Number 2 Grade Pressure Treated Lumber Number two pressure treated lumber will rarely be treated with water sealer or be kiln dried at the factory. Number two grade pressure treated lumber will have irregular grain patterns, no limit on the number of knots, and is usually wet when you buy it.
What is treated lumber?
What is treated lumber? Is all treated lumber created equally? Which type should be used where? Learn the answers to these questions and more. What is Treated Wood? Like its name suggests, pressure-treated wood is wood that has been treated with chemicals while under pressure.
What are the different types of treated wood?
There are two types of treated wood: preservative-treated wood and pressure-preservative-treated wood (pressure treated lumber). Wood treatment chemicals delay deterioration caused by fungi (rot) and make wood less appealing to potentially destructive insects.
What is pressure treated wood made of?
Treated wood is made from strong evergreen species making it suitable for most building projects. The wood weathers better than untreated wood and won’t gray or discolor as quickly. Pressure treated wood can also be stained or sealed to enhance its color and for added protection. How Is Pressure Treated Wood Produced?
What is the difference between pressure treated lumber and ground rated lumber?
All chemically pressure treated lumber will have a tag or stamp indicating its recommended use. Pressure treated lumber designed for use a minimum of 6” from the ground is called Above Ground lumber. Lumber that can safely contact the ground is called Ground Rated, or Ground Contact lumber.
What is the difference between #1 and #2 treated lumber?
Number 1: It allows for one hole every 3 feet and has no splits that are larger than the board's width. Knots should be smaller than 2 ¾ inches. Number 2: Use at least Number 2 pressure-treated lumber for deck construction.
What does it mean when lumber is treated?
Treated wood is wood that has been appropriately treated with preservative chemicals with the intent of prolonging its intended usefulness lifecycle compared to untreated wood. Different types of applications and preservatives are used to protect wood fibers from: structural degradation. decay fungi.
What is the difference between treated and pressure treated lumber?
The difference between the two is that pressure treated lumber will resist the elements better than untreated due to chemical preservatives added, and so will maintain its integrity in conditions that would cause normal wood to rot.
What are the different types of treated lumber?
There are two types of treated wood: preservative-treated wood and pressure-preservative-treated wood (pressure treated lumber).
How can you tell if lumber is treated?
Smell it! The chemicals used to treat lumber are ridiculously effective at preserving the wood. However, these same chemicals give off an extremely strong scent that can be detected very easily. If your lumber smells oily or like gasoline, it's treated.
How long does treated wood last?
40 yearsHow Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
What happens if you don't stain pressure treated wood?
Without stain, any type of paint or sealant, rainwater, dew or snow can easily penetrate the decking. The wood will then swell until it dries when it will shrink again. This pattern of swelling and shrinking can cause damage to the wood such as splits, checks, splinters, cracks, and other blemishes.
Can you put pressure treated wood in the ground?
Yes. Pressure-treated wood can be buried in the dirt when used as a fence post or any exterior structure that requires underground support. However, it needs the most protection because continuous exposure to moisture in the dirt might cause the wood to rot and waste away prematurely.
Can I use treated wood for framing?
You can use pressure-treated wood for framing. However, pressure-treated lumber costs much more and does include potentially toxic chemicals. Thus, pressure-treated wood is only recommended for outdoor applications and where framing touches the foundation.
What is the best grade of treated lumber?
Grades of pressure treated wood Pressure treated wood is sold with the lumber grades Premium, Select, Number 1, Number 2, and Number 3. The higher the grade, the fewer the defects—that is splits or knots. In general, you will want to choose Number 2 grade boards, or higher, for decks.
Is severe weather lumber the same as treated lumber?
Compared to other treated products, Severe Weather with Ecolife is unsurpassed in performance and is preferred by many professional builders. The Ecolife preservative is a nonmetal-based, environmentally advanced preservative formulation.
How can you tell if old lumber is pressure treated?
