Why Choose Pressure Treated Lumber?

With the price of lumber today, you might be thinking, “Do I really need treated lumber?” The benefits to treated lumber are numerous, but it’s important to know if treated lumber is the right choice for your application. 

 The process of pressure treating lumber has been around since the 1940’s, however, treating lumber is not a new concept. Treated lumber in some form has been traced back as far as Ancient Greece whenever Alexander the Great was king. We don’t use olive oil or tar anymore in attempts to preserve wood, but we do use chemicals in pressurized tanks. 

How does it work?

In the pressure-treating process, lumber is sealed in a tank, then a chemical solution is added to the tank. Pressure is then applied using a pump, which allows the chemicals to penetrate deep into the cell structure of the lumber. This makes pressure treating one of the most effective lumber preservation techniques.

Does it matter how my lumber is pressure treated?

Understanding the different retention levels before purchasing treated lumber is crucial. If you are using the lumber for decking a trailer, then you would want to buy lumber with a retention level of .25. This is considered above ground contact treating. If you are building a deck and putting your posts into the ground, you would need lumber with a retention level of .40. This is considered ground contact treating. When building a boat dock, you would need your posts treated to a .60 retention level. This is marine grade treating.  

Why does treated lumber cost more?

Treated lumber consists of three main ingredients: lumber, chemical and labor. The cost difference between treated and untreated lumber comes from the cost of chemical and the labor required to treat the material. For appropriate applications the benefits far outweigh the cost difference. 

What are the benefits of pressure treated lumber?

The purpose of pressure treated lumber is to preserve the lumber from rot and decay when it is outdoors or exposed. Pressure treated lumber will outlast untreated lumber due to its resistance against rot and decay caused by insects, mold and other elements. When lumber rots or decays, it loses its structural integrity, rendering it useless. 

Can I paint, seal, or stain treated lumber?

Pressure treated lumber can easily be stained, sealed and painted, but you will want to make sure that the wood is completely dry before doing so. To test this, one may put a few drops of water onto the board. If you notice water droplets on the lumber, then the wood is not dry enough to stain. If the water absorbs into the wood, then you are good to start staining. 

How long does pressure treated lumber last?

Pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine can last 40+ years outside (depending on use), while untreated Southern Yellow Pine only has a lifespan of 5-10 years when left outside.

What do I do with leftover pressure treated lumber?

Pressure treated wood should not be burned. It should be disposed of properly based on local, state, and federal regulations, or used for other outdoor projects. Get creative!

Written by Keighley Long. Keighley is an Inside Sales Representative at Industrial Wood Technology.