Canopies

Sometimes known as as valance boards or ‘dags’, Dura Dagger Boards are the ideal replacement material for timber dagger boards on railway station canopy fascias. Made from durable patented (GB2582967) composite material with a Class B fire rating in accordance with BS EN 13501, our woodgrain effect dagger boards mimic the appearance of traditional wooden valance boards, but are simple to install and require virtually no maintenance over their 60 year design life.

Composite Daggerboards for Railway Canopy Valances

Dura Daggerboards combine authentic heritage styling with modern performance, offering a cost-effective alternative to timber and GRP. At half the weight and price of GRP alternatives and supplied in 2.1 x 1.2 metre sections, they install faster with less disruption to passengers and station operations while helping rail operators preserve the historic character of stations and meet today’s safety standards.

Daggerboards have been a familiar feature of UK railway stations since the mid-19th century, originally serving the practical function of directing water away from canopy structures to prevent weather damage and rot. Over time they also became prized for their decorative appeal, with intricate profiles adding character to stations nationwide. However, timber canopy valances demand heavy upkeep, with repainting and replacement causing disruption and often carried out during night works to avoid impacting daily services.

Dura Daggerboards overcome these challenges by combining heritage aesthetics with advanced composite technology. Thanks to precision CNC machining and 3D laser surveys, we can deliver exact replica designs for client approval in just two weeks, making heritage station restoration faster, more accurate and more predictable. Non-conductive, fire-safe and virtually maintenance-free, they outperform timber by up to ten times, reducing whole-life costs and labour demands. With heritage colour options such as light beige, Dura Daggerboards provide a sustainable, long-lasting solution that respects the past while safeguarding the future.

Panel Profiles

The standard surface finish combines a woodgrain front and smooth reverse, each featuring a tongue and groove joining detail. For added design flexibility, selected variants in our White, Light Beige and Flint range feature a woodgrain on both sides, creating a balanced timber-effect appearance from every angle.

Finishing Trims

Positioned horizontally along the top, upper or lower edge of the boards.

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