Look for a stamp telling you it's pressure treated wood. The end tag should identify the preservative used, the rating, and the preservation company. You'll want to avoid using any wood that was treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). This preservative includes a form of arsenic.
Why is treated lumber cheaper than untreated?
An obvious advantage of untreated lumber is its price; it's much cheaper than treated lumber. Since CCA-treated lumber was taken off the market, new treatment techniques use high levels of copper, which is more expensive. As a result, the cost of treated wood has risen considerably [source: Morrison].
What is the difference between pressure treated wood and regular wood?
Pressure-treated lumber is no stronger than regular wood, but it is also not any weaker. The difference between regular and pressure-treated lumber is that the treated wood has greater resistance to the elements and to pests. It, therefore, maintains its integrity not from being stronger, but from being rot resistant.
When should I use treated lumber?
In general, pressure-treated lumber is recommended in situations where there is direct contact between the wood and anything that could supply moisture: Retaining walls, which function to support landscaping projects and hold back soil. Any posts or beams that come in contact with the ground or are buried underground.
What are two disadvantages of using treated lumber?
7 Disadvantages of Pressure Treated WoodChemical risks. Due to chemical treatment being processed during manufacturing pressure-treated wood, This type of wood has certain amount of toxic materials in it. ... Warping and Shrinkage. ... Fading. ... Not eco-friendly to environment. ... Uneven color, dull. ... Not easy to recycle. ... Outdoor Use Only.
How long will pressure-treated wood last?
The lifespan of pressure-treated lumber will depend on the climate and how well you maintain it. For example, posts in the ground may last as long...
What are the disadvantages of using pressure-treated wood?
While there are many pros to using pressure-treated wood, there are also a few cons. Pressure-treated lumber contains chemicals that can possibly l...
Does pressure-treated lumber rot?
Pressure-treated lumber can rot over long periods or if you use the wrong type of wood. For example, if you use above-ground pressure-treated wood...
Do I need to seal pressure-treated wood?
You should seal pressure-treated wood on most projects, especially a deck or fence. Adding a sealant or painting pressure-treated wood provides an...
Can I put pressure-treated wood in the ground?
Yes, you can put pressure-treated wood in the ground. Just make sure to purchase ground-contact wood. Ground contact pressure-treated lumber has tw...
What is pressure treated wood?
Pressure treatment is an affordable alternative to expensive naturally rot-resistant lumber. The preservatives provide protection against rot, insects, mold, and fungi, so the wood lasts longer. Treated wood is made from strong evergreen species making it suitable for most building projects.
What is Pt lumber used for?
Some lumber is also treated for fire protection and used throughout different areas of residential, commercial, and industrial construction. There are many other uses for pt lumber, including docks, boathouses, sheds, boardwalks, play structures, gazebos, and the list goes on.
How Is Pressure Treated Wood Produced?
Pressure treatment of lumber has come a long way in the past 100 years. The current process is mostly computerized and mechanized using modern technology. The process is similar for treating milled lumber, plywood, posts, or utility poles against rot and insects.
What is ground contact lumber?
Ground contact means anything within 6-inches of the ground or in contact with the ground, foliage, grasses, or over water or wet areas. It may have poor drainage and air circulation, or like a sill plate, is difficult to repair or maintain. Pressure treated wood for ground contact commonly has twice the chemical retention level as above ground rated lumber. UC3B or UC4A are best for ground contact use.
What is premium grade lumber?
There is no structural premium grade, it is strictly a term for bright looking wood free of blemishes or knots.
What is the retention level of treated lumber?
The retention level is measured in pounds of chemical per cubic foot of wood (pcf). The longer the wood is in the pressure chamber, the greater the content of chemical preservatives forced into and retained in the wood.
What is a unified rating?
The result of having a unified rating means the end-tag on lumber identifies how well the wood will stand up in different conditions, regardless of the chemical cocktail it’s been exposed to. There are six different types of pressure treatment ratings, with different categories in some of them.
How Can I Differentiate Treated Lumber?
