Is Pressure Treated Wood Right For You?

Do you ever wonder whether treated wood is right for you? If so, it’s time to learn all about treated wood and pressure treated wood.

The Basics of Treated Wood

Treated wood has been treated with a chemical treatment designed to keep bugs out and add more life to the product. This means that treated wood will last longer than untreated wood because treated wood repels insects or fungal growth [or other problems]. The main ingredients in pressure treated lumber products include chromated copper arsenate (CCA), copper borate , and creosote . CCA contains arsenic and was phased out in 2003 but still found in some locations within old structures built before 2003; however, today we use ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) treated lumber which is a treated lumber that uses copper as the main ingredient instead of arsenic.

The treated lumber can be used in a variety of ways such as in fences, decks, playground equipment, and other fixtures outdoors. It’s important to note that treated wood should not be used indoors because of the fumes emitted from the treatment.

Treated Lumber vs Pressure Treated Lumber

So what’s the difference between treated lumber and pressure treated lumber? The answer is simple – treated lumber has been treated with a chemical while pressure treated lumber has been treated with a chemical under high pressure. This makes the chemical treatment more effective and eliminates any possible gaps where insects or fungus could enter.

When it comes to outdoor projects, treated lumber is the most common choice for projects like pergolas, fences, and decks; treated wood will last longer than untreated wood in outdoor environments.

However, treated wood is not ideal for all types of projects because treated wood has a higher cost compared to other options such as cedar or redwood. Treated lumber also doesn’t have the same natural look of redwood or cedar so treated wood may not be aesthetically pleasing for some homeowners .

Pressure treated lumber can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications because it has been treated with more chemicals under high pressure resulting in an impenetrable barrier that repels insects or fungi growth. The downside to using pressure treated lumber over treated wood is that it’s less aesthetically pleasing.

When treated wood and pressure treated lumber are compared, treated wood is often a more affordable option while pressure treated lumber can have a higher price tag then treated wood. However, treated wood may require more maintenance in the long run then pressure treated lumber that will last longer in outdoor conditions. Ultimately when it comes to choosing between treated lumber or pressure treated lumber, you’ll need to make the decision based on your personal preferences [or needs].

How Is Pressure Treated Wood Made?

If you want to learn how to make treated wood with high levels of protection from insects and fungi growth, learn about high-pressure treatment plants. The process starts by cutting down trees into thin pieces measuring 1 inch x 2 inches at a high-pressure treatment plant.

The thin pieces of wood are then treated with a preservative under high pressure and at high temperatures in a plant that uses either chromated copper arsenate (CCA) or alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) as the main ingredient. The treated lumber is then dried before it’s ready to be sold to consumers.

The treated lumber can last for many years when used outdoors provided that it doesn’t come into contact with water. In fact, treated lumber has been known to last up to 50 years when used in outdoor environments – making it a great investment for homeowners!

When treated wood is used outdoors, it’s important to note that the treated lumber must be sealed with a waterproof sealant every few years to make sure that treated lumber stays protected from insects and fungi.

Who Uses Treated Wood and Pressure Treated Lumber?

People use treated wood and treated lumber for a variety of home improvement projects both inside and outside the house.

Treated wood is most commonly used in outdoor applications such as fences, decks, pergolas, playground equipment, and more while pressure treated lumber is best suited for exterior applications such as docks, boat launches, bridges, etc. because it’s less appealing than treated wood when used indoors.