetic and functional success. Belco recommends using sloped metal Z-flashing over all horizontal trims to prevent water intrusion. Belco XT belly band trim, with its lightweight yet durable construction, simplifies installation compared to heavier materials like fiber cement. Additionally, the extended lengths (up to 20 feet) reduce the need for butt joints, minimizing potential water entry points and saving on labor costs.
COMMON SIZES
Belly Band Sizes
BELCO XT® Belly Bands are available in a range of sizes to suit your design needs:
- 5/4x8
- 5/4x10
- 5/4x12
- 2x8
- 2x10
- 2x12
COMMON MATERIALS
Belly Band Material Options
Belly bands can be made from various materials, each with its own merit and challenges. Cedar is a traditional favorite, celebrated for its natural decay resistance and beauty, though its high cost often limits its appeal. Fiber cement is another popular choice, offering durability and design consistency, but its heavy weight and shorter lengths complicate installation and increase labor costs. Engineered wood (OSB) provides lightweight convenience and longer board lengths, however it is prone to swelling and water damage over time, which can compromise its longevity and performance.
By contrast, Belco XT Trim offers an unrivaled solution for belly band applications. Treated with a deep-penetrating preservative, kiln-dried for stability, and coated with a premium primer, Belco XT® is designed to resist rot, mold, and mildew for decades. Backed by a 20-year warranty, it combines the natural beauty of wood with advanced durability, making it the most reliable and worry-free option for your project.
THE BELCO DIFFERENCE
Built to Last
Belco XT belly band offers long-lasting performance thanks to our proprietary 2-step treatment process. First, Belco’s non-metallic, EPA-approved wood preservative treatment (Wolman® AG) penetrates the wood fibers and is then properly dried before priming. This key distinction is what sets us apart, ensuring our wood is fortified from within. Our proprietary, industry-leading water-based primer protects the surface and resists water penetration. The end result? Belly band products with unmatched durability that exceed the highest industry standards for coating consistency and wood substrate quality.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Belco XT® Belly Band is Backed by an Industry-Leading Warranty
We wholeheartedly stand behind the quality of our products. We go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring the longevity of our products. Belco XT belly band is a durable one and done anti-rot solution that undergoes a proprietary two-step treatment process to protect the wood against damage from moisture, decay, and insects. Our products are so durable and long-lasting that they come with an industry-leading, non-prorated 20-year warranty. Protect your investment by registering your products with us after purchase.
Latest Blog Posts
Belly Band Trim-What It Is & Where To Use It
Where To Use Belly Band Trim Believe it or not, belly band trims can make or break the appearance of a home. You don’t want
Choosing the Right Fascia Board Width for Your Roof
When it comes to building or renovating a home, there are many critical decisions to make. One such decision that plays a significant role in
Fascia Board: Best Practices and Regional Considerations
Fascia is the workhorse of a roof system. It ties the rafters together and keeps the gutter system intact during rain events. It is common