Most pressure treated lumber will have an end tag to identify what type of chemicals it was treated with and whether it is rated for “ground contact” or “above ground use” only .
What is Treated Wood?
Like its name suggests, pressure-treated wood is wood that has been treated with chemicals while under pressure. Most treated wood is pressure-treated, but wood can also be surface coated. Surface coated means that the application of the preservative chemical is introduced by dipping, brushing or spraying the wood without being exposed to pressure. This is common when it’s necessary to treat the lumber or building components after they are installed.
Why Does Pressure Treated Lumber Warp?
This is referred to as Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT). Wood does most of its warping, twisting, and cupping as it dries. It’s hard to determine if you’re getting a straight board when it’s still wet.
Who Makes the Treated Lumber Rules?
The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) is responsible for spreading voluntary wood preservation standards. AWPA standards are referenced in both the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC). The Use Category System (UCS) designates what preservative systems and retentions have been determined to be effective in protecting wood products under specified exposure conditions. All wood products can be placed into one of five major Use Categories that clearly describe the exposure conditions that specified wood products can be subjected to in service.
Do I Need Special Fasteners for Treated Wood?
Yes, fasteners such as nails, screws, and bolts used on treated wood needs to be hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze or copper. Check the label on the fasteners to see if they will work with your treated wood.
Does Treated Wood Corrode Aluminum?
Yes. Most of the new chemical treatments contain copper and should never come in direct contact with aluminum. Total failure caused by corrosion can occur in less than a year. Many contractors isolate aluminum flashing and trim from pressure treated lumber with building tape or house wrap.
What is pressure treated wood?
Like its name suggests, pressure-treated wood is wood that has been treated with chemicals while under pressure. First, untreated lumber is placed into a large horizontal treating cylinder. The door is sealed and a vacuum is applied to remove most of the air from both the cylinder and the cells of the wood in the process.
What is treated wood?
Treated wood is wood that has been appropriately treated with preservative chemicals with the intent of prolonging its intended usefulness lifecycle compared to untreated wood.
What is pressure treated wood?
Pressure Treatment (PT) is the general term to describe the process for infusing/impregnating the wood fibers with preservative chemicals and removing any excesses, leaving behind only enough chemical in the wood fibers (retention) to protect the wood.
Why is treated wood better than untreated wood?
Advantages of Treated Wood. Because treated wood is intended to extend the usefulness and life of wood, fewer trees are required to perform the same function that is required when untreated wood is used. Wood that has been appropriately treated can significantly reduce the number of trees that would otherwise need to be harvested.
How long does treated wood last?
If untreated wood only lasts 5 years and treated wood lasts 25 years or more, it would take at least 5 times as many trees over the same period of time, as well as the incremental labor, to continually harvest, ...
How long does it take for untreated wood to rot?
Unprotected wood can begin to rot within 1-2 years depending on the environment. The structural integrity of untreated wood can be greatly reduced within weeks due to termites and certain marine organisms. Without chemical treatments, wood can be quickly consumed when exposed to flames.
Does paint protect wood from insects?
Although regularly coating a surface with a paint or sealer may help protect wood from the elements, it won’t necessarily prevent it from rotting or being attacked by insects.
Is wood preservative regulated by the EPA?
marine organisms. flames. All chemical preservatives are registered pesticides and, as such, they are regulated by the US EPA. The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) writes various standards that determine use levels for wood preservative formulations as well as their suitability for the intended end-use.
What Is Pressure Treated Lumber?
Pressure-treated lumber is the result of adding chemical preservatives to wood using a high-pressure treatment. The injection of these preservatives protects the wood from rot, moisture damage, and insect infestations. It also adds decades to the wood’s lifespan.
When to Use Pressure Treated Wood (And When Not To)
When it comes to outdoor projects, there are a lot of uses for pressure-treated lumber. It’s one of the best decking and fence materials but works for other projects, too.
Types of Pressure Treated Lumber
When you visit a home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot, you’ll find different types of pressure-treated wood: above-ground and ground contact.
