Product Application
Soffit
Soffit is a functional and decorative covering consisting of interlocked Belco T&G (tongue and groove) boards to add depth and texture to exterior ceilings and overhangs.
BELCO T&G
Natural Beauty, Versatile Charm
Belco T&G offers a winning combination of natural beauty and superior functionality. Made from natural solid pine wood, its elegant grain and knot structure create a timeless aesthetic and enhanced curb appeal.
Its versatility extends far beyond soffit. Belco T&G is suited for porch ceilings, hallways, wainscoting, accent walls, and more. Whether left raw to showcase its natural beauty, stained to enhance its grain, or painted to complement any design vision, this product delivers a custom look that lasts. Lightweight, easy to handle, and bundled for convenience, Belco T&G is designed to meet the needs of builders and homeowners looking to elevate their spaces.
FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Belco T&G: Durability and Design
Belco T&G offers limitless design potential, combining natural elegance and flexibility to suit various design aesthetics. Its smooth face and tight-knot grain structure create a premium appearance for soffits, porch ceilings, accent walls, and more. This tongue and groove product adapts beautifully, whether crafting a modern, minimalist look or a classic, rustic style. Its edge vees provide visual depth and versatility, giving builders the freedom to create distinctive designs and architectural interests.
For outdoor spaces, Belco T&G is an excellent soffit choice for porch ceilings and roof overhangs, bringing warmth and sophistication to outdoor living areas. Inside, it transforms accent walls into striking design features, adding texture and warmth to living rooms, dining spaces, or hallways. It’s equally effective for wainscoting, making the lower half of walls timeless and elegant. Window accents and paneling are yet more ways to incorporate its charm, enhancing the visual interest of architectural details while maintaining a cohesive design.
The finishing options further elevate its appeal. Left raw, Belco T&G offers a natural, organic look that complements any setting. A light stain can emphasize the wood’s intricate grain, perfect for a craftsman or farmhouse aesthetic, while darker stains lend a bold, contemporary feel. Painted finishes allow for total creative freedom, blending seamlessly with any color palette or design scheme. Regardless of the application or finish, Belco T&G combines beauty, versatility, and enduring durability to suit any project.
INSTALLATION BEST PRACTICES
Application and Installation Information
Belco T&G is designed for ease of installation. Bundled in convenient six-piece packs and end-capped for hassle-free handling, this product is lightweight and easy to work with on-site. Its tongue and groove design ensures a tight, secure fit with minimal gaps, providing a polished, seamless finish that’s perfect for soffit and other applications.
When installing for soffit use, it’s recommended to follow proper ventilation guidelines to maintain airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
For optimal results, the best practice is to blind nail the tongue and groove planks using a 16 or 18-gauge pin nailer. Shoot the nails back at an angle where the “V” pattern meets the tongue, ensuring a secure hold while keeping fasteners hidden for a smooth finish. Standard tools and fasteners are all you need for installation, making it a cost-effective, time-saving option.
COMMON SIZES
Typical T&G Soffit Size
Belco T&G is available in various lengths to fit several project needs. View our standard sizes below.
Thicknesses x Width: 1”x6”
Lengths: 8′ – 16′,
Texture: Smooth face on both sides – reversible
COMMON MATERIALS
Soffit Material Options
Common soffit materials include vinyl, aluminum, and wood products like cedar or plywood. Vinyl and aluminum offer durability and low maintenance but often lack the warmth and natural beauty that many homeowners desire. While cedar provides a classic, high-end look, it can be costly and requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and decay. Plywood, although versatile, does not provide the aesthetic appeal or longevity needed for exterior applications.
Belco T&G is ideal for soffit due to its unique combination of natural pine wood beauty and superior durability. Unlike vinyl or aluminum, it brings a rich, organic texture for elevated aesthetics. Additionally, our preservative treatment ensures long-lasting performance, resisting decay and weathering better than untreated wood products like cedar or plywood.
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FAQs
For the best results, acclimate the boards on-site before installation, maintain a consistent fastening pattern, and ensure proper backing at all joints. Boards should be installed perpendicular to framing members using corrosion-resistant fasteners. Avoid forcing the boards together too tightly; allowing a slight, uniform tolerance helps accommodate natural expansion and contraction and prevents waviness or buckling in overhead applications. See the Belco Installation Guide for more.
Yes. Belco T&G performs well in humid and coastal environments when properly finished and ventilated. However, finishing with high-quality exterior paint or stain is imperative to protect the wood from moisture. Additionally, adequate ventilation in the soffit assembly helps maintain stability in environments with elevated humidity or salt exposure.
Yes. All field cuts should be sealed before installation. Use a high-quality exterior primer or stain to fully seal exposed end grain. This step prevents premature swelling or deterioration at board ends.
Belco T&G is not fire-rated and should not be used in assemblies requiring a tested fire-resistance rating. Builders should follow local building codes and consult the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) when fire-rated materials are required for exterior soffits, porch ceilings, or eave assemblies.
Belco T&G should be paired with a properly designed ventilation system that allows continuous airflow from eave to ridge. Ventilation can be provided through vented soffit panels, integrated vents, or discrete inlet vents placed alongside the T&G boards. Maintaining the correct net free ventilation area (NFVA) per local code ensures the attic remains dry, reduces moisture-related issues, and supports the long-term performance of the soffit system. For more, see the Belco T&G Fact Sheet
