Belco T&G is versatile enough for both interior and exterior projects. It’s commonly used for soffits, porch ceilings, exterior wall accents, and interior paneling. The profile adds warmth, texture, and architectural detail, making it a beautiful design choice. Check out our T&G Fact Sheet

The 1×6 dimension balances coverage, strength, and ease of handling. 1×6 is the standard size for this product line. It’s lightweight for installers, yet wide enough to speed up installation without compromising stability. It also creates a clean aesthetic that works well across modern and traditional design styles. Finally, this size strikes a balance between the patterned busy-ness of narrow-plank looks and bolder wide-plank patterns that can tend to cup more easily over time.

Belco T&G boards are milled with a reversible profile: buttery smooth on both sides. This ensures every board is 100% usable, reduces waste on the jobsite, and gives builders installation flexibility.

No. Unlike Belco XT Trim and XT Post, Belco T&G is not preservative-treated. It is manufactured from kiln-dried, tight-knot pine (SYP) and designed for above-ground applications where proper ventilation and finishing protect against moisture. This makes it an excellent choice for soffits and porch ceilings where treated lumber isn’t required.

Yes! Belco T&G is ideal for exterior soffits, porch ceilings, and wall paneling, but it’s also widely used in interiors for ceilings, accent walls, and other decorative applications. Its smooth finish and reversible profile make it equally effective for indoor or outdoor use.

For the best performance, Belco T&G should be finished. Applying a quality exterior paint or stain enhances appearance, protects against moisture, and helps prevent cupping or swelling over time. While leaving the board raw showcases its natural beauty, staining or finishing it provides further protection.

Builders choose Belco T&G for soffits because it’s lightweight, easy to install overhead, and available in long lengths that reduce seams. Additionally, the beautiful, high-quality nature of the board is undeniable! The tongue-and-groove profile locks boards tightly together, creating clean shadow lines and a polished look.

Adequate ventilation is imperative to avoid trapping moisture. Follow local building codes for venting ratios, and ensure continuous airflow from eaves to ridge. Belco recommends using vented panels or integrating soffit vents alongside Belco T&G boards to maintain proper attic ventilation and extend the life of the system.

Store Belco T&G flat, clean, and dry in a covered area, elevated off the ground. Boards should acclimate to local job site conditions before installation to minimize movement. Avoid leaving bundles exposed to direct sun or weather, which can cause uneven drying or cupping.

As with any natural wood product, Belco T&G will expand and contract with changes in humidity. Leave a small expansion gap, typically 3/16″ at butt joints, and follow manufacturer guidelines for caulking and flashing. Proper spacing ensures boards stay tight without buckling or creating gaps over time.