Pressure Treated Lumber Sizes
If you’re ready to tackle an outdoor project, you’re probably wondering what sizes you can find.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The lifespan of pressure-treated lumber will depend on the climate and how well you maintain it. For example, posts in the ground may last as long as 40 years, especially when covered by a structure like a deck. But fencing or deck boards may last only ten years, depending on the climate.
Final Thoughts
Pressure-treated lumber undergoes a process using high pressure to inject it with chemicals that make it more durable. If you’re working on any outdoor project, use pressure-treated lumber so that your wood doesn’t rot, mold, or become infested with insects.
What to use to treat cut ends of wood?
Treat all cut ends of boards with a brush-on wood preservative-- copper naphthenate formulations available from home centers, lumber dealers and hardware stores. Deck stains and sealers do not provide adequate protection. Pre-drill holes near ends of boards to help prevent splitting.
What type of fasteners are used for exterior wood?
For the best results, use building-code approved, corrosion-resistant fasteners and connectors for all exterior wood projects.
How long does a deck last?
Your outdoor project or deck should last for years. Keep it looking its best with the right wood and deck cleaners, sealers and stains to enhance its long-term beauty.
How to prevent wood dust from flying?
Wear appropriate eye protection to reduce the potential for eye injury from wood particles and flying debris during machining. Wash hands thoroughly with mild soap and water after working with treated wood.
Can pressure treated wood be used in water?
Pressure-treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as fresh water docks and bridges.
Can you use preserve treated wood with aluminum?
Direct contact of Preserve®CA treated wood with aluminum products is not recommended.
Can a pressure washer damage wood?
Use care if a pressure-washer is used for cleaning, as excessive pressure may cause damage to the wood.
What is the Best Quality Pressure Treated Lumber Grades?
Pressure treated lumber is one of those inventions that changed the way we build. Pressure treated lumber replaced the need for endless maintenance of outdoor painted wood structures like decks, patios, and gazebos.
What Are the Types of Pressure Treated Wood?
In general, pressure treated lumber used in construction can be categorized as premium, select, #1, #2, and #3 graded lumber. Not all pressure treated lumber manufacturers use the same terminology to designate one grade from another.
What Are Pressure Treated Lumber Grade Stamps For?
All pressure treated lumber will be stamped or tagged to indicate what the material can be used for. The notations of the tag or stamp prevent the builder from specifying incorrect lumber where the rating is important. Here is a brief explanation of the tags and the three pieces of information the builder needs:
What is the Best Pressure Treated Wood for Decks?
Most builders will choose either #1 or #2 grade pressure treated lumber when constructing a deck. As mentioned earlier, #1 lumber will usually be found on more elaborate decks where small details are important.
Can I Mix the Different Grades of Pressure Treated Lumber?
You can absolutely mix the different grades of pressure treated lumber within the same project. For example, a common practice when building a deck involves saving the best lumber for the parts of the deck you touch, and using a lower grade for those parts you don’t.
What Is The Best Pressure Treated Wood For Fence Posts?
Generally, the best pressure treated wood for fence posts is pine or fir. The vast majority of wooden fence posts are 4” x 4”, or 6” x 6”, so pine and fir offer the least amount of waste and tend to be straight. Pressure treated fence posts offer very good resistance to damage from ground contact, especially when set in concrete.
What is the Difference Between Above Ground and Ground Contact Pressure Treated Lumber and When Would I Use Them?
Pressure treated lumber is designated as either Above Ground or Ground Contact on the tag or stamp on the end of the board. In case you’re curious, manufacturers avoid putting the stamp on the wide side of the lumber because it would show after installation.
What is treated lumber?from industrialwoodtechnology.com
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.
How is pressure treated lumber used?from industrialwoodtechnology.com
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.
How long does Southern Yellow Pine last outside?from industrialwoodtechnology.com
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.
Where did treated lumber come from?from industrialwoodtechnology.com
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.
What is above ground contact treating?from industrialwoodtechnology.com
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.
